Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have a marble floor with light etching from heavy foot traffic. How can I remove the etching and restore the shine?
A. Diamond polishing pads are a great solution to restoring natural stone. Typically, on a floor that has light etching and no uneven tiles using diamond polishing pads starting with either the 200 or 400 grit. Go over the entire floor in small four by four sections. Repeat the same process with each set of diamond pads until the desired reflection is achieved. For example if you would like to leave a honed look stop at the 400 or 800 grit and for higher shiner continue to the 1500 or 3000 grit pad. Remember to completely clean the surface between each step to ensure removing all diamond from preceding steps.

Q. Can I skip steps when using diamond polishing pads?
A. It is not recommended to skip steps when trying to polish natural stone. You are essentially polishing the stone by scratching the surface until it become completely smooth and shinny. If you skip steps in the polishing process you have much more difficulty removing the heavy scratch pattern left by the preceding step. Some people find that they can only skip the beginning or end of the grit progression depending on the look they are trying to achieve or the condition of the surfaced being polished. The standard for diamond polishing grit progression is usually 7 steps consisting of 50-3000grits (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, and 3000).

Q. What can I do to remove a stain from my marble?
A. Stains in natural stone can be somewhat difficult depending on the type of stain and material. It is recommend to always apply sealer to natural stone with an impregnating sealer to prevent stains. If the stain is from some biological agents then the stain could be removed with a liquid poultice. Diamond honing can also be used to remove some stains that have not penetrated entirely through the stone. Honing should be done with very low diamond grits either the 30 or 50 grits. After honing the surface you must polish the surface with higher grit diamond to restore the shine.

Q. What is the best type of blade or core bit to cut through marble?
A. Using a brazed or electroplated diamond blade would be the best option for cutting marble. Given the fact that marble is a soft stone and a tendency to chip a diamond tool with the diamond readily exposed vs. held in by a matrix will ensure fast smooth cutting. If using a tool with a resin matrix then use a tool with a hard bond.

Q. How can I achieve a high shine on marble or travertine?
A. The most natural process is to use diamond polishing pads. This process simply needs water and diamond. Polishing powder is also a good way to achieve a high shine at a much lower cost. However, this process uses acid compounds causing some uncomfortable working conditions. Crystallization is also commonly used in hotel lobbies to maintain a high reflectivity. With the combination of steel wool, pressure, heat, and crystallization liquid you are essentially burning the surface of the stone to create the desired shine. This process requires continuing maintenance to keep a high shine.

Q. When using diamond tools is it better to work wet or dry?
A. Working wet is always the more favorable option. There are many advantages to using water such as increased tool life, large reduction in airborne particles, and lower costs. Sometimes you may find yourself where you cannot use water and dry polishing may be the better solutions. Keep in mind dry polishing tools will have shorter life and will create much more dust. Many people use dust shrouds that are connected to vacuums to reduce the amount of dust that become airborne.

Q. What is the best type of blade for cutting porcelain tile without chipping?
A. Porcelain tile are extremely hard and have a tendency to chip therefore a continuous rim blade is the best type of blade. Continuous rim blades have diamond surrounding the entire circumference of the shank and have no segments therefore they slow smooth cutting blades good chip free cuts. 

Q. How can I cut glass tiles?
A. Similarly to Porcelain tile, glass is extremely hard and has a tendency to chip so again a continuous rim blade is the best choice. However, the diamond in the matrix of the blades should be extremely small when compared to the diamonds in a porcelain blade. Always try using water when cutting glass.

Q. How can I smooth a floor that has raised tile from tile being laid level?
A. If the floor is made of natural stone you are in luck. The properties of natural stone allow for the floor to be refinished. Using metal bonded diamond pads with beveled edges are a great tool for honing a floor. People also like using electroplated honing discs for fast inexpensive option. Even though the metal bonded pads are more expensive they have large segments of diamonds and last for a much longer time.

Q. Why is polished concrete a good option as a floor?
A. True polished concrete is created by using diamond polishing pads. There are no overlays or sealers that make the floor appear polished. Other methods are topical coatings or use chemicals to burn the stone. Polished concrete is extremely durable and cost effective. No wonder many large superstores are choosing this option for their floors.

Q. How do you polish concrete?
A. Polishing concrete is best achieved using a planetary floor machine and diamond polishing pads. Planetary machines allow for the diamond polishing pads to contour to the surface of the floor. These machines also greatly increase the speed of production. Depending on the condition of the floor you can start with lower more aggressive metal diamonds or medium grit diamonds to start polishing. Adding a densifier at the 400 grit level will assist with closing pores in the stone and help with creating a polish. Many people also choose add acid stain to achieve a certain look that appeals to them.

If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.