5.1 Final sanding and polishing

Here’s a TESDA-aligned module on final sanding and polishing for agarwood bead jewelry, suitable for workshop manuals, learner guides, and UTPRAS documentation. This is the culminating step in bead preparation before assembly or sale.


✨ Final Sanding and Polishing of Agarwood Beads

1. Objective

Trainees will learn to:

  • Apply final sanding and polishing techniques to achieve a professional finish
  • Enhance visual appeal, tactile smoothness, and aroma retention
  • Maintain bead symmetry and resin integrity
  • Prepare beads for assembly, stringing, or sale

2. Tools and Materials

Tool / MaterialPurpose
Fine-grit sandpaper (1000–2000+)Smooth minor surface imperfections
Micro-files / needle filesCorrect small dents or scratches
Polishing cloths (cotton, microfiber)Bring out natural shine and smoothness
Natural wax or carrier oilsEnhance luster and aroma
Buffing wheel (optional, low-speed)Uniform polishing for multiple beads
Calipers or bead templatesVerify diameter and roundness
Dust mask, gloves, gogglesSafety during polishing and wax application

3. Safety Guidelines

  • Always wear PPE (dust mask, gloves, goggles)
  • Avoid overheating beads during buffing to prevent cracking and aroma loss
  • Ensure workspace is clean and well-ventilated
  • Handle high-resin beads gently to preserve aroma and surface integrity

4. Final Sanding Procedure

  1. Inspect beads for minor scratches or uneven surfaces after initial shaping and polishing
  2. Use ultra-fine grit sandpaper (1000–2000+) to smooth surfaces
  3. Work gradually, rotating beads for uniform coverage
  4. Check bead roundness and size periodically with calipers
  5. Remove dust between sanding stages using a soft brush or compressed air

5. Polishing Procedure

  1. Apply natural wax or carrier oil sparingly on the bead surface
  2. Use a microfiber or cotton cloth to polish beads in circular motions
  3. Optional: Use a low-speed buffing wheel for multiple beads, ensuring minimal heat generation
  4. Focus on resin-rich areas to enhance both visual shine and aroma release
  5. Wipe off excess wax or oil for a clean finish

6. TESDA-Aligned Learning Outcomes

After this module, trainees should be able to:

  1. Perform ultra-fine sanding for professional surface smoothness
  2. Apply polishing techniques that enhance luster and natural scent
  3. Maintain roundness, symmetry, and size uniformity
  4. Prepare beads for stringing, assembly, and presentation
  5. Evaluate bead quality for visual, tactile, and aromatic excellence

7. Practical Workshop Activity

  1. Trainees select polished but unfinished beads
  2. Perform final sanding with ultra-fine grits
  3. Apply wax/oil and cloth polishing or optional low-speed buffing
  4. Instructor evaluates beads for shine, smoothness, symmetry, and scent preservation
  5. Document before-and-after condition for quality assessment

8. Tips for Professional Finish

  • Work slowly and gently to avoid resin cracking
  • Rotate beads consistently for even polishing
  • Preserve resin-rich surfaces for aroma and appearance
  • Avoid over-polishing; aim for natural luster instead of artificial gloss
  • Keep polishing cloths and tools clean to prevent scratching

If you want, I can draft the final TESDA-aligned module on assembly, stringing, finishing, and quality control for agarwood jewelry, completing your full end-to-end competency-based training curriculum for UTPRAS submission.

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