To effectively use 3-step polishing pads for granite, follow these guidelines based on the search results:
1. Select the Appropriate 3-Step Polishing Pads
- For Dark Granite (e.g., Black Absolute, Uba Tuba): Use Weha Trilogy 3-Step Pads, designed specifically for dark stones. They feature Geometric Water Displacement Technology to prevent hydroplaning and ensure faster polishing .
- For Medium to Light Granite: Weha Matrix 3-Step Pads are suitable but may require finishing with Tenax Ager for darker stones to achieve a flawless result .
- Hybrid Options: Weha 3-Step Hybrid Pads work well on granite (wet or dry) and marble, offering flexibility and high-quality finishes. Avoid using them on quartz due to heat-related resin damage .
2. Prepare the Workspace and Tools
- Wet vs. Dry Polishing:
- Wet Polishing: Ideal for all granite types. Ensures cooling and reduces dust. Use water with pads like Hurricane 3-Step (wet-only) or Weha Hybrid (wet/dry) .
- Dry Polishing: Possible with Weha Hybrid or Trilogy pads for granite. Avoid dry polishing on engineered stone or quartz .
- Tool Settings: Maintain RPM between 4,000–5,500 depending on the pad. For example:
- Weha Trilogy: 4,500–5,500 RPM .
- Hurricane Pads: Max 4,000 RPM .
3. Polishing Process
- Step 1 (Coarse Grit): Begin with the coarsest pad (e.g., Step #0 in Hurricane pads) to remove deep scratches or uneven surfaces. Apply moderate pressure.
- Step 2 (Medium Grit): Transition to the intermediate pad to refine the surface and eliminate scratches from Step 1.
- Step 3 (Fine Grit): Use the finest pad to achieve a high-gloss finish. Reduce pressure to avoid over-polishing.
Pro Tips:
- For edges or tight corners, use flexible pads like Weha Trilogy or Hurricane, which adapt to profiles like ogee edges .
- Test pads on a small section first, especially for dark granite, to ensure compatibility .
4. Post-Polishing Care
- Dark Granite: After using Matrix pads, apply Tenax Ager to enhance the polish .
- Cleaning: Rinse the surface thoroughly to remove residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
5. Benefits of 3-Step Systems
- Time Efficiency: Reduces polishing steps by 40–60% compared to traditional 7-step systems .
- Cost Savings: Fewer pads to purchase and manage, lowering per-linear-foot costs .
- Consistency: High-quality diamonds in Weha or Hurricane pads ensure uniform results across granite types .
Safety and Maintenance
- Heat Management: Avoid prolonged dry polishing on resin-heavy stones to prevent overheating .
- Pad Longevity: Clean pads after use and store them dry to maintain flexibility and diamond integrity.
