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housefire
I'm back with additional inquiries.
Recently, I purchased some inexpensive 4" resin diamond dry polishing pads, and it turns out the adage "you get what you pay for" rings true. I managed to polish 10 linear feet with these, but the higher grit pads are already worn out. I know I have to invest in some better quality pads; I’m curious about how long the pricier options typically last. Is spending the extra money worthwhile?
JTG
Lissa,
The cost of pads can indeed become quite high. I’ve found that using Velcro sandpaper pads, which range from $0.49 to $1.24 each, yield satisfactory results.
If you opt for dry or wet polishing diamond resin pads, you'll look at prices around $14 to $16 each, and they seem to last a bit longer.
If you’re doing this as a hobby, sticking with the cheaper pads might be a good idea.
housefire
Jerry, thank you for your insight!
I connected with a local stone worker who offered to lend me his set of diamond pads, enabling me to complete this job (we’re hosting important guests this Sunday). Talk about luck!
Back to my initial question—what is the lifespan of the more expensive pads? Any estimates on the linear feet they can cover?
Autoplay
That really depends on the type of stone you are polishing.
If you're working with softer materials like marble, ALPHA pads which are designed for dry use could be a suitable option. They typically retail for about $5-6 each and come in different grits including coarse, medium, and fine.
They fit on a 4.5" disc/side grinder with an arbor adapter if necessary. I’ve used a Makita with these and managed to polish about 120 linear feet of granite with wet pads/Velcro before noticing any significant wear.
Hamilton
Those prices sound quite low for pads; I usually pay between $20 and $30 per pad. One tip to prolong the life of your pads is to maintain an even pressure on the surface you’re polishing.
Tilting the pads can accelerate edge wear. Ten linear feet really shouldn't wear them out that quickly. Check out Master Wholesale.com for a selection if you're considering purchasing. I typically use a local supplier.
housefire
Thanks to all for your advice!
Hamilton, I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that I bought a set from eBay for $48 plus shipping. It included a range from 50 grit to 3000. They did perform some polishing, but their lifespan was disappointingly short.
housefire
I neglected to mention that,
The material I am working on is all granite tiles, currently focusing on Volga Blue. If it keeps spalling, I might need to rebrand it to Spalling Blue!
Although it's stunning, I’m finding the polishing challenging.
The stone guy I consulted mentioned a particular brand of pads, possibly Gen-X, but I haven't been able to find them online.
NVC
Hi Lisa,
I personally use Gen-X pads sourced from Braxton & Bragg (1-800-575-xxxx). A complete set of nine costs about $299, while individual replacements are around $35 each (I have no ties to them).
These can be utilized both wet and dry, but ensure not to run them too fast, as that may cause damage; the pads must be used with a variable speed grinder for optimal utilization.
Stoneguy
If you were willing to invest in a set of Alpha pads, you likely wouldn't encounter issues with the Volga Blue spalling. When I remodeled my kitchen with this stone, I barely had any chipping, and the Alphas produced a finish just as nice on the edges as on the face—no noticeable wear even after polishing over 100 linear feet of 3cm Volga with wet pads.
Autoplay
These Alpha pads are undoubtedly high-quality. They’re specifically designed for wet usage, making them ideal for granite. For users needing dry pad options, Alpha offers a dedicated dry pad for marble polishing that costs about $5-6.
housefire
Once again, thanks for the recommendations! I plan to pick up some Gen-X pads as soon as my husband returns from scuba diving. I still have an 8-foot vanity and two shorter countertops to tackle, along with my kitchen counters that measure about 20 linear feet. Better to invest in good pads to avoid borrowing from others. I’ll need polished edges straightened out by Sunday, or it could be a big problem! :)
Levi the Tile Guy
I have a great fondness for Gen-X pads. As a friendly reminder, you might want to consider wet polishing for a smoother finish and longer pad life.
NVC
I thought I'd drop in on that remark from Rich, but regardless of your approach, just don’t forget to keep it dust-free while you're working—keep that dust mask handy haha.
Good luck with your project!
TJoeC
I hardly knew cheering on Lissa would stir up such light-hearted banter about diamond pad loans.
Nevertheless, are you making any progress on your granite? Time is ticking! :shrug:
Are you interested in learning more about Wholesale Diamond Polishing Pads? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
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