Rock Tumbling Grit - Stage 3 Fine 600 Grit - Silicon Carbide
Our 600 grit silicon carbide is a Stage 3 fine tumbling grit for tumblers, used after Stage 2 medium grit to remove the smaller scratches left behind in earlier stages, further refine the surface of the stones, and prepare them for pre-polish and final polish. If you want stones that are starting to feel truly smooth and ready for the finishing stages, this is the step that gets them there.
A good polish does not come from medium grit alone. Stage 3 is where the stones begin to take on the smooth, even surface needed for a clean final finish.
What Stage 3 Grit Does
Stage 3 is the fine smoothing stage. This grit helps:
- Remove the smaller scratches left by Stage 2 medium grit
- Smooth and refine the surface to a much finer finish
- Prepare stones for pre-polish and final polish
- Improve surface consistency before the finishing stages
- Help prevent leftover scratches from showing up in the final polish
This stage is what bridges the gap between medium smoothing and the final finishing process. If you move on too soon, fine scratches from earlier stages can still carry through and reduce the quality of the final polish.
Best For
Use this grit when you want to:
- Move on from Stage 2 after the rocks are evenly smoothed
- Refine stones before pre-polish and final polish
- Remove the finer scratches left by medium grit
- Improve surface smoothness before the finishing stages
- Prepare a batch for a cleaner, brighter final result
Not For
This grit is not for:
- Initial shaping of rough rock
- Removing heavy rind or deep weathering
- Correcting major pits, cracks, or sharp edges
- Final polishing
- Quick shine improvement without earlier stages
- Vibratory finishing stages
If your rocks still show deep scratches, uneven surfaces, sharp edges, or major flaws, they usually need more time in Stage 1 or Stage 2 before moving to this grit.
Use With Rotary or Vibratory Tumblers
This grit can be used in both rotary and vibratory tumblers.
If you are working through a full tumbling cycle, this is the third step before moving on to pre-polish and final polish.
How to Use It
For most rotary tumbler batches:
- Make sure the rocks are fully cleaned after Stage 2 before starting Stage 3
- Fill the barrel about 2/3 to 3/4 full
- Add about 1 tablespoon of grit per pound of rock
- Add water until it is just visible among the top layer of stones
- Run the batch, then inspect the stones before moving to the next stage
- At this stage using ceramic media to help fill the barrel can be helpful
Before advancing, the rocks should feel very smooth and should no longer show the fine grinding marks left by earlier stages.
How Much Do You Need?
The right size depends on how often you tumble and how many batches you run.
- Sample - 2 oz: good for testing or very small batches
- Small Bottle - 8 oz: good starter size for occasional tumbling
- Medium Bottle - 16 oz: a solid all-around size for regular hobby use
- Large Tub - 32 oz / 3 lb: good value for frequent tumbling
- Bulk Bag - 10 lb or 25 lb: ideal for heavy use, repeat batches, clubs, classrooms, or serious hobbyists
Why Fine Grit Matters
Stage 3 is what refines the stones enough for the finishing stages to work properly.
If you skip it, or rush through it, scratches from the earlier stages can remain in the stones and show up later when you expected a smooth pre-polish surface. Pre-polish and final polish work best when the stones have already been thoroughly refined.
