Best Tumbling Media of 2026

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Tumbling media is a type of abrasive material that is used to smooth and polish surfaces of various materials. It is commonly used in the manufacturing industry for finishing metal parts, but can also be used for polishing stones, ceramics, and plastics. Tumbling media comes in different shapes, sizes, and materials such as ceramic, plastic, and steel. It is a cost-effective and efficient way to achieve a smooth and polished finish on a variety of surfaces.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shropshire Crystals Rock Polishing Media Kit Cover #TOP 1
Shropshire Crystals Rock Polishing Media Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Crushed Walnut Shells for Cleaning and Filling Cover #TOP 2
Crushed Walnut Shells for Cleaning and Filling
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Hiceeden 8 Pounds Rock Tumbling Filler Media, 1/5" x 2/5" Reusable Cylinder Ceramic Pellets Non-Abrasive for Rock Tumbler, Stone Polisher Cover #TOP 3
Hiceeden 8 Pounds Rock Tumbling Filler Media, 1/5" x 2/5" Reusable Cylinder Ceramic Pellets Non-Abrasive for Rock Tumbler, Stone Polisher
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Tumbling Media

#TOP 1

Shropshire Crystals Rock Polishing Media Kit

Shropshire Crystals Rock Polishing Media Kit Cover
Shropshire Crystals Rock Polishing Media (Complete Refill Kit, 700g)

The Shropshire Crystals Polishing Kit is a comprehensive refill kit containing 700g of polishing media. It includes 200g each of stages 1, 2, and 3, along with 100g of pumice powder, ensuring you have everything you need for a beautifully polished finish. The included 8-page crystal guide helps you identify 240 unique stones, enhancing your tumbling experience. Additionally, the flexibility of purchasing media stages individually allows you to restock as needed, making it a convenient choice for any enthusiast.

What We Like
Complete refill kit included
High-quality polished finish
Crystal identification guide
Flexible media stage options
Environmentally sustainable packaging
#TOP 2

Crushed Walnut Shells for Cleaning and Filling

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Crushed Walnut Shells for Cleaning and Filling Cover
Crushed Walnut Shells - Four Grades Available - Very Fine to Coarse - 500 grams to 1.5 kilo - Abrasive - Pin Cushion Filler (H. 1 kilogram - Medium grade)

Crushed Walnut Shells are a versatile product ideal for various industrial and cleaning processes. You can use them for soft metal cleaning or achieving a bright finish on wood, stone, and engine parts. They also serve as effective media in tumbling, barrelling, and blasting. Additionally, if you're looking for a filling for pin cushions, the medium grade is highly recommended. This environmentally friendly product is non-toxic, reusable, and biodegradable, making it a great choice for both practical and eco-conscious users.

What We Like
Versatile cleaning applications
Soft alternative for metal cleaning
Recommended for pin cushions
Environmentally friendly and biodegradable
Non-toxic and reusable
#TOP 3

Hiceeden 8 Pounds Rock Tumbling Filler Media, 1/5" x 2/5" Reusable Cylinder Ceramic Pellets Non-Abrasive for Rock Tumbler, Stone Polisher

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Hiceeden 8 Pounds Rock Tumbling Filler Media, 1/5" x 2/5" Reusable Cylinder Ceramic Pellets Non-Abrasive for Rock Tumbler, Stone Polisher Cover
Hiceeden 8 Pounds Rock Tumbling Filler Media, 1/5" x 2/5" Reusable Cylinder Ceramic Pellets Non-Abrasive for Rock Tumbler, Stone Polisher

Features
These Rock Tumbling Pellets Made Of Alumina Ceramics, Non-Toxic, Non-Static And Non-Residue, Easy To Dry And Reuse, And Will Never Stale Or Spoil.
Hiceeden 8 Pounds Non-Abrasive Ceramic Tumbling Filler Media, Each Size 1/5" In Diameter, 2/5" In Length, Cylinder.
Our Non-Abrasive Rock Tumbler Pellets Are Safe To Use, Suitable For Polishing Rocks, Gems, Glass And More, Compatible With All Type Rock Tumblers Or Stone Polishers.
Easy To Use, No Need To Keep Separate For Each Tumbling Stage, Just Rinse The Same Batch Ceramic Pellets During Every Rock Polishing Grit Cycle. More Effective Than Plastic Tumbling Media.
Ceramic Tumbler Media Acts As A Filler, Perfect For Protecting Stones, Reducing Rock Breakage. Cushions, Quiet Tumbler Noise And Improve Tumbling Action While Rock Tumbling.
#TOP 4

Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media, Triangle Abrasive Pellets Reusable Ceramic Grit Filler Media Rock Tumbling Supplies for All Type Tumblers 1lb

