Polishing seams

[ryanagt]

I have been fabricating stone for 15 years and have been polishing seams for the past 4 years using a 7 to 8 step process, depending on the situation, 50 grit down to felt pad with buffing compounds. This can take me anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. I was talking with a fellow fabricator and he mentioned to me he can polish down the the seam using 5 steps, no felt pad, no buffing compound whatsoever, in 20 min! Even on the most glossy black stones. Am I out of the loop or is my competitor confused about what I mean by polishing down a seam.

If this is possible, please tell me the process, it would sure help on labor costs. Plus I know a stone resurfacer that could use the knowledge as well.
Thank You

	Polishing Polishing: This is the final stage, which leaves the surface with reflective characteristics.

	grit GRIT SIZE: Applies to the size and number of particles per square inch which are used to determine the abrasiveness of sandpapers, grinding stones etc.

[Huligar]

As a fabricator/installer, If the seam has no lippage and you are using only one color it can be done in less than 20 min. A more realistic to do it in an hour and a felt pad is not needed. We do not share this type of how-to information in the public rooms.

[Topshop]

5 steps? yea sure as Jo said, if there is no lippage and you can start from 300 grit and go up. You may still need powder on some stones.

Not to sound pushy or anything but, look for information on the classes.

	grit GRIT SIZE: Applies to the size and number of particles per square inch which are used to determine the abrasiveness of sandpapers, grinding stones etc.

[ryanagt]

Thank you both for the feedback. I haven't found a resin/ceramic polishing pad that can top polish dark stone to a high gloss (by hand). That is where most my confusion lies. I would like to be able to skip the mess of polishing compound if I would be happy with the results. Im also finding that on a 25" seam , no matter how flat/no lippage there is it still takes me at leased 1 hour to get the full shine back to most polished granites. ( From start to finish) I understand everyone has there own pace, I spent a week with 2 different resurfacers in the Twin Cities area and I didn't see any dramatic difference in time from them to me, just the expected difference in experience. I can hardly set up in less than 10 min.

I was invited to my fellow fabricators shop, its a start - up this year "07. I will stop by and no matter the outcome, I will learn something.

Thanks again, I appreciate how websites like this one helps our industry and customers gain knowledge

	Polishing Polishing: This is the final stage, which leaves the surface with reflective characteristics.

[Mr. Mike]

Have you looked into Alpha's products?

[Topshop]

Alpha's are too expensive. We only use the Alpha final buff. SFA boys use all alpha but most of them are only coming from 200 or 400 up. They would be in trouble if they ever had to grind lippage or remove a deep scratch like most restoration guys do. That is why I wanted to learn from the restoraion guys - in case I get myself into real trouble.

[ryanagt]

Alpha pads are expensive, I will give them a shot. Im going to try to start with the 1500 and up. I will find out if this still produces the finish Im looking for. The lower grit pads Im using are Diarex Legend green.

Again,
Thank you for the feedback.

	grit GRIT SIZE: Applies to the size and number of particles per square inch which are used to determine the abrasiveness of sandpapers, grinding stones etc.

[David's Marble Service]

Hi!
Last year I received a call from a client that was trying to polish out an area that "grew" from a repair. Let's start this way.... Client gets some African Blue or something like that kitchen counters installed ....from a Granite company. there is a small blemish on the island, a man from said company tries to fix it. Polish was not very good. Client thinks if he can do that, I should be able to. She orders a grinder, flexible diamond pads, polishing powder, and everything else. The blemish was about the size of a quarter, it went to a 2 foot square area. The client tried her best. She called me, and here I go. I load up my tools in my camper, travel 254 to her house. When I got there, the affected area was 16 square feet!!! When I got done with my Alpha turbo twist abrasives, no tin oxide, finished with the black final pad, up to a factory finish..... The abrasives are expensive, but well worth it! It took longer than 20 minutes, but I got paid and the customer was thrilled, that she did not to have to replace the island! And my polish matched the factory finish!
Just thought I would throw in my two cents.
David

	Polishing Polishing: This is the final stage, which leaves the surface with reflective characteristics.

	tin oxide TIN OXIDE A fine abrasive powder used in stone polishing compounds.

[WheelsUpCHB]

I am in Redondo Beach Ca.
I need a seam repair and would like to have one of the professionals in this forum help me out. Pls contact me if you know of someone in my area.

[Huligar]

how far are you from Fairfield, CA 94533