Diamond pastes are used for the finishing and polishing of ferrous and nonferrous metals, steels and semiconductors, alloyed steels, cast irons, ceramics, metal ceramics, carbide, sapphire, glass, semiconductors, and drawing dies.

Diamond pastes act on the workpiece surface chemically and mechanically. They form  fine-dispersion emulsions that allow for a smoother distribution of diamonds over the workpiece surface. The paste also contains active surface agents, which make washing easier and help to remove slightly  flammable liquids, chips and slag generated by the lapping process.

Pastes are produced with normal (N), higher (H) and extra-high concentration (E), depending on the volume content of diamonds and their grit size.

see also Conversion of Ukrainian Size Standards (DSTU 329295) to International Size Standards and their Applications by Operation

Volume content of diamond powder in diamond pastes.

Depending on grit size, pastes can be used for different finishes:

see also Conversion of Ukrainian Size Standards (DSTU 329295) to International Size Standards and their Applications by Operation