beck3906
Member
Is there an alternative to the 2-part finish provided with an M3 blank? Just looking for a backup product.
M3 Finishing
- Thread starter beck3906
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beck3906
Member
Dang autocorrect on the phone . Should be M3 finishing on the subject line
alphageek
Former Moderator
Fixed it for you! 
edstreet
Member
M3 no matter how you spin it is plastic. Same with trustone, no matter how you spin that it is still plastic.
brownsfn2
Member
I don't think you are suggesting there is no metal in the M3 pen blanks right? They do explain how they are made:
What is M3
What is M3
edstreet
Member
Nope, never once said anything about 'metal' in my reply.
Looking over your link I do see many baiting key phrases to sidetrack the reader but ignoring them we see several things worthy of note.
yup, still reads plastic.
brownsfn2
Member
I read proprietary hybrid binder. Not plastic.
I don't think anyone thinks there is no plastic in these. Just pointing out that there is metal in these blanks. Also they are much harder than the typical PR or plastic blank. You should try one sometime.
Back to OP and their question... I have heard others use a metal polish to bring out the shine in the metal on these blanks. Should work but in the past I with the other things I have tried I think the polish they provide works the best.
I don't think anyone thinks there is no plastic in these. Just pointing out that there is metal in these blanks. Also they are much harder than the typical PR or plastic blank. You should try one sometime.
Back to OP and their question... I have heard others use a metal polish to bring out the shine in the metal on these blanks. Should work but in the past I with the other things I have tried I think the polish they provide works the best.
MHKogan
Member
There are a number of ways to finish M3 and a number of finishes that are achievable. Everything from a high gloss to a matt finish, patina and everything in between.
The gem quality high gloss finish is best achieved with either M3 PMP or a rouge called Black Magic. These are the fastest and most consistent methods which only require sanding down to 800 grit. I have heard that Flitz polish also provides a nice shine. The important part is to use a product that will smooth the surface and remove scratches rather than coating it with a plastic or wax finish. Our PMP was originally produced for the military to remove scratches from fighter jet canopies.
In the alternative, you could wet sand down to 12,000 micro grit and achieve a high gloss, but not quite as much color contrast as you would get with the PMP or Black Magic.
edstreet
Member
What is in PMP and Black Magic?
beck3906
Member
Would Simichrome polish work?
raar25
Member
I sand to 600, use EEE polish and then plastic polish followed by blue plastic rough buff and they really sparkle when I am done.
Quality Pen
Member
The black magic he's referring to might be Black Magic Rouge Grade A - Caswell Inc
The description is:
"A favorite for finishing brass, aluminum, copper, tin plate and other alloys. Will bring out a mirror-like luster on the work. Being a medium greasy grade it is ideal for the all around buffing job, requiring a brilliant finish."
Cwalker935
Member
I've done 2 of these blanks. The first I finished like a regular acrylic using the Huts plastic polish. I did the 2nd the same but added a final polish using Blue Magic metal polish. The metal polish did kick up the finish a little.