LENS EDGE POLISHING

How to polish eyeglass lens edges

HIGH-INDEX & POLYCARBONATE LENS EDGE POLISHING

Use a polishing motor with at least 1/4 HP, 1/2 HP is better. RPM means nothing in terms of polishing ability. The industry standard is the 472026 dust collector / polishing machine with the 1/2 HP motor.

NOTE: Lens Edge Polishing should be done in two steps to obtain a super high gloss

Step 1: Smooth the edge and remove cutting lines:

Use a solid, hard Felt Buffing Wheel (see #17437 -17439) with Rouge (see below), ZAM (47503) or 47322 -Blue Rouge (47322).

Rouge: Color indicates the type of grit

For the first step:
Use Red Rouge (47324) for Glass
Use White Rouge (47326) for CR 39
Use Blue Rouge (47322) or ZAM (47503) for “index materials” like Poly, Trivex and other high index materials

Step 2: For Super gloss use

17130 Soft Felt Buff or 17213 Yarn Buff

47326 White Rouge

The 17130 soft felt buff offers a textured wool surface for a quick high shine. The 17213 Yarn Buff offers the advantage of yarns that spread and won’t burn the surface of the lens.

The secret to Polycarb, High index or Trivex polishing is a light touch with plenty of rouge. Too much pressure will burn the lens edges.

PLASTIC (CR39) EDGE POLISHING

Step 1. Use a solid, hard felt buff (17437-17439) and White Rouge (47326)

Step 2. Use a soft Felt Buff (17130) and White Rouge (47326)

GLASS EDGE POLISHING

Step 1. Same as above but use Red Rouge (47324)

Step 2. Use 17130 buff and White Rouge (47326)

IMPORTANT NOTE: TO AVOID CONTAMINATION DO NOT USE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF ROUGE ON A BUFFING WHEEL. FOR BEST RESULTS PURCHASE ADDITIONAL WHEELS FOR USE WITH EACH ROUGE TYPE.

Always wear safety glasses when performing lens edge polishing