Jewelry polishing process from rough to mirror shine using manual and rotary tools

Hey Guys, in this video I want to show you my jewelry polishing process. I talk about how you can polish your work manually, i.e. if you don't have a rotary tool or bench polisher. I will go through the different components available for rotary tools and the various stages of my polishing process from the rough, first stage to a mirror shine finish. Hope you enjoy and if you have any questions or want to add something please feel free to pop it in the comments below.
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Website: www.imbalicrafts.com
or
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We're an artist community (wire and metals) for everyone to share their ideas, post their art, tutorials/events & workshops or ask questions. We are a great buch of artists and have a lot of fun being creative together with challenges and fun projects to create every month.
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[@samanthafelix732]

it's annoying when you want to watch a video that teaches you how to do something and it goes on about explaining what supplies are needed and then shows how things are done towards the end like hello we are not wanting to know what supplies are needed we only want to know how to do something. I would have searched for what supplies I needed. Learn to do videos properly

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I am always appreciative of constructive criticism, but I am not really sure what makes you think that talking to me like this is appropriate? Also, most people actually very much would like to know what tools and components I use. A complete guide on how I do my polishing was the whole point of the video. Please feel free to not watch any more of my content if the way I put it together offends you.

[@roadmutha]

Don't be so bloody ungrateful. It's not like you paid for the tutorial. If you can't say anything kind or constructive, then don't say anything at all!

[@jenniferdevou1197]

She is so kind to share her knowledge with us and she does it for free. Girl, bye. You need to go to take a nap. You're cranky.

[@shaunabaker6346]

How incredibly rude of you! How dare you do this to a talented artist who has given her time and her expertise to help anyone who might want to watch the video? If I was the artist, I would ban you. After all, YOU chose to watch the video. You obviously think you know better. Do you have videos of your art work? Do let us know where so we can go critique them for you. As a new artist, I am so appreciative of all the wonderful information in this video. Thank you so much, Imbali Crafts. I appreciate your expertise and kindness. xx

[@whatworkedforme]

I'd ask for your entrance fee back then.. Oh it was free! I'm sure you will get what you want easily with that attitude. I just hope it was just a bad day for you and that was the reason. 👍👍 Whatever your beef it takes a lot of time and effort to put these videos together - I know I have done so many times myself. I'd just ask for another episode on the 'how to use them' - but ask nicely.

[@englishwithtracey1540]

Thanks for this! I have made stuff for years, but never been sure about the rotary tool and polishing pieces. Unlike the extremely rude woman whose post you pinned, I found this very useful indeed! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad you found it useful! There are sometimes people that are like that, but this does not happen that often. I appreciate your kind words. xx

[@losxlakers]

I look forward to looking through your channel. Jewelry is my new hobby. I’m looking for detailed tutorials with not only how to do it, but the specific tools needed. This video is great!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy my videos and glad you find this one useful!

[@treesapgrl]

I'm already grateful and I haven't even watched yet. I needed this. THANK YOU!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad you like it! ❤️

[@izayahhutson]

What a great tip about protecting the stones during polish. I’ve never thought about that. That’s yet another skill acquired as a jeweler with experience! Much respect!

[@tinaholt717]

Thank you, I’ve had my rotary tool and various bits for months now but really didn’t understand the process, so have never used it! Now I can 😊

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Pleased you found it useful! xx

[@amberjojola5007]

Yes me too!!! I appreciate the examples and explainations of each tool/bit!! This was very helpful!! 🙏🙏🙏😊😊

[@StacyYMGraves]

I appreciate your post so much. I am repairing a hand-made piece that was a gift for my daughter from her dad and I got some scratches etc in the wire.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Aw, that makes me happy! I hope you get it all polished up!

[@kjirstenboucher9682]

First time I've seen your videos, and had to subscribe!🥰 Thanks for the information. So helpful. Your work is beautiful as well. Just starting with wire work, myself, so hoping to learn.😊

[@lenastiward8657]

Thank you for your time and information putting together this video. I now will not feel so intimidated by all these many and various pieces for polishing.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

So pleased you have found this useful! Polishing doesn't have to be intimidating if you have the right tools xx

[@consueloyoung4484]

You have no idea how much I needed this tutorial!!!. I have had some problems getting my pieces to where they needed to be. I was afraid of using power tools, but I can see that is exactly what I need. Fortunately I o have everything you have shown as your favorites. Thank you so very much. I appreciate you!!!. 🙏🏼🥰❤️

[@ImbaliCrafts]

So pleased you found it useful! The things I use are great for wire work and not too expensive! Awesome you had everything on hand! 😊

[@michelehartman3494]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise! You truly have such a talent and skill! ❤

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You are very kind! thank you so much! x

[@lauracardona872]

Thank you so much for this tutorial,again thank you for this beautiful tutorial,blessings from Laredo Texas ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Thanks for watching!

