stevenxsteven
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1
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Post by stevenxsteven on Feb 24, 2018 16:58:57 GMT -5
I am new to tumbling and I followed the instructions to the T but my rocks came out with a white looking residue on then that I can’t wash off! I have no idea what to do and need help! I haven’t done anything else to the rocks after the polishing stage.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,764
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Post by Mark K on Feb 24, 2018 17:01:31 GMT -5
Rerun the last grit phase and see if it takes it off.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Feb 24, 2018 17:49:33 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum, Steven.
You’ll need to give us a little more information. I’ve never heard of a tumbler that actually has good directions with it. Most instructions have run times that are way, way too short. The first stage, for example, usually takes weeks or, more commonly, months. Here is the info that will help us help you:
Pictures of your rocks that didn’t turn out well.
What kind of tumbler?
What I kind of rocks?
How long did you run each stage?
What was in each stage? How much grit? What size grit? How much water? How full was the barrel? Did you use ceramics or plastic beads?
Any other information you can think of might be helpful too.
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Post by vegasjames on Feb 24, 2018 19:28:00 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
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Post by pauls on Feb 25, 2018 15:43:32 GMT -5
Chances are it might not be a coating but where the rocks have bruised from hitting each other, Obsidian and crystalline quartz do this, If this is the case it usually shows up on the edges and corners of the rocks. Try cushioning the rocks with loads of ceramic or plastic pellets.
A few pictures would help.
cheers and welcome.
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lookatthat
Cave Dweller
Whatever there is to be found.
Member since May 2017
Posts: 1,360
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Post by lookatthat on Feb 25, 2018 18:34:47 GMT -5
Put in a sufficiently full load to prevent bruising (80% -- add in plastic beads or smooth glass marbles if neccesary). Add some borax to the water -- i don't remember what i used -- 2 or 3 tablespoons, I think -- and let it roll for several hours. Afterwards, rinse. The borax helps to remove the film, if that's indeed what you have.
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ingawh
starting to spend too much on rocks
The rock wants to shine, I just help it get there
Member since February 2011
Posts: 194
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Post by ingawh on Mar 1, 2018 1:03:15 GMT -5
I was given a batch of really crappy polish one time when I was starting out - don't even know what it was, it was just labeled "polish" - but It that left an awful white filmy residue. Do you know what your polish is? You might try a different polish, if you think it could be the problem.
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