Diamond Smoothing Pads

Diamond Smoothing Pads – Flexible Resin Diamond Pads for Glass, Stone & Gemstone Polishing

Flexible resin-bonded diamond smoothing pads delivering 50–100× longer service life than traditional silicon carbide or electroplated diamond disks on hard lapidary materials. Extends to ultra-fine 50,000 grit for polishing directly on the pad — eliminating the need for separate polishing compounds in many applications. Available in seven sizes from 6" to 24" with PSA or magnetic backing, grit range 60 through 50,000.

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Product Format Guide

Diameter Available Grits Price Best For
6" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $20.00 Hobby flat lap machines (6" platen)
8" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $30.00 Hobby flat lap machines (8" platen)
12" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $60.00 Professional flat lap machines
14" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $80.00 Professional flat lap machines
16" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $95.00 Large professional flat lap machines
18" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $105.00 Large professional flat lap machines
24" 60, 140, 280, 325, 600, 800, 1200, 3000, 14000, 50000 $195.00 Production flat lap systems

Grit Selection Guide

Grit Stage Application
60–140 Coarse grinding Initial shaping, dome profiling, rapid material removal
280–600 Medium grinding Surface smoothing, scratch pattern removal
800–1200 Fine grinding Pre-polish surface preparation
3000–14000 Polish High-gloss surface finishing directly on pad
50000 Mirror polish Final mirror polish directly on pad — no compound needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the best grit sequence for polishing cabochons on a flat lap machine with diamond smoothing pads?
    A: Use this sequence: 60–140 grit for initial shaping and dome profiling, 280–600 for surface smoothing, 800–1200 for pre-polish preparation, 3000–14000 for high-gloss polish, and 50000 for final mirror polish directly on the pad. Always use wet and fully remove the scratch pattern from each stage before progressing.
  • Q: How do diamond resin smoothing pads compare to silicon carbide discs for lapidary grinding?
    A: Diamond resin smoothing pads last 50–100 times longer than silicon carbide discs on hard lapidary stones like agate, jasper, and quartz. They extend to ultra-fine grits (up to 50,000) for polishing directly on the pad, eliminating the need for separate polishing compounds in many applications.
  • Q: Can diamond smoothing pads be used to polish fused glass and art glass on a flat lap?
    A: Yes — start with 280–600 grit to remove surface texture, progress to 1200–3000 for smoothing, then 14000–50000 for final water-clear polish. Always use wet. For finest optical finish, follow with cerium oxide on a felt pad.
  • Q: What size diamond smoothing pad do I need for my flat lap machine?
    A: Match the pad diameter to your machine’s platen size. Hobby machines use 6" or 8" pads. Professional machines use 12", 14", 16", or larger. The pad should cover the full platen surface for even grinding pressure.
  • Q: Are diamond smoothing pads worth the higher price compared to silicon carbide discs?
    A: Yes for regular hard stone use — one pad replaces 50–100 SiC discs on agate and jasper. Lower cost per stone finished, fewer changes, and more consistent surface throughout the pad’s life.