[@peggylocke1016]

Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous and Thank You for taking time to share your beautiful art. Peace Everyone✌🌎

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Thank you ever so much!!

[@sparklys26]

Love your nail polish. Thank you for the demonstration of different parts. I needed this. I have a dremel. Now I know more about what each part does.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Thank you! Love the magnetic polishes at the moment lol. Pleased this was useful for you!

[@gailgwood]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You're welcome!

[@lynnecrawford2925]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you for so much great information, all extremely helpful!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad you like it! 🤗

[@anitaibarra5763]

Thank you so much for this video. Very informative. I have not oxidized any of my pieces yet because I wasn't sure how to get them nice and polished. I will have to experiment with it this week.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pakdiskgamingyt]

Amazing video

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad you think so! 🥰

[@Pamelakaygorman]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. ❤

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@carolhiler4690]

Fabulous video! Thank you!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Pleased you found it useful! 💖

[@OutOfHereSoon]

Wonderful information!! Thank you

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You're welcome!

[@cathyleske2348]

Great video thank you. I would like to have seen how you polished the other parts of that last piece, particularly the part over and around the stone.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You're welcome. I use the same tools for all of the pendant. I tend to use radial brushes near gemstones as I have more control and can avoid slipping and potentially damaging the stone. You can also buy liquid latex to protect the stone is that is a worry for you. Hope this helps :)

[@wendell4166]

Tell us more about this liquid latex. Is it something that you would wash off or remove after you’ve done the polishing or does it just stay on there?

[@sheradenart7907]

I made a box for using my dremel in. It looks kinda like a sandblaster box, with holes in the front for my hands to go in and a window to look in. It keeps the mess confined to a smaller area (leaks a little, lol). And also prevents things from flying at me when they come off the bit or a stone I am cutting catches and goes flying. I think there is a pic of it on my facebook page. I have plans for a new one that is more verticle and has places inside to mount a vise if I need it.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

SO handy!! I need one of those, but I keep prioritising other things. Definitely a must-have especially if you don't onw a workshop.

[@astrialindah2773]

What a great idea!!!

[@englishwithtracey1540]

That is a brilliant idea!

[@azinfandellvr]

🙏🏼 Extremely greatfull for this information...I've tried so many bits & couldn't figure out which ones were working properly, now I know it's because I was skipping or not finishing the steps properly (probably why my felts always turn black too)..definitely gonna need more practice! I can never find the radial bits in the store so I'll be ordering those. I'm getting better at all of it tho & hope to be able to start selling a few pieces by the end of the year 🤞🏻 ..lol!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad you found it useful! There are so many ways to polish and this is just what I found works for me. The radial brushes are great for wire work but also work for fabricated pieces. Just play around a bit with different polishing materials and you will quickly pick out your favourites!

[@anissavalenteakathreadstha2177]

@Imbali Crafts may I ask where did you find your radial bits from? Amd please can you share?. Thank you sooo Very much I just got a Hand free Dremal for The holidays and lots of items to use and now I know what not to do and what to do. I would like to try the radial disk so much and the Strips is all I need to finish up. And OMG ty agin for the Do Not Mid Componds cause they are literally nothing in the paperwork with the Compunds just alittle sample jar and I bought the colors one also and I keeped the paper no word on don't mix and now I know why they went black. Ty Ty Ty.

[@goldchain879]

Had my phone suction cupped while I showered enjoyed your video I usually take quick showers but I look like a prune LOL thanks for the information looking for tools to purchase for my pendulum motor 3M rotary brushes sound like a good deal I've seen a lot of people with those and love them as well. got to keep these chains with a mirror finish!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Haha thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the video! Don't 'prune' yourself too often! 😁

[@NimSudsiri]

Thank you so much

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You're most welcome!

[@causereffect4418]

Great tips,🙏 thank you. At 18:30 that sanding tool has a screw at the top , turn it to loosen the sanding bit.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Than you! You mean the sanding wheels? Most of them come with re-usable posts allthough I have found some are single use and to be thrown out when they have worn down.

[@causereffect4418]

Hi , yeah the bit you are using at the 18:30 point in your video. have you tried turning the screw on the top,my one expands and contracts when you turn the screw. So it enables you to change the sandpaper without having to use pliers to force it off. Your jewellery is incredible by the way . Absolutely stunning pieces you produce . Very inspiring indeed . Thank you for sharing your gift .😉🙌♥️

[@losxlakers]

Thank you for sharing such details. Do the radial brushes work on gold, silver, and stainless steel?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I have not used them on gold and stainless steel, but they do work well on silver. I would imagine that they work on other metals, too, but given that gold is rather soft, and stainless steel quite hard, the brushes will behave differently, so it is probably best to test how they work on some sample pieces first.

