Granite polishing made easy: instructions & expert tips for a brilliant shine
What are the reasons for polishing granite in the first place? We show them and give you the ultimate guide.
Difficulty: Medium | Costs for 5m²: approx. 60-300 euros | Workload for 5m²: approx. 3 hours
1. What are the advantages of granite polishing? Enjoy your granite floor or granite worktop again
Granite is a noble and durable material that is characterized by its robustness and resilience. Polishing brings out the natural beauty of the stone and intensifies its colors.
In addition, a shiny surface is created that reflects the light and gives the room a special elegance.
Polishing also seals the surface, making it less prone to stains and scratches.
2. Key takeaways from this article
- Polishing granite helps restore the luster and resilience of the stone
- Areas of application: dull granite, granite countertops, granite floors
- Machines: polishing machine, angle grinder, eccentric grinder
- Tools: polishing pads , polishing compound
- Alternative methods: chemical alternatives, home remedies (e.g. baking soda)
- Consider the pros and cons of the different methods and tools
3. Common applications for polishing granite
1. Bring dull granite back to a high gloss?
Over time, wear and tear and environmental influences can cause the surface of granite to appear dull and dull.
Polishing allows you to restore the stone's original brilliance and shine . This not only gives the surface an attractive appearance, but also protects it from further damage.
2. Can I polish a granite countertop?
Granite countertops are very popular in kitchens and bathrooms as they are both sturdy and aesthetically pleasing.
However, everyday use can cause scratches and stains that affect the appearance of the countertop.
By polishing the granite countertop, you can eliminate these imperfections and make the surface shiny and durable again.
3. Grind and polish granite floor
Granite floors are also widely used due to their durability and timeless beauty. However, signs of wear and tear such as scratches, stains and dull spots can also appear here.
Polishing the granite floor will help restore the original look and feel and extend the life of the floor.
In addition, a shiny granite floor improves the room climate and gives it a special elegance.
4. What tools and machines do I need for granite polishing?
Our opinion: If you are on a tight budget and your granite surface does not have any deep scratches, you should use a high-quality polish first. This usually helps to make the granite shine again.
4.1 Do I need a polishing machine for granite polishing?
To polish granite you need a polishing machine equipped with various attachments.
You can use a special stone grinder or a commercially available angle grinder with the appropriate polishing attachments.
4.2 Angle grinders or eccentric grinders as a helpful alternative to the polishing machine
As an alternative to the polishing machine, you can also use an angle grinder or eccentric grinder. Both devices tend to be lighter and more compact than a polisher, making them particularly useful for smaller projects or hard-to-reach areas.
Make sure you choose the right polishing attachments and pads for your angle grinder or random orbit sander and adjust the speed of the device accordingly to achieve the best polishing result.
4.3 Which tools are best for polishing granite?
Polishing pads are essential to effectively polishing granite. They are made of different materials, such as felt or diamond, and are available in different grits.
For best results, you should start with a coarse grit and gradually switch to finer pads.
4.2 Table for selecting the right grit according to the desired work step
| grit | Description |
|---|---|
| #50 | Cleaning and renovation sanding |
| #100 | Extended cleaning and renovation sanding |
| #200 | Basic cut (without scratches) |
| #400 | Preparation polish |
| #800 | Preparation polish |
| #1500 | Preparation high gloss polish |
| #3000 | Mirror Polish Enhanced |
4.4 Do I need a polishing compound for granite polishing?
Our experience: Polishing agents are necessary to finish the surface of the granite without using diamond abrasives.
There are special polishes for natural stone that are ideal for granite. These can be available in powder or paste form .
4.5 Goggles and Gloves
Safety should always come first. Wear safety goggles and gloves when polishing granite to protect your eyes and hands from dust and possible injury.
5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different processes, machines and tools when polishing granite?
| machine | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| polishing machine |
- Specially designed for polishing surfaces - Uniform polishing result - Easy to use |
- May be more expensive than other tools - Larger and heavier than other tools |
| angle grinder |
- Versatile tool that can also be used for other tasks - More compact and lighter than polishing machine - Mostly cheaper |
- Not specifically designed for polishing - Can be more difficult to manage - Speed must be adjusted |
| orbital sander |
- Versatile tool that can also be used for other tasks - More compact and lighter than polishing machine - Good control when polishing |
- Not specifically designed for polishing - Can be more difficult to manage - Speed must be adjusted |
| Chemical alternatives |
- No special tools or machines required - Simple application - Can help with light scratches and stains |
- Not as effective as machines - May not be suitable for all types of granite - Can attack the stone |
| Home remedies (e.g. baking powder) |
- No special tools or machines required - Cheap and environmentally friendly solution - Simple application |
- Not as effective as machines - May not be suitable for all types of granite - Can attack the stone |
6. Step-by-step instructions
6.1 Preparation of the granite surface
clean surface
Before you start polishing, you should thoroughly clean the granite surface. Remove dust, dirt and any stains with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Then let the surface dry completely.
6.2 Apply polishing agent - Only for granite polishing without tools and machines
Apply the polish evenly to the surface to be treated. Make sure you use the right polish for granite and follow the manufacturer's instructions for amount and exposure time.
