I want to tumble small steel parts in ceramic media. I have a vibratory UV10 tumbler. I have never tried ceramics and I understand the best way to use them is wet. I have tried an alternative medium (well, silica cat litter actually) with water and dishwashing liquid. The result was not bad considering, however, flash rusting was a definite issue, not totally unexpected. I tried Zip Wax Car Wash (Turtle Wax) with a similar result.
Has anyone developed a compound to use with the ceramic media that cleans the parts *and* prevents rust? I understand one can buy many proprietary compounds, however, they are expensive and often it is not clear whether they contain a rust inhibitor.
I was wondering if adding something like Evaporust to water would work (not a cheap solution either if any amount of Evaporust were needed) but before any further experimenting I thought I would ask.