Rock Tumbling Grit - Stage 4 Polish 22,000 Grit - Micro-Alumina
Our 22,000 grit micro alumina is a Stage 4 polish for rock tumbling, used after the earlier grit stages to bring stones to a bright, glossy final finish. If you want rocks that look truly polished rather than just smooth, this is the stage that creates that final shine.
A smooth stone is not the same as a polished stone. Stage 4 is where all the work from the earlier stages pays off.
What Stage 4 Polish Does
Stage 4 is the final polishing stage. This polish helps:
- Bring out a bright, glossy surface
- Improve clarity, shine, and visual depth
- Remove faint haze left after earlier stages
- Create the finished look most people want from tumbled stones
- Turn a well-prepared surface into a true final polish
This stage is what takes stones from refined to finished. If the earlier stages were done well, this polish can produce a strong, clean shine.
Finish on each kind of stone will be different depending on the stone. Not all stones will produce a glossy polish.
Best For
Use this polish when you want to:
- Move on from the earlier grit stages to final finishing
- Bring out the best possible shine in a tumbler batch
- Finish stones for display, gifts, resale, or collection
- Improve gloss after the surface has already been properly refined
- Get a cleaner, brighter final result
Not For
This polish is not for:
- Initial shaping of rough rock
- Removing deep scratches or coarse grinding marks
- Correcting pits, cracks, or sharp edges
- Replacing the earlier grit stages
- Quick shine improvement on poorly prepared stones
If your rocks still show scratches, flat spots, pits, or surface damage, they usually need more time in the earlier stages before moving to polish.
For Rotary and Vibratory Tumblers
This 22,000 grit micro alumina polish can be used in both rotary and vibratory tumblers. It is intended for the final polishing stage after the stones have already been shaped and refined through the earlier steps.
If you are working through a full tumbling cycle, this is the last step that brings out the final shine.
How to Use It
For rotary tumbler batches:
- Make sure the rocks are fully cleaned after the previous stage before starting polish
- Clean the barrel or bowl thoroughly to avoid grit contamination
- Fill the barrel about 2/3 to 3/4 full
- Using Ceramic or Plastic filler can help get to the correct level of 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
Before finishing, the rocks should already be very smooth and evenly refined. Polish works best on stones that have been properly prepared in the 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: good value for frequent tumbling
- Bulk Bag - 10 lb or 25 lb: ideal for heavy use, repeat batches, clubs, classrooms, or serious hobbyists
Polish is usually used in smaller amounts than earlier grits, but it is the stage that determines the final finish.
Why Final Polish Matters
Stage 4 is what gives tumbled stones their finished appearance.
If you skip it, the stones may feel smooth but still look dull or unfinished. A proper polish brings out the color, pattern, and shine that make tumbled stones look their best.
