I'm wondering how long a standard 4" x 6" sheet of Micro-Mesh can be used before it loses it's effectiveness. I've been using the same sheet for a little while, and besides some faded ink stains that remain after rinsing, it seems as good as new.

I'm told you can launder it (let it air dry) -- and a penmaker I know has been using the same pieces for going on two years.

When you say "launder" do you mean throw it in the machine with the work cloths or wash by hand?

He throws it in the machine inside a bag designed for hosiery.

I have been using the same pieces of padded micromesh since 2005 and they still work. I periodically rinse them off and let them air dry and they seem to work just fine. Of course, I have to feel the difference between 12000 and 8000 grit, as the markings on the pads are totally obscured with ink.

Cheers,
Sean

And yet another use for those little zipper mesh bags.

I assume that you are referring to using MM for nib smoothing, right?

I never throw out MM.

I use MM at grits of 8000 thru 12000 for nib smoothing.

When the 12000 gets really worn, I think that it gets better.

The more it gets used, the more it gets worn, the lighter the abrasion, the smoother the nib.

Don't toss it.

Like a fine wine....