Which Precision Abrasives Work Best for Fine Finishing?

I’ve been exploring different types of precision abrasives for lapping and surface finishing applications, and it’s surprising how much the results can vary depending on grit type and particle consistency.

From my experience, the choice between alumina and silicon carbide often comes down to balancing surface finish quality with removal rate. The right abrasive type and progression can significantly reduce subsurface damage and improve overall flatness.

Curious to know what others here prefer — do you stick with conventional abrasives, or have you shifted to diamond-based options for high-precision finishing work?