How to Use Dremel Polishing Compound

Use polishing compound with a rotary tool.

Dremel polishing compound is used with a Dremel rotary tool to polish most types of plastics and metals. By using a Dremel rotary tool, polishing bits and polishing compound, you may also be able to remove light surface scratches. Sometimes, you will see Dremel polishing compound referred to as "421 polishing compound." If you are going to use Dremel polishing compound, follow the proper procedures to ensure that you will be able to polish your items correctly and safely.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Instructions for Dremel rotary tool
• Safety glasses
• Dremel rotary tool
• Felt polishing bit
• Cloth polishing bit
• Nylon brush (optional)
• Dremel polishing compound
• Metal or plastic item that you need to polish

1. Read the instructions that came with your Dremel rotary tool. Locate the correct bits that can used with your polishing compound. Products that can be used with Dremel polishing compound are bits 414, 422, 423 and 429, and bristle brushes 403, 404 and 405.

2. Take a felt polishing bit or nylon brush and insert it into the Dremel rotary tool, following the manufacturer's instructions. The bristle brush for the Dremel rotary tool can be used to apply the polishing compound; the felt polishing bit is used for applying polishing compound and polishing. The cloth bit is used for removing the polishing compound.

3. Put on your safety glasses. Doing so will help prevent particles from the polishing compound, nylon brush or the polishing bits from getting into your eyes.

4. Open the polishing compound container.

5. Hold onto your rotary tool and turn it on to the lowest speed possible. Using a low speed while inserting your bit onto the polishing compound will help prevent large amounts of the polishing compound from being thrown off the felt polishing bit or nylon brush.

6. Pick up the polishing compound and insert the felt polishing bit or nylon brush into the polishing compound just long enough to pick up a small amount of polishing compound. Use light pressure as you place the bit onto the polishing compound so that you do not burn the bit or melt the polishing compound with your rotary tool. You may notice some of the polishing compound flying off the bit as you touch the bit to the polishing compound.

7. Polish your metal or plastic item while applying more polishing compound as needed. Using small amounts of polishing compound repeatedly is recommended.

8. Insert the cloth polishing bit into your rotary tool. Remove any polishing compound with the cloth polishing bit.

9. Rinse or wipe any remaining polishing compound off the polished item, if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Before polishing anything, always perform a test in an inconspicuous area.

• Make sure you polish only metal or plastic materials while using Dremel polishing compound.

References

• Dremel: 421 Polishing Compound

Resources

• Popular Mechanics: How to Polish Your Headlights Like a Pro