Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | Mar 21, 2023 04:18pm | #1

   They are sort of the same. Rottenstone usually comes as a dry powder, and is rubbed on an object as a very fine abrasive. To rub out a finish, or polish something like silver, etc. It's usually used along with an oil to carry it.

   Tripoli is rottenstone that's usually in a binder of some sort, like a hard waxy substance, and applied at speed to a buffing wheel, which is then used to polish objects, usually metal.

1. 
   BillieRuben | Mar 21, 2023 05:10pm | #2

   Huh! I just learned so many things. Thank you!
   The only time I've used rottenstone before was when I used it as "dust" when aging a freshly water-gilded picture frame.

2. 
   imeko | Mar 21, 2023 07:27pm | #3

   Interesting. I've only seen tripoli sold as a powder but then I haven't run across many retailers that even sell it. Rottenstone seems more widely available.

1. 
   john_c2 | Mar 22, 2023 02:34am | #4

   There aren't any "rules" about how to use the names, so it isn't used consistently. It's like calling something an oil finish that has no oil in it.

2. 
   mschlack | Mar 23, 2023 04:32pm | #5

   Rottenstone is great for rubbing out varnish or shellac finishes, mixed with an oil like flax oil. It's not good for French polishing, since it's black (unless you want that), but once the finish is dry and hard, it can really add another layer of clarity (if that makes sense).