{"title":"Composite Faceting Laps","description":"\u003cp\u003eComposite faceting laps engineered for smooth, controlled polishing with reduced friction. Built on precision MIC6 tooling plates for long-term flatness and repeatable results.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"darkside","title":"DARKSIDE™ Composite Faceting Lap","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDARKSIDE™\u003c\/strong\u003e is a forgiving, high-performance composite faceting lap designed for fast polishing with a minimal learning curve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally developed to deliver smooth, consistent results without the technique demands of many metal laps, DARKSIDE™ has become a long-time favorite among beginners, faceting schools, and professional production cutters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDARKSIDE™ is especially well known for polishing quartz and quartz-family materials with oxide polishes, producing rapid, controlled results with excellent feedback and low heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFast break-in, often on the first stone\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExcellent control and feel on the stone\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLow heat and clean, consistent finishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMinimal maintenance compared with many traditional laps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Polishes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDARKSIDE™ works with the full range of Gearloose polishing products. BATTSTIK™ oxide compounds and PANDIMONIUM® diamond compounds can both be used with this lap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCommonly used BATTSTIK™ oxide compounds include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e99+ Hi-Purity Cerium Oxide BATTSTIK™\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAlumina A Oxide BATTSTIK™\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eChrome Oxide BATTSTIK™\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZirconium Oxide BATTSTIK™\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCleaning \u0026amp; Switching Between Polishes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo switch between oxides, wash the lap with Dawn® dish soap and warm water, then scrub lightly with a clean, soft scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly before applying a different oxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many cutters keep separate labeled brushes for each oxide to prevent cross-contamination and maintain clean polishing performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo switch from oxide to diamond—for example, a 60K diamond compound—apply a small amount of oil to the lap first. This changes the surface polarity and allows the diamond compound to behave properly on the DARKSIDE™ surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo return to oxide polishing, wash the lap again with Dawn® dish soap to remove the oil and diamond residue. Rinse thoroughly before applying the oxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBeginners seeking a forgiving, easy-to-master polishing lap\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFaceting schools and training programs\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProduction cutters polishing quartz and similar materials\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnyone wanting reliable oxide polishing with minimal fuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gearloose Lapidary","offers":[{"title":"6 inch","offer_id":51868542304578,"sku":"DARKSIDE-6","price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 inch","offer_id":51868542337346,"sku":"DARKSIDE-8","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/files\/20260805_180223.jpg?v=1786058833"},{"product_id":"diamax","title":"DIAMAX™ Composite Faceting Lap","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDIAMAX™\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-performance composite faceting lap engineered for faster polishing, improved control, and reduced friction compared with earlier composite surfaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for compatibility with both diamond compounds and oxide polishes, DIAMAX™ delivers smooth, predictable polishing with minimal heat buildup and a reduced risk of micro-scratching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDIAMAX™ provides rapid polishing action with excellent surface control. Its refined composite structure supports consistent diamond engagement while reducing frictional heating and the risk of polishing-related surface damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCompared with earlier composite polishing laps, DIAMAX™ offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFaster polishing\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGreater stability and feedback\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eReduced tendency toward micro-scratching\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExcellent performance with both diamond and oxide compounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSurface Technology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe DIAMAX™ surface is engineered for compatibility with both polar and nonpolar polishing compounds. This allows effective use with diamond, cerium oxide, and other oxide-based polishes without the sensitivity or break-in requirements associated with traditional metal laps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe lap runs smoothly with minimal vibration, providing predictable results for professional production cutters and advanced hobbyists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFaceters seeking faster polishing with improved surface control\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUsers working with both diamond and oxide polishing compounds\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCutters looking for reduced heat and consistent results\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnyone wanting a stable, easy-to-use composite polishing lap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gearloose Lapidary","offers":[{"title":"6 inch","offer_id":51869538812226,"sku":"DIAMAX-6","price":119.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 inch","offer_id":51869538844994,"sku":"DIAMAX-8","price":169.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/files\/20260806_183213.jpg?v=1786067669"},{"product_id":"lightside","title":"LIGHTSIDE™ Composite Faceting Lap","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLIGHTSIDE™\u003c\/strong\u003e is a reduced-friction composite faceting lap designed as a durable, predictable alternative to traditional wax laps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith better heat conductivity than wax and improved dimensional stability, LIGHTSIDE™ provides smooth, controlled polishing with less drag and fewer polishing surprises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLIGHTSIDE™ is optimized for softer materials and delicate polishing work where excessive friction or heat can cause problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt has been used successfully on stones and materials including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDiopside\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFluorite\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eApatite\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRhodochrosite\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZinc sulfides and oxides\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCuprite\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eOther materials approximately Mohs 5 and below\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUse LIGHTSIDE™ with the appropriate BATTSTIK™ oxide compound, polishing slurry, or diamond compound for the material and your preferred polishing method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConstruction \u0026amp; Stability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLIGHTSIDE™ features an engineered composite resin-bond surface permanently bonded to a precision-ground MIC6 aluminum tooling plate for excellent balance and long-term flatness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a stable, repeatable polishing surface with improved durability compared with wax-based laps.