How to Remove the Polish From Granite
- 1). Attach the cup wheel to the variable speed angle grinder. A cup wheel features turbo styled arranged segments that are diamond enhanced to produce fast grinding of the material. The variable speed angle grinder spins the cup wheel to speeds applicable to the project. A cup wheel attached to an angle grinder removes the layer of polish but can damage the granite if the operator is not highly skilled in the process.
- 2). Use the respirator or dust mask and safety glasses. This is important for safety reasons. Grinding, cutting and polishing granite produces dust and flying debris. Prolonged exposure to granite dust causes serious health problems.
- 3). Work in 1-square-foot sections at a time. If possible, practice on a piece of scrap granite to acquire the feel of the tool and the desired speed to set the grinder. Once comfortable, apply the cup wheel to the granite and rotate in circular motions until the desired finish is achieved. Continue this process from section to section, being careful to maintain the same depth across the granite's surface.
- 4). Inspect the surface of the granite to ensure removal of the polish. It should have a rough, but smooth, appearance. To achieve a smoother finish, use a set of polishing pads. Polishing pads attach to the angle grinder or stone polisher and polish the granite to an even smoother surface. Available in wet or dry types, the wet requires the use of a wet/dry polisher. Start with an 80-grit and work up to as high as a 400-grit to achieve the desired results.
