How to Polish Granite

The granite is popularly an architectural material. It is very commonly used in bathrooms, flooring, kitchen countertops and window frames. It is very much used in 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. So, what will you do? Continue to dream of a sheeny granite piece or just replace it? How about polishing it at home. Yes, you can easily perform the task of polishing it to have a new looking granite. Isn't it great? Then, let's get to learn how to polish granite.

How to Clean and Polish Granite

If you are thinking how to polish granite countertops, just chill. Read the following tips and have a clean and shining granite ready.

• 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.
• Buy a granite sealer, easily available at any hardware shop. It generally comes in a spray bottle. Read the instructions given on the spray carefully.
• Spray the sealer 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 sealer to soak in (if the instructions suggest that), over the surface. Then rub off the excess product with a dry cloth after 15 minutes and have a shiny surface.

How to Polish Granite Edges

• Take a 40 or 60 grit belt or disc on the sander. Now, 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 sander paper (around 600). Working from coarse sandpaper to fine sandpaper will ensure the finest and smoothest finish.
• Now, how to polish granite? It's simple. Take a polishing compound and a granite sealing compound.
• 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 clean and polish granite countertops section above.

How to Cut and Polish Granite

• Use saw horses 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.

Your sheeny granite is ready. A few drops of water can be used to test the success of this polishing process. If these drops bead, your job was perfect. If you have missed a few spots, just reapply the sealer compound. Regularly cleaning the granite, whenever used, will help retain its glossy finish. How to polish granite floor, countertops or edges? Hmmm... now it's an easy job for you, isn't it?