Expert Stone Polishing: Tips & Techniques

How to polish stone?

• Dry Grinding: The first step in your stone polishing journey begins with dry sanding. This process requires the use of specialized stone refurbishing machines to carefully strip the surface of the stone. By removing stains and finely grinding the stone's pores, dry sanding sets the stage for subsequent stages of polishing. Through this method, surface imperfections are finely smoothed out and the stone begins to reveal its innate brilliance.

• Treating Stone Stains: Surface stains are a common enemy of the natural beauty of stone. To achieve an impeccable polish, it is crucial to effectively remove these stains. While regular stains can be treated with traditional methods, stubborn stains may require the use of specialized chemicals. By applying these targeted treatments, craftsmen can thoroughly remove stains and prepare the stone for the subsequent refining stages.

  
  

• Surface crystallization: The next critical step in stone polishing involves surface crystallization. Craftsmen use crystal surface machines equipped with scouring pads and laundry detergent to form a strong protective layer on the stone surface. Not only does this layer protect the stone from future stains, it also acts as a barrier against scratches, thereby increasing the overall brightness and clarity of the stone. The protective effect of surface crystals lasts a long time, often protecting up to a year.

  
  

• Waxing: Waxing is the final stage of the stone polishing process and is a means of enhancing and maintaining the luster of the stone. This delicate application of wax not only enhances the stone's shine but also acts as a protector, strengthening the surface and extending the life of the polish. The effects of waxing usually last about three months, extending the stone's newfound luster and elegance.

  
  

Stone grinding and polishing tutorial

1. Prepare the surface for grinding: Before starting the grinding process, you must ensure that the surface of the stone is free of dust and debris. You can use a duster to clean the area and then use a water vacuum to effectively absorb any remaining moisture or sewage. It is important to wait until the surface is completely dry before proceeding to the next stage, as moisture will affect the effectiveness of the grinding process and may affect the final finish.

2. Precision Polishing: Once the surface is completely dry, the polishing process can begin. To speed up the drying of the marble surface, please open the door or window of the room to facilitate air circulation. This will help create the best environment for the polishing process and help achieve a perfect finish. When performing the polishing process, it is important to use appropriate polishing equipment and follow recommended techniques to achieve the desired shine and smoothness.

   
   

3. Apply Floor Wax and Final Polish: Stir the floor wax thoroughly to ensure a uniform consistency, then apply evenly to the marble surface with a brush. It is important to apply the wax evenly, making sure to cover every part of the surface. After applying the wax, let it dry completely before applying the final polish. This meticulous method of waxing allows the stone to gain an extra layer of protection and enhanced shine. When the applied wax is completely dry, the final stage of polishing takes place. The purpose of this stage is to further refine the surface, enhancing its brightness and lasting appeal.

   
   

How to measure stone polishing effect?

To measure the polish of your stone, follow these guidelines:

• Ground preparation: Make sure the floor is clean, dry, and free of water, dust, and other contaminants. Gloss measurements are calculated using 60 degrees of light reflection.

• Measurement methods: Take an overall look at the area. Randomly select a rectangular area of 30 to 100 square meters. Measure 5 points, including the four corners and the center point, to obtain a representative sample. The overall average gloss is calculated by adding the gloss values of the 5 measurement points and dividing by 5. The random sampling process was repeated several times to obtain a rough gloss value, taking into account the natural differences in composition and density present in large-area projects. Avoid picking just the worst parts to measure, as this may not be representative of overall quality. Considering that gloss is an important parameter to evaluate the quality of stone maintenance, it should not be used as the only criterion.

  
  

With the advancement of stone care technology, the aesthetic level of stone continues to improve. Some stone varieties may not have high gloss, but their decorative effects are unparalleled. Therefore, when evaluating the maintenance quality of stone, gloss can be used as a measuring factor, but it must be considered from multiple angles. Real experience is the most important factor in evaluating the overall quality of stone. By taking this multidimensional approach, you can implement higher testing standards that reflect the complexities and nuances of stone maintenance and care.

How to use a stone polishing pad?

1. Prepare the polisher: Before you start using your stone polishing pads, it's important to properly prepare your polisher. First, hold the handle of the polishing machine, press the body, and tilt the machine head upward. Next, install a cleaning pad and steel wool on the bottom of the machine. Then lay the machine flat so that the turntable and cleaning pad are against the floor. This ensures the machine is ready for the polishing process.

2. Start the polishing process: Once the polisher is installed, the polishing process can begin. Turn on the power and carefully control the polishing machine to start polishing the stone surface. It is crucial to maintain a moderate polishing speed, preferably around 10 cm/second, to ensure a thorough and consistent polishing action. As you move the machine across the stone surface, make sure the rows overlap by 1/3 to avoid missing any areas during the polishing process. This meticulous approach will help achieve an even, polished finish.

   
   

3. Post-polishing operations: After completing the polishing process, it is important to perform post-polishing operations to maintain the equipment and ensure its service life. First, remove the chassis pin seat and scouring pad from the machine. Clean the polishing machine body and water tank to remove residual polishing material. Also, coil the power cord around the operating pole to prevent tangles and ensure safety. Finally, store the machine in a well-ventilated, dry place to prevent moisture and dust.