How to Polish Sandstone
Although highly durable, sandstone’s sedimentary composition of tiny, compacted grains of quartz and other minerals makes the stone a highly absorbent one. Because of porosity levels, finishers typically treat sandstone tiles, countertops and other furnishings with penetrating or impregnating sealer.
Preserving the finish of a sandstone surface consists largely of maintaining the waterproof seal. When wanting increased sheen, the makeup of sandstone makes it insufficient for accepting traditional buff-on polishes. Polish sandstone instead by grinding.
Things You Will Need
- Scrub brush
- Dish soap
- Wet grinder/polisher
- Diamond-polishing pads (all grits)
- Stone sealer
- Sprayer or paintbrush
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Wash the sandstone thoroughly with warm water and dish soap. Rinse residue with fresh water.
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Grind the sandstone with a grinder/polisher with a 50-grit diamond-polishing pad attached. Grind the sandstone while it is still wet from being rinsed. Hold the spinning polishing pad flat against the surface and work it slowly back and forth across the sandstone. Mist the sandstone with water to re-wet, when necessary.
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Switch the 50-grit pad with a 100-grit pad and grind the sandstone again, in the same manner. Continue moving up through each grit, finishing with a 10,000-grit pad. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp towel. Allow the sandstone to dry.
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Spray or paint the limestone with several coats of penetrating or impregnating stone sealer. Allow coats to dry before adding another. Continue to apply coats until water beads on the surface. Wipe away drips or excess quickly with a lint-free towel. Add a few extra coats in high traffic situations. Reapply sealer as soon as there is evidence of a worn seal, for example a dull spot or when water no longer beads.
The Drip Cap
- Although highly durable, sandstone’s sedimentary composition of tiny, compacted grains of quartz and other minerals makes the stone a highly absorbent one.
- Because of porosity levels, finishers typically treat sandstone tiles, countertops and other furnishings with penetrating or impregnating sealer.
- Wash the sandstone thoroughly with warm water and dish soap.
- Hold the spinning polishing pad flat against the surface and work it slowly back and forth across the sandstone.
- Allow coats to dry before adding another.
References
Writer Bio
Mason Howard is an artist and writer in Minneapolis. Howard's work has been published in the "Creative Quarterly Journal of Art & Design" and "New American Paintings." He has also written for art exhibition catalogs and publications. Howard's recent writing includes covering popular culture, home improvement, cooking, health and fitness. He received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota.
Photo Credits
- Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
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