How to Properly Polish Natural Stone

After natural-stone blocks are extracted from quarries, they go through a masonry process that involves cutting, forming, and finishing prior to installation. Depending on the methodology and style of work followed by the stonemasons, the tiles and slabs produced can be finished in many ways. Flamed and brushed finishing is ideal for the outdoors and rustic interior décor, while the tumbled and aged styles of surface finishing are better for antique styles. The most popular natural-stone finish is the polished look because it appears classic and modern at the same time. Over time, the polished finish can lose some of its sheen, but homeowners who don’t know how to polish granite and other types of natural stone can restore the gloss by taking the following steps. Choose the Right Product With natural-stone polish formulated for household use such as Granite Gold Polish®, homeowners can easily maintain the luster of their countertops themselves. The best granite polish is the kind that can be sprayed on, wiped down, and buffed by hand with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Clean Before Polishing A stone surface that hasn’t been cleaned for a while may develop a patina that can hide its luster. Before polishing, apply a granite daily cleaner and wipe it dry to make sure the patina dissipates. Applying polish on soiled stone may end up creating an unsightly patina that needs to be scrubbed away. Seal Before Polishing Proper stone care starts with cleaning and should be followed by sealing, then polishing. Applying polish on unsealed stone could make the surface shine unevenly. Allow the sealant to settle and cure for 24 hours before applying polish. Divide Polishing Work in Sections Countertops and panels can be divided into three or four sections when polishing. The idea is to polish the surface evenly using a lint-free cloth. Use the Right Buffing Technique Once the polish has been spread evenly over the surface, the final step involves buffing, which should be done with a dry, lint-free cloth, preferably made with microfiber material. The timeless circular buffing technique works better when it starts out in wide circles and continues with smaller circles as the polish dries out completely and the surface starts to shine. For the brightest sheen, pressure should be applied on the cloth. Reduce the Risk of Slipping Marble and granite countertops can be buffed to a high gloss, but this isn’t recommended for the floors in living spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, lanais, and foyers. Natural stone can become very slippery when polished, so it should be avoided unless done by a professional stone restoration specialist. If you’d like additional information on polishing natural stone or tips on how to clean and seal stone properly, reach out to Granite Gold® today. All of our stone-care products are safe to use on granite, slate, travertine, and all other types of natural stone. To speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives, please call 1-800-475-STONE (7866) today.