 Polishing
The EasySection must now be polished to a high shine in order to remove scratch marks in the sample. This can be done on a polishing wheel or by hand.
By hand
Use all the grades of the Micromesh cloths, rubbing only briefly on each. The Micromesh should be placed on a hard flat surface and the sample can be held with the pliers. Use a linear motion - not circular. Do not apply great pressure. A very fine polish for viewing the sample without scratches up to 1000x magnification can be obtained with a final polish using a silk cloth.
Micromesh can be used wet. This will increase the life of Micromesh but may dissolve some of the material in the sample. When used dry it should be cleared frequently of abraded particles. This can be done by rinsing with water or by slapping Micromesh on a clean surface.
Polishing wheel
Follow manufacturer's instructions. At high speeds EasySections may become too hot with a polishing wheel, causing the resin to soften.
Examining sample
If mounted correctly, the following placement of EasySections under the microscope will allow samples to be viewed with the top layer uppermost.
Well A
The EasySection should lie flat with well C face down and away from the user.
Well B
The EasySection should be placed so that well C is facing the user from the front.
It is helpful with some microscopes to place a drop of white spirit or kerosene on the exposed sample to reduce the visibility of microscopic scratches on the surface and saturate the sample optically, thus making the layers clearer. Place a small cover slip (provided with EasySections kit) on top to reduce evaporation of the solvent.
 Thin Sections
The making of Thin Sections is also possible by using the thin section holder. The section should be cut with the saw again but on the opposite side of the previous cut. It should then be glued cut side down (i.e. face of sample directly onto glass) to the microscope slide provided with the section holder. The embedding resin can be used to glue this. The slide is then placed in the holder using a drop of water or white spirit to cause it to stick by capillary action. The sample can then be polished on micromesh so that only a thin layer remains which can be viewed in transmitted light. The slide is removed from the holder by poking through the central hole with a thin implement.
Storage
EasySections may be stored in the plastic boxes provided with the EasySections kit. For long term preservation they should be kept in the dark, since prolonged exposure (years) to light may cause a slight yellowing.
EasySections are also suitable for more detailed analysis by expert microscopists. This method is for light microscopy only. Further analysis may require other proceedures.
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