By Bruce Schundler

Many companies are having success using different grades of perlite to replace pumice or DE (diatomaceous earth) for stonewashing. Called by different names (Beadwash, Ocean Wash, Perl-Wash, etc.), perlite not only offers better and softer finishes, it can be easier and safer to handle.

We currently sell five different grades for stonewash finishes:

1. PF-60 ---a very fine, almost talc like powder which resembles DE in particle size and effect. It is used not only for stonewashing, but also as a filtration media in systems using a filter press or rotary vacuum filtration unit.

2. Bead Wash I (PBC) ---a predominately minus 10 mesh perlite which has been used when a variety of particles are desired at the lowest possible price.

3. Bead Wash II (Ch) ---a combination of both large perlite particles and finer particles where the effect of both the largest grades and the powders are desired.

4. Bead Wash Il Special (Soilac) ---a carefully screened, medium grade which has both the larger particles and powder-like material removed.

5. Bead Wash III (SC) ---our largest, screened grade which has most all of the finer, dustier material removed leaving only 12 mesh and larger pieces.