Granite is a hard, dense stone, so selecting the right diamond polishing pad is critical for achieving a flawless finish. Here’s how to choose the best pad for your project:
1. Understand the Basic
- Diamond pads are abrasive tools embedded with diamond particles. They come in varying grit levels (coarse to fine) and bond types (metal, resin, or hybrid).
- Granite’s hardness (6–7 on the Mohs scale) requires durable pads designed for aggressive material removal and fine polishing.
2. Key Factors to Consider
A. Bond Type
- Metal-Bond Pads
- Best for coarse grinding and shaping.
- Durable and long-lasting for heavy-duty work.
- Ideal for removing deep scratches or leveling uneven surfaces.
- Resin-Bond Pads
- Perfect for final polishing (grits 800+).
- Creates a high-gloss, mirror-like finish.
- Less aggressive, so pair with metal pads for best results.
- Hybrid Pads
- Combine metal and resin bonds for versatility.
- Great for mid-range polishing (grits 200–1500).
Pro Tip: Use metal-bond pads for initial grinding and resin-bond pads for finishing.
B. Grit Sequence
Start with coarse grits and progress to finer grits for a scratch-free finish:
- 50–200 grit: Heavy grinding, removing lippage, or repairing damage.
- 200–800 grit: Smoothing surfaces and removing scratches.
- 800–3000+ grit: Final polishing for a glossy shine.
Rule of Thumb: Never skip more than 2–3 grit levels (e.g., 50 → 100 → 200) to avoid leaving deep scratches.
C. Wet vs. Dry Polishing
- Wet Polishing Pads:
- Use water to reduce dust and heat.
- Produces a smoother finish and extends pad life.
- Best for indoor use or high-detail work.
- Dry Polishing Pads:
- Convenient for outdoor or quick jobs.
- Generates more dust (use a respirator!).
Note: Some pads are labeled as “universal” (suitable for wet/dry use).
D. Pad Size and Compatibility
- Diameter: Match the pad size to your tool (common sizes: 3″, 4″, 5″).
- Backing: Ensure compatibility with your polisher’s backing plate (e.g., hook-and-loop, Velcro).
- RPM Rating: Check the pad’s max RPM matches your tool’s speed (1,500–4,000 RPM is typical for granite).
E. Brand and Quality
Reputable brands for granite polishing pads:
- Alpha Tools (durable metal/resin pads)
- MK Diamond (excellent for wet polishing)
- Flex (high-performance hybrid pads)
- Diteq (budget-friendly and reliable).
3. Step-by-Step Selection Guide
- Assess the Project:
- Repairing deep scratches? → Start with 50–200 grit metal pads.
- Refining edges or light polishing? → Use 400–800 grit hybrid pads.
- Achieving a mirror finish? → Finish with 1,500–3,000 grit resin pads.
- Check Tool Compatibility:
- Ensure pads fit your angle grinder, polisher, or floor machine.
- Buy a Grit Set:
- Purchase a progressive grit kit (e.g., 50–3,000) to save money and ensure consistency.
4. Pro Tips for Granite Polishing
- Always test pads on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Use a variable-speed polisher to control heat and pressure.
- For edges/corners, pair pads with a flexible backing plate or hand-held polisher.
- Clean the surface with water between grit changes to remove debris.
5. Troubleshooting
- Dull Finish: You may have skipped a grit step or used a worn-out resin pad.
- Pad Wears Too Fast: Switch to a metal-bond pad for heavy grinding.
- Scratches Persist: Re-polish with the previous grit to remove deeper marks.
Final Recommendation
For most granite projects, a metal-bond 50–200 grit pad paired with resin-bond 800–3,000 grit pads will deliver professional results. Pair with water for cooling and dust control.
By choosing the right diamond pad and following the grit progression, you’ll achieve a stunning, durable finish on granite countertops, floors, or tiles!
