A Guide to Choosing the Right Felt Grade and Density for Polishing

Selecting the correct felt grade and density is essential for achieving the desired surface finish during polishing. The hardness and density of felt determine its flexibility, durability, and suitability for specific polishing applications—whether you’re performing mirror finishing with diamond compound or cutting back on hard tool steel.

In this guide, we’ll explain how felt grades work, provide a hardness & density chart, and help you choose the best option for your polishing project.

Felt wheels and mounted points are widely used for polishing metals, plastics, glass, and even medical components. But not all felt is created equal—its hardness and density directly affect:

• Cutting Action – Harder felts are more aggressive and maintain shape under pressure

• Flexibility – Softer felts conform to curves and deliver a high-gloss finish

• Shape Retention – Essential for precision polishing, especially on mounted points

Choosing the wrong felt grade can lead to poor finish quality, uneven surfaces, and premature tool wear.

Here’s a quick reference chart showing common felt grades, hardness scores, and density ratings – all of which we offer here at Moleroda.

• Best For: Final stage polishing and high-gloss finishing

• Applications: Polishing wheels only (not suitable for mounted points)

• Recommended Compounds:

  • Diamond Compounds: 1/10, 1/4, 1, 2, 3 micron

  • Glossing Wax Polish Bars: 3rd Stage Mirror Finishing Compounds for Metals or Menzerna GW16 for Plastics

• Best For: Large polishing wheels requiring flexibility

• Applications: Not ideal for mounted points due to lack of stiffness

• Recommended Compounds:

  • Abrasive grain: Diamond Compound or Ultra Lapping Paste

  • Stage 2 Medium Cut & Colour Wax Polishing Bars

• Best For: Large wheels needing medium flexibility

• Applications: Similar to SG45 but slightly firmer for better consistency

• Recommended Compounds:

  • Abrasive grain: Diamond Compound or Ultra Lapping Paste

  • Stage 2 Medium Cut & Colour Wax Polishing Bars

• Best For: Mounted points over 10mm diameter

• Applications: Ideal when felt purity is critical (medical-grade quality)

  • Removing deeper scratches

• Recommended Compounds:

  • All polish types

• Best For: Larger wheels and mounted points (25mm and above)

• Applications: General-purpose hard felt for demanding polishing jobs

• Recommended Compounds:

  • Abrasive grain: Diamond Compound or Ultra Lapping Paste

  • Stage 1 Coarse Cutting Wax Bars

• Best For: Mounted points under 10mm diameter

• Applications: Precision work in the medical industry, where shape and tolerance are critical

  • Tackling stubborn scratches

• Recommended Compounds:

  • All polish types

• Best For: Extremely hard materials such as D2 tool steels

• Applications: Heavy-duty polishing with diamond compounds

• Recommended Compounds:

  • Diamond Compounds (90 Micron) – for aggressive material removal

• Pair Felt with the Right Compound: Use diamond compound for hard metals and wax bars for softer materials

  • For more information, read our Expert Advice on Using Diamond Compound.

• Maintain Proper Speed: Excessive RPM can cause heat build-up and degrade the felt

  • Our blog on RPM for Mounted Tools breaks down what RPM to use and why it matters.

• Lubricate When Necessary: Use lapping fluid with diamond compounds to reduce friction and improve finish

At Moleroda Finishing Systems, we manufacture and supply the full range of felt grades and densities for polishing applications. Whether you need soft felt for final glossing or extra hard felt for precision work, we’ve got you covered with our RODA Felt range.

Selecting the right felt grade is crucial for achieving a flawless finish. By matching felt hardness to your application and polishing compound, you can ensure consistent results, improved efficiency, and extended tool life.

For expert advice on choosing the right felt for your project, contact our team today or check out our full range of how to guides, advice blogs and videos.