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Polish Granite Edges: 5-Step Pro Method & Essential Tools | Johnson Tools

Master the art of polishing a granite bullnose edge. Our 5-step professional guide covers shaping to sealing, with time-saving tool recommendations and expert tips.

Transforming a raw granite slab into a functional piece of art with a silky, polished bullnose edge is what truly separates the amateur from the pro. While it requires skill, the process is entirely masterable with the right approach and tools.

This guide walks you through the five critical steps to convert a rough granite edge into a stunning, mirror-like shine.

Stone Profile Wheel Vacuum Brazed Diamond Grinding Cup Wheel Diamond Tools

Step 1: Secure Setup & Immobilization

Preparation is everything. Place the slab on a sturdy, level workbench with the edge to be worked on overhanging appropriately. Use heavy-duty clamps to secure the stone firmly against movement—this is critical for both safety and achieving an even profile. Before you start, protect the countertop's polished surface with painter's tape to prevent accidental scratches from tools or slurry.

Step 2: Precision Shaping with a Diamond Profile Wheel

This is where the curve is created. Mount a vacuum-brazed diamond profile wheel to your variable-speed wet polisher. Turn on the water feed to cool the tool and suppress dust. Start the machine at a moderate speed and begin moving it along the edge with uniform, overlapping strokes.

Pro Tip: Let the tool's weight do most of the work. Applying excessive pressure can lead to an uneven profile or damage the stone. Aim for a smooth, consistent half-circle shape.

Step 3: Progressive Polishing with Diamond Pads

Now that the rough edge is shaped, it's time to make it shine. Swap the profile wheel for a set of diamond polishing pads. It is imperative that you progress through each grit step-by-step (e.g., 50 -> 100 -> 200 -> 400 -> 800 -> 1500 -> 3000).

• Coarse Grits (50-200): Remove the deep scratches left by the profile wheel.

• Medium Grits (400-800): Smooth the surface, beginning to develop a satin sheen.

• Fine Grits (1500-3000+): Develop the mirror-like, high-gloss finish.

Keep the water flowing and the polisher moving continuously throughout to avoid swirl marks.

Step 4: Final Buffing and Sealing

For an ultimate mirror finish, a final buff with a granite polishing compound and a soft buffing pad after the finest polishing pad can make a difference. This fills any remaining micro-imperfections for a deeper glow.

Finally, the non-negotiable last step: Sealing. Protect your hard work with a high-quality, penetrating stone sealer. This guards against stains in daily use and makes maintenance a breeze for the end-user.

Pro Tools to Elevate Your Craft

• Variable-Speed Wet Polisher: Allows for control from shaping to polishing.

• Johnson Tools Diamond Profile Wheel: Known for fast cutting and long life, ensuring profile consistency.

• A Complete Diamond Polishing Pad Set: Quality is key. A full set prevents scratch bottlenecks in your process.

By mastering these steps and investing in the right equipment, you'll deliver impeccable granite edges every time. Need to outfit your toolkit with top-tier consumables? Contact the Johnson Tools team to find the perfect solution for your needs.