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gearloose Lapidary","offers":[{"title":"6 inch","offer_id":51871558009154,"sku":"LIGHTSIDE-6","price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 inch","offer_id":51871558041922,"sku":"LIGHTSIDE-8","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/files\/20260805_181627.jpg?v=1786051584"},{"product_id":"creamway","title":"CREAMWAY™ Composite Faceting Lap","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCREAMWAY™\u003c\/strong\u003e is an oxide-loaded, water-only composite faceting lap engineered specifically for fast, clean polishing of quartz and quartz-family materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike surface-charged laps, CREAMWAY™ is manufactured with a heavily oxide-loaded composite working layer. Zirconium oxide is distributed throughout the entire resin polishing layer—not simply applied to the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis allows most cutters to begin polishing immediately using only water, with no sprays, charging routines, or messy compounds required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePolishes quartz rapidly with a minimal learning curve\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eZirconium oxide integrated throughout the composite polishing layer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUsually requires nothing more than water to begin polishing\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProduces a clean, controlled polish with low heat and low maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCREAMWAY™ is optimized for quartz and quartz-family stones, delivering excellent results straight out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor demanding production work or very large facets, a small application of Zirconium Oxide BATTSTIK™ or 99+ Hi-Purity Cerium Oxide BATTSTIK™ can increase polishing speed, although most cutters achieve outstanding results using only water and the lap as supplied.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gearloose Lapidary","offers":[{"title":"6 inch","offer_id":51887588507970,"sku":"CREAMWAY-6","price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 inch","offer_id":51887588540738,"sku":"CREAMWAY-8","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/files\/20260805_184911.jpg?v=1786051726"},{"product_id":"greenway","title":"GREENWAY™ Composite Faceting Lap","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGREENWAY™\u003c\/strong\u003e is a high-performance, water-only composite faceting lap engineered with a heavy loading of chromium oxide distributed throughout the polishing layer—not just applied at the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped for emerald, beryl, and aquamarine, GREENWAY™ delivers smooth, controlled oxide polishing with a minimal learning curve and no messy sprays or charging routines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll you need is water to begin producing bright, consistent finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eChromium oxide integrated throughout the composite polishing layer\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFast break-in and extremely smooth surface feel\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExcellent control on larger facets\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eProduces clean polish with low heat and low maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGREENWAY™ is especially effective for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eEmerald\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBeryl\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAquamarine\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTourmaline\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSunstone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor demanding production work or very large facets, a small application of Chrome Oxide BATTSTIK™ can increase polishing speed, although most cutters achieve excellent results using only water and the lap as supplied.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gearloose Lapidary","offers":[{"title":"6 inch","offer_id":51887753232706,"sku":"GREENWAY-6","price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8 inch","offer_id":51887753265474,"sku":"GREENWAY-8","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/files\/20260805_175813.jpg?v=1786051072"},{"product_id":"matrix","title":"MATRIX™ Composite Faceting Lap","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMATRIX™\u003c\/strong\u003e is a ceramic-composite faceting lap designed to deliver the sharp, precise polishing performance of traditional ceramic laps while offering a wider and more forgiving operating range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eClassic ceramic laps are known for producing excellent finishes, but they often require extremely precise fluid-film conditions and can be difficult to master. MATRIX™ was engineered to provide similar polishing performance with more stable and forgiving surface behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe MATRIX™ ceramic-composite surface incorporates a self-renewing microtexture and controlled surface complexity that helps maintain polishing effectiveness while reducing sensitivity to critical fluid-film thickness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003ePerformance Characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe MATRIX™ surface structure was characterized using computer-modeling methods similar to those used in all-weather tire design, producing a controlled microtexture that supports stable polishing behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCompared with traditional ceramic laps, MATRIX™ provides:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMore forgiving operating parameters\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eStable polishing with less critical fluid-film thickness\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eExcellent polish retention\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSharp, clean facet edges\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eConsistent results across a wider range of polishing conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSurface Technology\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ceramic-composite polishing layer develops a subtle self-renewing microtexture during use, helping maintain effective polishing action over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMATRIX™ performs exceptionally well with Gearloose PANDIMONIUM® diamond compounds and can also be used with BATTSTIK™ oxide polishing compounds when appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLight pressure with appropriate lubrication is typically recommended to achieve optimal results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eConstruction \u0026amp; Stability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe MATRIX™ lap is manufactured on a full-thickness master-lap baseplate designed to emulate the rigid feel of traditional ceramic laps while maintaining excellent flatness and long-term stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWho It’s For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFaceters seeking ceramic-style polishing performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCutters wanting sharper facet edges with more forgiving behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAnyone looking for consistent diamond polishing with improved control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Gearloose Lapidary","offers":[{"title":"6 inch","offer_id":52175323267394,"sku":"MATRIX-6","price":115.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"8 inch","offer_id":52175323300162,"sku":"MATRIX-8","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/files\/20260805_181251.jpg?v=1786067076"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/9869\/0882\/collections\/20260806_183213.jpg?v=1787441727","url":"https:\/\/gearloose.com\/collections\/composite-faceting-laps.oembed","provider":"Gearloose Lapidary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}