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Thread: Pen polishing compounds?

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    Default Pen polishing compounds?

    I've got the trap lately of restoring pens. However I've got a few pens that need a bit further work to improve there appearance. In the worst cases I've used upper grades of micromesh followed by Polywatch a product which is usually used to improve the appearance of watch crystals. This method gives a decent level of improvement however I was wondering if there are better options out there. I'm hoping for something that I would at least be able to find on line in the UK

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    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    I've had decent success (both on pens and watch crystals) using Zona paper, 30 micron to 1 micron followed by buffing with red the white compound using a dremel and cotton buffing wheels.

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    FPG Donor ♕ KrazyIvan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    A gentleman on Instagram posts a lot of his work there. His photos show pens from start to finish in what he calls the spa treatment. His handle is @paperwantsapen. I'm not sure if he would share his process but it's worth asking. I think I recall him mentioning the micromesh so you may already be on the right track.
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    An ebay UK seller sells two types that can both be used. This blue version and this green version
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    An ebay UK seller sells two types that can both be used. This blue version and this green version
    Thanks I messaged them to see if I can get a postage discount by buying both.

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    Senior Member FredRydr's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Here is the USA distributor/retailer. If only their shipping charge was more reasonable. That'd be great for the final step when polishing clouded plastic headlights.

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Those I bought and linked to on ebay.uk are free domestic delivery, so I can only assume that delivery charges are built in.

    I tend to buy things like this when ebay send me a money off voucher.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Gosh that's a lot cheaper. Hopefully the bottles should pay for themselves in time. I doubt I'll ever use up 60ml of both though

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by top pen View Post
    Gosh that's a lot cheaper. Hopefully the bottles should pay for themselves in time. I doubt I'll ever use up 60ml of both though
    Those I linked to on ebay UK are available as smaller bottles and those are the sizes I bought.
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    FPG Donor ♕ KrazyIvan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    This might be helpful and Grandmia is in the UK. https://youtu.be/9-taRQmxTcM
    Fountain Pen Sith Lord | Daakusaido | Everything in one spot

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by KrazyIvan View Post
    This might be helpful and Grandmia is in the UK. https://youtu.be/9-taRQmxTcM
    Thanks I will keep his points in mind

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    Member controlsfreak's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by KrazyIvan View Post
    A gentleman on Instagram posts a lot of his work there. His photos show pens from start to finish in what he calls the spa treatment. His handle is @paperwantsapen.
    I'm @paperwantsapen.

    Lord, I hope I never called it "the spa treatment." You've made me go look through my stuff to be certain. Richard Binder called it that but it sounds so pretentious to me.

    I call it tarting up. An irreverent English friend used the phrase once and it stuck for me.

    I use micromesh in 9 grades from 1500 to 12000 and lots of time. Lots and lots of time.

    Stacy Hills
    PaperWantsAPen

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    KrazyIvan (September 16th, 2019)

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by top pen View Post
    Gosh that's a lot cheaper. Hopefully the bottles should pay for themselves in time. I doubt I'll ever use up 60ml of both though
    Those I linked to on ebay UK are available as smaller bottles and those are the sizes I bought.
    I think in retrospect I should have gone for the smaller ones hey ho.

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    FPG Donor ♕ KrazyIvan's Avatar
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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    Quote Originally Posted by controlsfreak View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by KrazyIvan View Post
    A gentleman on Instagram posts a lot of his work there. His photos show pens from start to finish in what he calls the spa treatment. His handle is @paperwantsapen.
    I'm @paperwantsapen.

    Lord, I hope I never called it "the spa treatment." You've made me go look through my stuff to be certain. Richard Binder called it that but it sounds so pretentious to me.

    I call it tarting up. An irreverent English friend used the phrase once and it stuck for me.

    I use micromesh in 9 grades from 1500 to 12000 and lots of time. Lots and lots of time.
    Sorry about that, I know I heard or read it somewhere and thought it was from you. Maybe it was Cody and I talking.
    Fountain Pen Sith Lord | Daakusaido | Everything in one spot

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    Default Re: Pen polishing compounds?

    My go-to is Novus 2 plastic polish, it also brightens up gold filled trim without being harsh enough to cause undue wear to the plating. If required, I'll start with 2000 grit gold back wet-or-dry (used wet), but only for deep gouges.

    The Novus product is pretty similar to PolyWatch, but comes in a larger bottle for less money. It's made in three grades, the #3 is too abrasive for any of my needs, #2 works on all sorts of plastics, leaving a nice polish if you spend a bit of time dry buffing. The #1 is a cleaner and protectant.
    David-

    So many restoration projects...

  17. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to awa54 For This Useful Post:

    ceebert (October 5th, 2019), KrazyIvan (September 16th, 2019)

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