How to Use Jewelers Rouge
Jeweler's rouge is an inorganic compound that is used for buffing soft precious metals such as silver and gold. It is used because it will not scratch or cut away fine metal. Many jewelers use it to bring out the luster and mirror-like finish in their jewelry. It is also commonly referred to as "red rouge."
How to Use Jewelers Rouge
- Place the piece you are going to polish on a table or workbench to make it easily accessible.
- Attach a buffing wheel drill attachment to a power drill.
- Put a small amount of jewelers rouge to the wheel by touching it to the wheel as it spins.
- Gently touch the spinning wheel to the piece of jewelry you are working on. This should be done by moving the wheel back and forth across the surface of the jewelry while applying while lightly applying pressure.
- Apply some more jeweler's rouge to the buffing wheel if needed.
- Continue buffing the item until you are satisfied with the look.
- Use a finer grit jeweler's rouge if you desire a shiner finish.
- Rinse the item in soapy water to remove any rouge residue.
- Dry the item with a soft, scratch-free cloth.