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Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media, Triangle Abrasive Pellets Reusable Ceramic Grit Filler Media Rock Tumbling Supplies for All Type Tumblers 1lb Cover
Tumbling Ceramic Filler Media, Triangle Abrasive Pellets Reusable Ceramic Grit Filler Media Rock Tumbling Supplies for All Type Tumblers 1lb

Features
Multi Purpose - The Product Is A Triangular Shape, The Polishing Is More Detailed And Comprehensive, And The Work Efficiency Is High. Ceramic Triangle Abrasive Material Is Used For Polishing Jewelry, Practical And Convenient.
Practical Accessories - The Product Is Made Of Excellent Ceramic Materials, Can Provide High Gloss For Your Items. Special Abrasive For Vibration Polishing Machine, Make Your Jewelry Polishing More Naturals
Wide Applications - Used For Grinding And Polishing Of Bowlder, Khotan Agate, Mixed Crystal, Artificial Crystal Agate, Other Stones And Shells.
Ideal Choice - Ceramic Tumbler Media Acts As A Filler, Protecting Stones, Reducing Rock Breakage. Cushions, Quiet Tumbler Noise And Improve Tumbling Action While Rock Tumbling.
Good Service - Please Confirm Before You Place An Order. We Will Do Everything Possible To Solve Your Problems Efficiently.
#TOP 5

Durlo 1LB 304 Stainless Steel Polished Beads Tumbling Media Jewelers Polishing 4 Shapes for KT-1320 Machine

Durlo
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Durlo 1LB 304 Stainless Steel Polished Beads Tumbling Media Jewelers Polishing 4 Shapes for KT-1320 Machine Cover
Durlo 1LB 304 Stainless Steel Polished Beads Tumbling Media Jewelers Polishing 4 Shapes for KT-1320 Machine

Features
Exquisite Craftsmanship: 1 Lb Media Is Made Of Quality Stainless Steel, Rust-Proof, Corrosion Resistant And Can Withstand Strong Compounds.
Great Value: Perfect For Making The Sur-Face Of Your Object Shine And Burr Free, Make The Items Bright And Clean, Ideal For Steel Media.
Wide Range Of Applications: Very Suitable For Using In A Rotary Or Vibratory Tumbler To Polish Copper, Silver And Gold Jewelry To Obtain High Gloss.
The 4 Styles:Mixed 4 Shapes Includes Round 2-5mm, Flat Round 4-7mm, Column 2-3mm And Cone 10mm, A Variety Of Styles Can Meet Your Different Needs For Styles.
Easy To Use: Tumbler Media Can Be Used In Barrel And Vibratory Tumblers To Burnish Metal And Polish The Mental To A Mirror-Bright Surf-Ace In A Short Time.
#TOP 6

Ceramic Abrasive Ceramic Tumbling Tumbler Media Triangle Polishing Ceramic Triangle for Grinding Machine

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Ceramic Abrasive Ceramic Tumbling Tumbler Media Triangle Polishing Ceramic Triangle for Grinding Machine Cover
Ceramic Abrasive Ceramic Tumbling Tumbler Media Triangle Polishing Ceramic Triangle for Grinding Machine

Features
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#TOP 7

MJR Tumblers Refill Grit Kit for 3 LB Rock Tumblers Silicon Carbide Aluminum Oxide Media Polish

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MJR Tumblers Refill Grit Kit for 3 LB Rock Tumblers Silicon Carbide Aluminum Oxide Media Polish Cover
MJR Tumblers Refill Grit Kit for 3 LB Rock Tumblers Silicon Carbide Aluminum Oxide Media Polish

Features
3 Ounces Of 120/220 Graded Silicon Carbide Grit (Step 2)
3 Ounces Of 60/90 Graded Silicon Carbide Grit (Step 1)
1.5 Ounces Of 500/600 Graded Silicon Carbide Grit (Step 3)
1.5 Ounces Of 1200 Aluminum Oxide Polish (Step 4)
#TOP 8

Blue Marble NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Media - Rock Polishing Supplies Kit, 4 Stage Silicon Carbide Bulk Grit, 680 g of Ceramic Pellets, GemFoam Polishing Tumbling Media

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Blue Marble NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Media - Rock Polishing Supplies Kit, 4 Stage Silicon Carbide Bulk Grit, 680 g of Ceramic Pellets, GemFoam Polishing Tumbling Media Cover
Blue Marble NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Tumbler Media – Rock Polishing Supplies Kit, 4 Stage Silicon Carbide Bulk Grit, 680 g of Ceramic Pellets, GemFoam Polishing Tumbling Media

