Don't rush to start breaking-in (patina process). With Old Tree King single-loop, get through the base-preparation stage first. When a new mala (prayer beads) arrives, everyone wants to start breaking-in (patina process) right away, but if you can't get through base preparation, all that breaking-in (patina process) is wasted. Base preparation for Old Tree King single-loop is the first step in playing with a mala (prayer beads); once you get through it, the mala (prayer beads) has a future.

The role of base preparation

The role of base preparation is to clean the foundation of the mala (prayer beads) thoroughly. A new mala (prayer beads) has leftover fruit pulp on the surface and alkaline bloom in the crevices. If you start breaking-in (patina process) without base preparation, dirt gets stuck in the crevices, the patina becomes dull, and the color turns murky. Base preparation means clearing residue, removing alkaline bloom, and brushing up luster. Once the foundation is clean, breaking-in (patina process) goes smoothly. With Old Tree King single-loop, base preparation lays the foundation; if the foundation isn't solid, everything later is wasted.

Methods of base preparation

The methods of base preparation aren't complicated, but they take effort. Use a stiff brush to clean the crevices, brushing along the grain / texture to work out the residue inside; use a soft brush to polish, brushing the surface to a luster. Brush one to two hours a day, keep it up for one to two months, and once the crevices are clean, the alkaline bloom has faded, and the surface has luster, base preparation is done. The method is simple; the hard part is persistence. Stay with it, and you'll get through the stage.

The meaning of base preparation

The meaning of base preparation lies in the long term. When the foundation is thoroughly prepared, the mala (prayer beads) breaks in smoothly, the patina is clear and bright, and the color is even; if the foundation isn't well prepared, problems keep coming later. Don't rush to start breaking-in (patina process). With Old Tree King single-loop, get through the base-preparation stage first; once you're past it, the mala (prayer beads) wins at the starting line. Base preparation is like sharpening a knife: sharpen the knife well, and chopping wood is fast. This principle applies just the same to playing with a mala (prayer beads).