[@melinakam.3706]

Thank you for this video! I've started making my one jewelry and this was very helpful. I have a question about an issue I've been coming across. When I polish with my rotary tool with Wool or silicone my metal gets markings from the polishing shaft. They reflect in the light. They are no scratches and appear only after polishing. If you have any adviyon how to get rid of this, that's be lovely.😊😊😊

[@ImbaliCrafts]

If I understand it right, then your polishing shaft is touching the metal, which would burnish it in the area where there is contact. To prevent this from happening you need to try and avoid contact. I hope I understood you correctly :)

[@kjirstenboucher9682]

So I was wondering, can you use a protective coating, like Protectaclear, after using polishing compounds? I have never used Protectaclear before, but am considering using it to protect the finishes I've accomplished with patinas. Any information you have on that would be very helpful. Even just how to preserve patina finishes, and how to best keep pieces from tarnishing. I'd like to be able to share care of the pieces with my customers.

[@Pillian]

Can I ask what gloves do you use, that don’t let heat through? Just looks like gardening gloves, but I presume they’re not… Many thanks for the video, it’s great!

[@munayhealing]

For the Green 3M disc - what grit is that? Is it an 80? Thanks! Was looking and wanted to make sure I was selecting the right one. Wonderful tutorial! Exactly what I was looking for because I cannot afford a tumbler yet. Thank you in advance!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Glad you found it useful. Yes, the green is 80 grit. They can vary between manufacturers so be sure to check before you buy. Glad you found it useful!

[@munayhealing]

@@ImbaliCrafts thank you so much for your rely & help! I've been getting a lot of requests for my jewelry lately & I'm learning how to make it all shiny as possible & this was so helpful!

[@romilsonsoares1199]

Muito bom

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Thank you!

[@judycarnes3645]

Where do you get the gloves you use & are they heat resistant?

[@wendell4166]

I’m really interested in trying those polishing compounds that you have here. I’ve been using a diamond compound polishing paste. It’s blue and it’s really wet like. But I’ve noticed that it works itself into the cracks and crevices of the weaves and then dries and then it ends up looking like the piece has corrosion. So I definitely want to try your compounds, Do you use all of those? Or just only white? And is there a specific one is better for Silver and is the one that’s better for copper? And I think I mentioned in a previous comment when I first watch the video but I use the 0000 fine, steel wool. I use that for the initial scrubbing and cleaning of the blackened oxidize, copper or silver. Then for final I use the wool felt bits to apply the compound I end up having to use multiple bits because it almost creates like a muddy paste as it’s cleaning the metal So I usually go through at least four of those until I get the mirror like shine. But I am thinking that you’re compound. It doesn’t create that muddy mess. So anything more you can tell me about those would be really great. Thank you. 😊

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I don't use compound on wire wrapped areas for that reason. The compound just gets crammed in all the crevices and ruins the pendant. I use all compounds at varying stages of the polishing process. Here is a link that explains the different uses. www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/104638391330603390/ I used to use steel wool and scrubbing pads in when I first started wrapping but quickly found that they were too messy, and as you say, cover everything in gunk. I really like using foam pads and rotary tools and go through various grits in stages to get rid marks, then work up to a mirror shine.

[@tiffanygreenwood1143]

Hi, thanks for the tutorial, I’ve looked everywhere online for the sandpaper but that is rolled up and you say goes up to 4000 grit but can’t find it anywhere, the sandpaper strip bit, can you advise where to find it? Thanks

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Here is a link if found: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174329420747

[@bernadettblummer108]

Thank you so much! Do you use any finishing glaze to avoid tarnishing? Or do you give instructions to the customers with your jewellery?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I used to use a type of anti-tarnish lacquer in the very early days but I quickly realised that I didn't want to expose anyone to chemicals that were not intended for this purpose so I stopped using it. You could use renaissance wax but the problem with it (and that goes for any anti-tarnish) is that it will wear off places that are in contact with your skin, resulting in some areas darkening and some not. You could try it though and see if it works for you!

[@bernadettblummer108]

@@ImbaliCrafts Thank you so much! I really appreciate your insight and learning from you.

[@DaniMontoya]

So you really dont use anything? Do you send instructions and a polishing pad home with the piece?

[@TheJmray69]

@@DaniMontoya I've found that they can get the tarnish off themselves with a little dawn on a soft toothbrush. Just gently scrub the metal only under warm water with the dawn toothbrush. Works for copper or silver, then you don't need to use chemicals. I'll post a video doing it from time to time for my customers.

