Grinding and polishing marble window sills - do it yourself at low cost
Grinding and polishing a window sill made of high-quality stone such as marble must be done several times during house construction or renovation.
Good to know: Since window sills usually have a small area, it is advisable to work with the angle grinder and 2-4 diamond grinding pads in different grain sizes, particularly inexpensively.
1. Does the marble window sill need to be sanded wet or dry?
Both methods lead to the goal quickly and efficiently. There is no right and no wrong here.
1.1 Advantages of window sill dry sanding:
- Can also be done while still installed
- No water, no "mud", no splashes
- Worthwhile for individual assignments
1.2 Advantages of window sill wet grinding:
- Longer service life thanks to the use of water
- Without taking into account the cleaning, the somewhat faster variant in action
- Ideal for grinding and polishing a range of marble window sills
2. More types of stone window sills
Most high-quality and built-in stones can be processed according to the same principle with an angle grinder, a diamond polishing wheel and a receiving plate .
3. How do I grind and polish the marble window sill?
3.1 The preparation
- Place the diamond polishing disc with the Velcro surface on the mounting plate
- Screw the mounting plate with the M14 mount onto the angle grinder
- Thoroughly clean the marble surface
- Provide some water if necessary
3.2 Sanding the marble window sill
- Start sanding the surface with a coarse #50 or #100 grit
- Use circular movements that slightly overlap at the edges
- Don't apply too much pressure
- As soon as the surface has been sanded down completely and no longer “sticks out” from the surface, you can switch to the next possible grit
- Repeat process
3.3 Polishing the marble window sill
- Use a diamond polishing wheel with a minimum of #800 grit
- Work slow and clean
- Do circular movements as well
- If necessary, repeat the process up to grit #3000
3.4 Additional ways to protect the marble window sill
- polishes
- impregnations
- crystallization
3.5 Other helpful guides for marble processing
3.6 Marble grinding and polishing costs
| Performance | cost (from) |
|---|---|
| Grinding marble with an angle grinder | from €14.99 |
| Grinding and polishing marble (small surface) | From €49 |
| Grinding and polishing marble (large areas) | Individual offer |
4. The most common mistakes in grinding and polishing marble window sill are as follows
Mistake 1: Careless grinding
A common mistake is careless sanding, putting too much pressure on the surface or the sanding movements are not smooth. This can create unsightly scratches or bumps that affect the end result.
Mistake 2: Using the wrong grit
Choosing the wrong grit can also cause problems. Using too coarse a grit to start with can result in deep scratches that are difficult to remove. On the other hand, too fine a grit can make polishing difficult and not achieve the desired shiny result.
Mistake 3: Neglecting preparation
Marble window sill preparation prior to grinding and polishing is critical. Inadequate cleaning or the lack of water when wet sanding can result in the sanding process being less effective and the end result not being satisfactory.
Our expert tip: It is important to avoid these mistakes in order to achieve a professional and attractive result when sanding and polishing your marble window sill.
5. Conclusion - Grinding and polishing the windowsill is definitely worth it
Window sills are not sanded without reason. They give the room an additional charm and a special ambience in the morning and evening hours when observing what is happening on the street.
Great results can be achieved, especially when renovating old houses. Often one does not think that these "faded" or yellowed old blocks of stone still have life in them.
However, in the past, in many cases they were chosen with great attention to detail by the homeowner or the architect.
If you have only informed yourself up to this point, give your old marble window sill a new chance.
6. FAQ - Frequently asked questions about window sill polishing
What is the difference between wet and dry grinding?
Wet grinding is done with water while dry grinding does not use water. Wet sanding has the advantage of longer life and is ideal for a range of marble window sills, whilst dry sanding can also be done installed and can be particularly worthwhile on a one-off job.
Can I grind and polish other types of stone window sills the same way as marble?
Yes, most high-quality and built-in stones can be processed using the same principle with an angle grinder, a diamond polishing disc and a receiving plate. These include granite and natural stone.
How often should I sand and polish my marble window sill?
Frequency depends on usage and wear and tear. As a rule, sanding and polishing the window sill when necessary or every few years is sufficient to keep it in good condition.
Do I need special protection measures to protect my marble window sill?
Yes, after grinding and polishing, polish, impregnation or crystallization can be used to protect the surface of the marble window sill and prolong its life.
