how to polish granite
How to Polish Granite
Granite is a commonly used material for kitchen countertops, flooring, etc. If the granite in your house is losing its sheen, you probably might be left wondering how to restore it. Here are some tips that will help you.
The granite is popularly used as an architectural material. It is very commonly used in bathrooms, flooring, kitchen countertops and window frames as it adds a style element to home decor due to its elegant look.
Granite comes in many colors, shapes and sizes and you can easily find one to suit your taste. Once you install granite, it definitely enhances the look of your rooms. But, this awesome piece may become coarse and lose its shine due to friction. Granite sometimes changes color over time and heat. Rough use of granite materials whether indoors or outdoors can take away its gloss. So, what will you do? Continue to dream of a lustrous granite piece or just replace it (which can be hard on your pocket)? How about polishing it at home? Yes, you can easily perform the polishing task and achieve a brand-new-looking granite.
Procedure:
Procedure:
Procedure:
How to Clean and Polish Granite
Items Needed:
- Detergent
- Sponge/cloth
- Granite sealant
- Spray bottle
- Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
Procedure:
- Clear all the items placed over the granite. This will ensure that the entire granite is properly cleaned.
- Take a mild detergent on a sponge. Use this to thoroughly clean the oily and greasy surface. Let the granite dry completely.
- Read the instructions given on the sealant spray carefully.
- Spray the sealant on one part at a time followed by rubbing it with a soft and dry cloth to have a shiny surface.
- You may also need to allow the sealant to soak in (if the instructions suggest that), over the surface. Then rub off the excess product with a dry cloth after 15 minutes.
- Now take 1/4th of isopropyl rubbing alcohol along with water and some liquid soap in a glass.
- Spray this solution over the granite equally and use a soft cloth/sponge to wipe away the extra solution.
- Allow the solution to set in and enjoy your glistening granite countertop or floor.
How to Polish Edges of Granite
Items Needed:- Sandpaper disc of 40/60 grit belt (choose finer grit sandpaper for finer texture)
- Cloth
- Graphite sealant
- A good granite polish spray
Procedure:
- Take a 40 or 60 grit belt or disc on the sander. With the help of this, start the process of grinding the edges of the granite to the shape of your choice.
- If granite edges are already in good shape, you can use a 120 or 150 grit sandpaper and rub it over the edges to make them even.
- Clean the edges using a damp rag.
- Now, use a finer grit (a higher number) sandpaper and continue the sanding process till you see a uniform texture over the granite edges. Repeat this process using a finer grit sandpaper (around 600). Working from coarse sandpaper to fine sandpaper will ensure the finest and smoothest finish.
- Polish the edges with the polishing compound.
- Now, wash the granite edges and wipe properly to make it completely dry. Apply a granite sealing compound to the edges to protect it, as mentioned in the above section.
How to Cut and Polish Granite
Items Needed:- Sandpaper disc of 40/60 grit belt (choose finer grit sandpaper for finer texture)
- Sawhorse
- Pencil
- Blue tape
- Goggles and gloves
- Wet saw
- A good granite polish spray
- Sealant
Procedure:
- Use a sawhorse for placing the granite slab to be cut.
- With a pencil, mark a line where the slab needs to be cut.
- Stick a blue tape from inner side of the pencil mark carefully, this will help you while cutting the slab.
- Wear protective gears like goggles and gloves before you start cutting.
- Start cutting with a wet saw. A wet saw has a circular diamond blade which cuts through dense materials like granites and marbles. Remember to be slow, smooth and straight. Fast movements may lead to cracking of the slab.
- Once the slab is cut, be careful while handling it as it may have very sharp edges.
- Now, use a polishing compound and a sealing compound to polish the granite top and edges as mentioned above.