Are your marble countertops looking dull, perhaps with light scratches in the surface? You can restore their gleam while removing light imperfections by polishing them.
This is a DIY project with the right products, so you’ll save more than 50% of the cost of hiring a contractor and have the satisfaction of success.
Your Tools and Supplies List for Marble Polishing
Having all your supplies together at the start saves you time and keeps you focused on the task at hand. Here’s what you’ll need for polishing marble countertops.
- Mild cleaner and a sponge
- Low-speed polisher or variable-speed grinder
- Soft rag or brush for applying sealer
- Dia-Glo Marble Complete Repolishing and Sealing Kit that includes:
1 quart of Diaglo polishing compound for marble
1-3″ hook & loop backed dense felt wheel
1-3″ rigid backer for the felt wheel
1-¼ liter of Tenax Hydrex Impregnating Stone Sealer
1 DVD – Fabricating Stone for the Do-It-Yourselfer
Reasons to Use a Polishing Kit
There are two important reasons for using a ready-made kit like the Dia-Glo product. First, you have all that you need in one place, and the supplies are designed to work together. Secondly, the containers of the polishing compound and the sealer give clear directions while the DVD shows you how to do it. The kit really sets you up to do the job properly for outstanding results.
How to Polish Marble Countertops or Floors
The first step is to watch the segment of the DVD that relates to polishing and sealing marble. The DVD covers the entire process of installing, polishing and sealing marble. You’ll find it helpful and quite interesting.
Before polishing, clean the marble with a mild, non-abrasive detergent and a sponge or soft cloth. Make sure the soap is completely removed and that the marble is dry before proceeding.
If your marble is stained, consider using Tenax Rust Poultice Stain Remover before polishing.
The next step is to polish the marble while following the directions on the polishing compound container and the DVD. Attach the backer and the felt wheel to the polisher or grinder.
Pour out the prescribed amount of polishing compound onto the surface. A little goes a long way. Work the compound with the felt wheel at low to medium speed. Most contractors work a section of one to two square feet at a time. Let the compound and your tool do the work – don’t press too hard!
Corners are hard to reach with a sanding wheel. Instead, use compound and a cloth. Polish the marble in a rotary fashion. This is a good method for countertop edges too.
Sealing Polished Marble Countertops
Once the polishing is complete, use a vacuum or dry cloth to gently remove the polishing compound. Finish the job with a damp cloth, so that no compound remains.
Wait until the next day to seal the marble. Apply the sealer with a soft, clean rag or a soft-bristled brush. The Tenax impregnating sealer container gives specific directions that make the job easy and successful. When the sealer has dried completely, your countertops will look like new and be ready to use.