The Armour Archive

Yes, I know this has been asked before -- possibly by me -- but I think it was lost in the crash. I've searched through 15+ back pages and nothing. And, yes, I know some of you are shrieking in horror at the thought of dulling down my shiny new Praetorian helm but I'm just not a fan of it.

What's the best way to do it? I've heard Scotch-brite and lubricant.
I picked up some Scotch-brite pads and I heard to use 3-in-1 oil or WD-40, but why so?
Does it offer an smoother application of the dulling?
Are there better ways then Scotch-brite?

What are your experiences?

Some of the chemicals in WD40 seem to breakdown the material in the scotch brite pads which helps form a slurry of abrasive and lubricant making for faster cutting and a more even finish. I usually use the green scotchbrite over a polished 120grit or finer finish.

What Cet said.

Usualy I finish stuff with 3 grades of 2" scotchbrite roloc pads on an air grinder (brown, red, then blue). Then depending on what I'm wanting, I'll do the whole thing by hand either stepping up, or down to grey or red pads by hand.

The WD40 really seems to help even things out. I don't know if it's breaking down the pads, or if they break down on their own, and the oiliness helps the abrasive that wears of the pad just stick around more.

But yeah... you get this dark grey/black almost paste like stuff as a result.

In my experience, the pastey goop and finishing by hand helps prevent, removeand hide any 'grain' that is imparted by the rotation of the power tools. With no oil (because usualy I use wd40, but if I'm out, or too lazy to go get it across the shop, I've used 3 in 1, and air tool oil) the little rolocs give it a definite patterning, and the single pass by hand smooths that out nicely, but even without the hand pass, and the rolocs being oiled it's less prominent.

Good luck.