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README.md

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+# Diamond Polishing Compound Mixing Guide
+
+This guide details the process of mixing diamond polishing compounds using ascending grit sizes from W5 to W20, with color coding for easy identification.
+
+## Grit Ratings, Micron Sizes, and Uses
+
+| Grit (W#)  | Micron Size  | Color  | Typical Use |
+|------------|--------------|--------|-------------|
+| W5-2000    | ~5 microns   | Yellow | Optical polishing (e.g., lenses) |
+| W7-1500    | ~7 microns   | Green  | Finishing a super sharp knife on a strop |
+| W10-1000   | ~10 microns  | None   | Fine polishing, general sharpening |
+| W14-800    | ~14 microns  | Brown  | Polishing materials like acrylic |
+| W20-600    | ~20 microns  | Black  | Coarse sharpening, starting knife sharpening |
+
+## Materials Required
+- Diamond powders: W5, W7, W10, W14, W20
+- Glycerine (10 ml per batch)
+- Mineral oil (10 ml per batch)
+- 20 ml plastic vials (one for each grit size)
+- Isopropyl alcohol
+- Fresh tissue for cleaning
+- Food dye: Yellow, Green, Brown, Black
+- 1-gram scale
+- Mixing tools (preferably disposable)
+
+## Mixing Instructions
+
+1. **Prepare the Work Area**: Ensure your workspace is clean and free of contaminants. Clean all tools and surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Let them dry completely before starting.
+
+2. **Prepare Each Batch**:
+   - For each diamond grit, mix 1 gram of diamond powder with 10 ml of glycerine and 10 ml of mineral oil.
+   - Stir thoroughly until the diamond powder is evenly distributed in the solution.
+
+3. **Grit Sizes and Color Coding**:
+   - **W5-2000 (~5 microns)**: Use **Yellow** food dye.  
+     Mix, clean the tools with isopropyl alcohol, and dry with a fresh tissue before moving on to the next grit.
+   - **W7-1500 (~7 microns)**: Use **Green** food dye.  
+     This is ideal for finishing a sharp knife on a strop. Ensure cleaning tools after use to avoid contamination.
+   - **W10-1000 (~10 microns)**: **No dye added** (leave as is).  
+     Clean tools thoroughly after use.
+   - **W14-800 (~14 microns)**: Use **Brown** food dye.  
+     Ensure all tools are cleaned with isopropyl alcohol between batches.
+   - **W20-600 (~20 microns)**: Use **Black** food dye.  
+     Typically used for starting knife sharpening, follow the same cleaning process to avoid cross-contamination.
+
+4. **Preventing Cross-Contamination**:  
+   - After each batch, thoroughly clean all mixing tools and the work surface with isopropyl alcohol.  
+   - Use fresh tissues to dry everything completely before starting the next batch. This ensures that no residue from previous grits remains.
+
+5. **Storing the Compounds**:  
+   - Once mixed, transfer each compound into a freshly cleaned and dried 20 ml plastic vial.  
+   - Label each vial with the corresponding grit size (W5, W7, etc.) and its respective color for quick identification during use.
+
+## Alternate Methods: Spray and Polishing Wax
+
+1. **Creating a Diamond Spray**:  
+   - To create a sprayable version of the compound, double the liquid contents. Use 20 ml of glycerine and 20 ml of mineral oil for each batch while keeping the diamond powder quantity the same (1 gram).  
+   - This will result in a thinner mixture suitable for spraying onto surfaces for polishing or sharpening.
+
+2. **Creating a Diamond Polishing Wax**:  
+   - For a polishing wax, replace the glycerine with **beeswax** or a clear **paraffin wax** (commonly used for jarring and sealing).  
+   - Melt the beeswax or paraffin wax and combine it with the mineral oil and diamond powder (in the same proportions as the original recipe).  
+   - Stir thoroughly until the wax mixture cools and solidifies evenly, then store in a small jar or container for application.  
+   - If you want a **creamier polishing wax**, add more mineral oil into the mixture compared to the wax. A typical ratio for a creamier consistency is **4 parts oil to 1 part wax**, which makes it easier to spread and more suitable for finer polishing.
+
+## Final Notes:
+- Ensure each batch is well mixed before use.
+- Store the vials in a clean, dry place, and shake them gently before each application.
+- Follow the grit progression, keeping in mind that **W7 (~7 microns)** is ideal for finishing a knife, while **W20 (~20 microns)** can be used for starting the sharpening process.