[@yamini564]

Can we use lacquer spray to lock the look of antique and mirror shine both areas? Lacquer can stop Copper to react with air

[@nads7765]

You can use lacquer if you want, just try to avoid spraying it directly onto your stones. I tend to stay away from lacquer, however, as it eventually wears off in some areas resulting in a patchy look as these areas will oxidise while the remainder of the piece stays bright. Another concern is the toxicity of the chemicals used, as these lacquers are generally intended for ornaments, and not for jewellery that is worn.

[@loisdemers6059]

Is a compound necessary, or can you just use the foam buffing bit without it?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You don't really have to use the compound, it will still polish well, it just won't be as bright as it would be with the compound. :)

[@SscorpiomoonN]

I’ve tried the radial stainless steel brush but and it does get a nice shine but in some lights the pieces almost looks dirty, or covered in scratches. I know I need to polish again with a less abrasive bit (much like using sandpaper) but I’m not sure which ones to use, can anyone help??

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I would recommend some radial polishing bits like these: www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery-Tools/3M-Radial-Disc-Kit,-6-Each,-3------Grades-And-3-Mandrels-prcode-999-1967?p=gs&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA4smsBhAEEiwAO6DEjcVfR1Xb7JrZqDO3RiWIQu-GYaTKcXFAJhZcbXEHfiSjlBlSBNBUhhoC82cQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@stlounsbury]

Do you ever toss the finished piece into the tumbler?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Only fabricated pieces and then also if there are not gemstones as the easily get damage. I find with wire, a rotary tool works better for polishing.

[@lynng3421]

Do you ever seal your pieces? I have some clie to who love items, bur don't want tarnish..ugh

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I don't seal them usually. You can buy copper varnish, but I don't like using it because of all the chemicals in it as it was not intended to sit in contact with the skin. Also, if the varnish is rubbed off in places it will cause the pendant to look 'patchy'. Your best bet is to work in fine silver or plated copper wire as those don't tarnish.

[@losxlakers]

How strong of a Dremel do I need? I want to use a Dremel.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

You get various rpms. Mine is 5 000 to 30 000. It's a dremel 4000.

[@chericarpenter-lundstrom6897]

I worry about damaging the fine wires when polishing. I noticed you didn't use the hard polishers much on them.

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Yes, I try to avoid delicate areas as well as the stones. The ultra fine grits aren't as much of a problem, but the harder ones can cause damage.

[@georgiagem7689]

Is this process just for raw copper? If I'm using silver plated copper would you still go through the process?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I have never polished plated wires. I would imagine you can polish it as well but I would take extra care not to stay on one spot for too long as the wheels will take the plating off very quickly. Come to think of it, I wouldn't use the abrasive wheels at all, and only the buffing wheels to prevent that from happening. Unlike Silver- or gold-fill plated wire has only a very thin coating so it's good to bear that in mind. :)

[@cozmicprancer2586]

So I can just use the stainless steel brush and it will stop tarnishing copper?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

It will polishe the copper to a bright shine, but it will tarnish again, and you have to keep polishing it periodically.

[@cozmicprancer2586]

@@ImbaliCrafts ahhh I see, appreciate the fast response. Would you recommend to keep the jewelry from turning or since it’s copper it always will even after oxidizing and everything?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

@@cozmicprancer2586 it will always oxidise, unfortunately you can spray it with lacquer, but I don't recommend it due to the chemicals.

[@cozmicprancer2586]

@@ImbaliCrafts ok thank you!!

[@evelinepeterhans4873]

Is the dremel 3000-15 strong enough for such work? Do you know it?

[@ImbaliCrafts]

I am not sure what model that is but as long as it has 5000 revolutions + it will be fine.

[@evelinepeterhans4873]

@@ImbaliCrafts thank you very much

[@lynng3421]

I use Stainless steel, please give me tips!!!!!

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Unfortunately I can't help with that. I have not used any stainless steel yet. I am sure the polishing process is similar though. It won't stain as it stainless steel does not oxidise.

[@andersschjnning6594]

Thanks for the video but u should wear mask also cause of the metal particals

[@ImbaliCrafts]

Good point. I forgot to mention that. I'll pin this to the top. Thanks for adding 😊

[@azinfandellvr]

@@ImbaliCrafts you mentioned it about the 20 minute mark..😁

[@ImbaliCrafts]

@@azinfandellvr oh, so I did! My memory really is just terrible lol. Thank you!

[@andersschjnning6594]

Did not have to to see it 😅 but glad u did 😊

[@azinfandellvr]

@@andersschjnning6594 Apologies, I'm not sure I understand what you mean? Sounds like you were concerned that she didn't mention it.