Features
IMPROVE YOUR ROCK TUMBLING RESULTS – Ceramic Tumbler Media Makes The Entire Rock Tumbling Process More Effective, Improving Delivery Of Rock Tumbling Grit, Quieting Tumbler Noise, Reducing Rock Breakage, And Acting As A Filler For Smaller Batches.
QUALITY GRIT RESULTS IN A DAZZLING POLISH - The Rock Polishing Grit In This Pack Is High-Quality Silicon Carbide And Will Polish 3.6-4.5 Kg Of Rocks, Includes Measuring Scoop And Storage Containers With Secure Screw-Top Closures For Easy Storage.
WORKS WITH ANY ROCK TUMBLER – The Tumbling Supplies In This Set Are Safe To Use With Any Rock Tumbler. The Tumbling Grit, Ceramic Pellets, And GemFoam Together Improve Rock Tumbling Performance And Yield Impressive Results.
BRAND NEW WAY TO MAKE TUMBLED ROCKS SHINE – GemFoam Is A Unique New Rock Polisher Media That Gives Unprecedented Shine To Tumbled Rocks. Just Add The Patent-Pending Rock Polishing Media To Your Tumbler After The Final Grit Cycle For Great Results!
AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, Winner Of The Toy Association's Prestigious Toy Of The Year Award, Proudly Develops Products That Foster Education, Imagination, And Creativity, With A U.S. Support Team To Ensure A Stellar Experience!
#TOP 9

Grit Refill Kit Parent (Stage One F80 Grit, 1kg)

Grit Refill Kit Parent (Stage One F80 Grit, 1kg) Cover
Grit Refill Kit Parent (Stage One F80 Grit, 1kg)

Features
PREMIUM QUALITY - For A Beautiful Polished Finish
STAGE ONE - Contains 1kg Of Stage One f80 Grit
SUSTAINABLE - All Our Medias Are Carefully-Sourced And Packaged With Environmental Sustainability In Mind. We Work With Our Suppliers To Ensure That Our Manufacturing Process Has Minimal Impact, And We Hand-Package All Our Medias In Conveniently Reusable And Recyclable Containers.
FLEXIBILITY - All Media Stages Are Available Individually In 500g And 1kg Packs.
#TOP 10

Mascota Products Walnut Shell Sandblasting Grit 16/30 (0.5 mm-1mm) - Biodegradable, Reusable Media for Cleaning Car Engines & Cylinder Heads 5 kg Pouch

Mascota Products Walnut Shell Sandblasting Grit 16/30 (0.5 mm-1mm) - Biodegradable, Reusable Media for Cleaning Car Engines & Cylinder Heads 5 kg Pouch Cover
Mascota Products Walnut Shell Sandblasting Grit 16/30 (0.5 mm-1mm) – Biodegradable, Reusable Media for Cleaning Car Engines & Cylinder Heads 5 kg Pouch

Features
Professional-Grade Cleaning Media: Processed 16/30 Grade Walnut Shell Grit (0.5 Mm) For Use In Sandblasting Machines, Blasting Cabinets, And Tumblers. Gentle Yet Effective: Removes Carbon, Paint, Grease, And Surface Grime Without Scratching Or Pitting Aluminium, Brass, Or Soft Metals. Ideal For Engine Work: Perfect For Cleaning Cylinder Heads, Valves, Manifolds, Transmissions, And Other Precision Components. Eco-Friendly & Reusable: 100% Biodegradable, Non-Toxic, And Silica-Free Media That Can Be Reused Multiple Times If Not Contaminated. Easy To Use: Works With Standard Blasting Equipment—just Ensure Air Lines And Compressors Are Moisture-Free For Best Performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can be used as tumbling media?

Plastic has traditionally been used as the filler for rock tumbling, but ceramic seems to be preferred these days. Plastic can come in many types but we recommend and sell polypropylene plastic pellets because they are tough and will last longer than other types of plastic like polyethylene.

2. What is ceramic tumbling media used for?

Ceramic media works best for polishing, deburring, and even extreme metal removal. It's also more useful than plastic in heavy cutting and hard metal applications. If you require a very small media ceramic is your best option.

3. What is tumbling media made of?

Tumbling media is a blend of abrasives and binders. Ceramic Media is generally a clay or porcelain binder while Plastic Media and Synthetic Media are typically made from urea formaldehyde or polyester polymers. These binders are used to hold (bond) and shape the abrasive grit blend needed for a particular media type.

Editor's Notes

During our tumbling medium research, we found 120 tumbling medium products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,067 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tumbling media list. We found that most customers choose tumbling media with an average price of £20.00.

The tumbling media are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tumbling media, including Shropshire Crystals, Hiceeden, Hapivida, Durlo, Pssopp.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.