Mistakes To Avoid On Marble Polishing

Mistakes To Avoid On Marble Polishing – Marble polishing refers to the process of using a polishing wheel to remove the tarnish on marble, returning it to its original glossy white color. It’s a nice way to give character to your home without making it look messy or tacky.

The final result of the process is quite satisfying, but the process itself can be quite time-consuming. This article won’t focus on how to restore marble that already has a shine to it. Instead, it will tell you about some common mistakes and what you can do to avoid them. Read on – Mistakes To Avoid On Marble Polishing:

Use The Correct Kind Of Polishing Compound

When you’re shopping for a polishing compound there are two important things you need to know: the kind and brand of the compound is one, and then secondly, the grit size of the computer.

Most polishing compounds sold on the market are water-based reducing compounds. They are effective at removing tarnish and even some stains, but they don’t give a very shiny finish. The ones that have an acid or alkaline component in them can remove the tarnish from marble pretty well.

But, they also tend to leave a significant amount of haze behind, which can make your results look quite lackluster. There are also abrasive polishing compounds that contain sand and even diamond flakes.

In terms of the latter two kinds of compounds, you should always go for hard minerals over clay and compressed powders like crushed glass or steel wool mixed with aluminum oxide (which is used as an abrasive).

Never Use Brushed On Compounds

If you’re using a machine that has a polishing wheel, then you would want to start with a soft compound and only change to a harder one after the process. This will ensure that the machine doesn’t overheat and scratch the surface of the marble. If you’re hand-polishing then always use hard chemicals or abrasives to remove the tarnish on marble.

If you do this with soft chemicals it tends to lead to wet spots on your marble. This can make your restoration look messy rather than polished and shiny like it should be.

Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment

Workplace safety should always be a concern and it’s not just a matter of making sure your workers wear the right kind of clothing. You should also make certain that everyone is wearing goggles, especially if there are kids or pets in the house.

If anyone gets something in their eyes while they’re polishing marble with the use of a power buffing machine, they can suffer serious damage or even go permanently blind.

Make Sure That You Use The Machine Correctly

Always use power buffing machines like this one with caution, and only when you’re certain about what you’re doing. If you’re not professional about this then you might end up damaging the marble more than restoring it.

The machine will also be able to remove the haze and stains from your marble, but it won’t be as effective at removing oxidization if you’re not careful. If you’re hand-polishing the surface of your marble with a soft shampoo and then rubbing it with an abrasive cloth then try and gradually change to a harder compound.

If you want something that’s even more effective at removing oxidation and stains, then you should consider getting a metal polishing machine that is designed specifically for this purpose. Many heavy stone manufacturers offer machines that are solely designed for polishing marble stones.

You should also use safety goggles to protect your eyes, a breathing mask to protect yourself from the dust that can be released during the grinding process, and even dust-proof overalls.

Always Use A Power Buffing Machine Correctly

Most power buffing machines are designed with speed control features that help protect the surface of marble when it’s being polished. If you’re using them with a soft compound then make sure that you keep them at low speeds so that it doesn’t tear or scratch the surface of the marble. If you’re using a hard compound, then you can use them at a higher speed without worrying about it.

If the machine has a ball-bearing turntable in it then make sure that it is kept dry at all times. If you’re using warm water for washing marble then always turn the machine off and allow it to cool down before turning it back on again.

Never Use A Power Buffing Machine On Granite

Granite is very different from marble, and so is its polish. Marble polishing machines are generally designed for use on marble only, so do not try and use one for granite.

When you’re using a power buffing machine for marble polishing make sure that the machine doesn’t overheat. If it starts to heat up then turn it off immediately and allow it to cool down. If you plan on finishing the restoration by hand then the same rule applies.

Avoid Using An Angle Grinder

Using an angle grinder to polish marble is something that you should never do because it can easily ruin your marble. Even if they seem to be working fine at first, they can easily cause irreparable damage if used too aggressively.

You should only use them for a very specific purpose – to cut tile or stone for example. It’s a good idea to have an extra pair of hands to help you with the polishing process, and if it’s been a while since you last used one then you would also want to make sure that it’s working properly.

Never Use A Metal Polishing Machine On Marble

If you’re going to be hand-polishing then make sure that you’re using the correct kind of polishing compound. If it has an acid component in it then try and use this at home where you can control the amount of contact between your skin and the surface of your marble. If you’re using an abrasive like crushed glass then make sure that you’re wearing adequate safety equipment.

Get To Work

Once you have stocked up on the right kind of marble polishing compound, polishing wheels, and polish pads, it’s time to get to work. Most people strategically assemble all their materials beforehand so that they don’t have to keep running back and forth when they are trying to work.

First, start by filling a bucket with tepid water (never hot water), and then add the marble polish according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s best if you wear rubber gloves while you scrub your marble with a soft cloth or sponge. Once the surface is clean and you’ve rinsed all of it away, let the marble dry, and then inspect it for any signs of damage. Most marble cleaning jobs should take approximately one hour.

If you’re going to be hand-polishing your marble then it’s best that you start with a soft polishing compound like a pumice stone or pumice powder. Begin by testing the compound on an inconspicuous area of the floor or table first to make sure that the tool isn’t too abrasive. This will help you determine whether or not you need to use something harder or softer. If you’re using a polishing machine then you should start with a harder compound.

Once this is done, you need to prepare your polishing wheels for use. Soak the wheels in water for about fifteen minutes before loading them onto the machine and switching it on. The idea is to keep them constantly wet during the entire polishing process so that they don’t get too hot and burn your marble.

Mistakes To Avoid On Marble Polishing – Conclusion

Always start slowly and let the machine do most of the work for you, but make sure that there are no loose spots or deep scratches in your marble before you start polishing it with a power buffing machine like this one.

We hope you enjoyed the article – Mistakes To Avoid On Marble Polishing. Good luck!