Alum Block Rough

**Duncan Hill** · 04-23-2009, 09:04 AM

Hi there,

So I got myself an alum block about 2 weeks ago. I really like its effectiveness and for the first week it was great. Now however, I have a new problem.

While the alum used to go on smooth it now has little rough bumps on it that really hurt when I rub it against my face! I'm thinking it's probably from the alum recrystallizing when it was wet. Is there some kind of solution to get it smooth again?

Thanks

**rabidpotatochip** · 04-23-2009, 09:07 AM

I use an alum block as deodorant and think it just comes with the territory. As long as you don't apply too much pressure (where have I heard that before...?) it's ok. My backup plan, should it ever become unbearable, was to sand it with high grit sandpaper (like 600+).

**adonnellyr** · 04-23-2009, 10:15 AM

Could you rub the end of the block on your thumb after wetting it but before putting it to your face for a while to smooth it out?

**richmondesi** · 04-23-2009, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by rabidpotatochip

I use an alum block as deodorant and think it just comes with the territory. As long as you don't apply too much pressure (where have I heard that before...?) it's ok. My backup plan, should it ever become unbearable, was to sand it with high grit sandpaper (like 600+).

I agree with this (and use it similarly).

BTW... I've found it not to be all that effective in a high heat situation

**RichGem** · 04-23-2009, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by rabidpotatochip

I use an alum block as deodorant and think it just comes with the territory. As long as you don't apply too much pressure (where have I heard that before...?) it's ok. My backup plan, should it ever become unbearable, was to sand it with high grit sandpaper (like 600+).

Good luck with getting the 600 grit out of the alum.

seriously... I'd guess that a little "wet sanding" with your hand or a wash cloth would do the trick AND not leave grains of grit behind. I had an alum block (used as deo) that had the same problem, but I ended up chucking it since I dropped it (and it cracked) before I could "sand" it.

**rabidpotatochip** · 04-23-2009, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by RichGem

Good luck with getting the 600 grit out of the alum.

seriously... I'd guess that a little "wet sanding" with your hand or a wash cloth would do the trick AND not leave grains of grit behind. I had an alum block (used as deo) that had the same problem, but I ended up chucking it since I dropped it (and it cracked) before I could "sand" it.

You make a good point!

Good thing I never tried that plan out...

**RichGem** · 04-23-2009, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by rabidpotatochip

You make a good point!

Good thing I never tried that plan out...

OTOH, you'd have the smoothest pits in Manitoba.

**rabidpotatochip** · 04-23-2009, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by RichGem

OTOH, you'd have the smoothest pits in Manitoba.

Yeah, that one got my keyboard sprayed...

**RichGem** · 04-23-2009, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by rabidpotatochip

Yeah, that one got my keyboard sprayed...

hahahahaha

But... where's my 6x chip lol ???

**rabidpotatochip** · 04-23-2009, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by RichGem

hahahahaha

But... where's my 6x chip lol ???

Fixed.

**RichGem** · 04-23-2009, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by rabidpotatochip

Fixed.

Ah. That's better. Thanks.

**Duncan Hill** · 04-24-2009, 08:45 PM

Well I have a solution for all you gents who've has this problem. Take a razor blade and scrape the block with it. It comes out perfectly smooth. A good way to use that 10 pack of merkur blades you don't like, or that blade you tried out that just didn't seem to treat your face right. So before you throw it away smooth out our alum!

**arghblech** · 04-24-2009, 08:52 PM

The block that I have is a small cube. I noticed the bumps right away and started placing it back in the holder with the side I use on my face always facing up. The bumps now grow on the bottom and the side I use is still perfectly smooth after several months.

It also helps to make sure there isn't any water hanging out in the container when you go to store it.