6.3 Polishing
Use polishing pads
Put the polishing pad with the right grit on the polishing machine. Start with a coarser grit to remove deep scratches and imperfections and gradually switch to finer grit pads to achieve a glossy finish.
6. 4 instructions from our fellow craftsman:
- Fasten the mounting plate with the M14 mount on the angle grinder
- Attach the diamond grinding pad with the desired grit to the mounting plate using the Velcro.
- Start at the desired point and slowly increase the speed.
- Use circular motions for an even grind. Be especially careful not to grind too deep
- Once the desired result has been achieved , you can clean and seal the surface.
6.5 Circular movements
Run the polisher over the granite surface in even, circular motions. Use only light pressure and let the machine do the work.
Make sure to work the entire surface evenly to ensure a harmonious appearance.
6.6 Post-processing
remove leftovers
After polishing, you should remove any polish residue and dust from the surface. To do this, use a soft, clean cloth and apply a little water if necessary.
let dry
Allow the polished granite surface to dry completely before further use or placing objects on it.
7. Polishing granite tips and tricks
7.1 Optimize polishing process for granite
In order to optimize the polishing process, you should always keep the polishing machine in motion and not stay in one place for too long. Also make sure to always use the right speed and pressure to achieve the best result.
You can find the recommended speed range on the back of our diamond grinding pad packaging.
7.2 safety in polishing granite surface
Don't forget to wear safety goggles and gloves while polishing. Also, ensure there is adequate ventilation to reduce dust levels in the air.
7.3 Avoid common mistakes when polishing
A common mistake when polishing granite is skipping grit on the polishing pads.
Stone Doctor 's Expert Opinion : Make sure you use all the required grits when renovating natural stone, gradually moving from coarse to fine to achieve an even and shiny result.
7.4 Grinding granite edges
Sanding edges carefully A common mistake when sanding granite edges is not paying enough attention to the edge preparation. Be sure to treat the edges with the same care and accuracy as the surface to ensure a consistent and professional appearance.
7.5 Tips for the maintenance and preservation of granite surfaces
Regular cleaning of granite surfaces helps enormously!
Regular cleaning is important to maintain the beauty and longevity of your polished granite surface. To do this, use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to remove dirt and stains. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents that could damage the polished surface.
What additional measures can be taken to protect the granite?
A protective treatment can help protect the granite surface from stains and scratches. There are special impregnations for natural stone that can be applied to the polished surface. Observe the manufacturer's instructions regarding the application and repetition intervals.
8. Alternatives to polishing granite with tools and machines
If you don't have a polishing machine or grinding tools handy, or are looking for a less abrasive method of polishing granite, you can resort to chemical or home-made alternatives.
Here are some of the most popular options:
8.1 The best chemical alternatives for granite polishing
-
stone polish:
Special stone polishes are commercially available and can be applied directly to the granite surface to enhance shine and remove small scratches. Make sure you choose a product that is suitable for granite. -
Natural stone impregnation:
Impregnation for natural stone can not only help to protect the surface, but also improve the shine of the granite. These products penetrate the pores of the stone and form a protective layer while providing shine.
8.2 Which home remedies can be used to polish granite?
-
Baking powder:
A paste of baking soda and water can be used to remove light scratches and stains from the granite surface. Apply the paste to the affected areas and leave on for a few moments before wiping off with a damp cloth.
-
soapy water:
A mild soap solution can help remove dirt and debris from the granite surface and restore the shine. Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the soap solution and then wipe off with clean water.
Please note that chemical and home remedies may not achieve the same results as polishing with professional tools and machines. However, they can be helpful for light maintenance and refreshment of the granite surface.
8.3 More advice for granite processing
- Polishing granite countertops
- drilling granite stone
- Drilling granite with a diamond drill bit
- grinding granite
9. Conclusion - Polishing granite makes your tiles, floors or kitchen worktops shine again.
Polishing granite is an effective way to bring out the natural beauty of the stone and protect the surface from damage. With the right tools, materials and careful approach, you can achieve an impressive result.
Our experience shows: Regular care and maintenance ensure that your granite surface remains bright and attractive for a long time.
Frequently asked questions about granite polishing
1. How often should I polish my granite?
The frequency of polishing depends on the use and stress on the surface. With normal use, polishing granite every few years is sufficient. In the case of heavily stressed surfaces, however, it may be necessary to carry out the polishing process more frequently.
2. Can I polish granite myself or should I hire a professional?
With the right tools and a careful approach, it's entirely possible to polish granite yourself. However, if you have no experience with the polishing machine or are unsure, it may be wise to hire a professional to get the best result.
3. What grit should I use for the polishing pads?
Start with a coarser grit (e.g. 50 or 100) and gradually change to finer grit (up to 3000 or higher). This ensures an even and shiny result.
4. How long does the polishing process take?
The duration of the polishing process depends on the size of the surface to be machined and the desired surface finish. For smaller areas, the polishing process can be completed in a few hours, while larger areas can take more time.
5. What cleaning products are suitable for polished granite?
To clean polished granite, use mild detergents specifically formulated for natural stone. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents and scouring agents that could damage the polished surface.