How to Sand Stone and Marble for a Polished Finish (120–3000 Grit Workflow)

Natural stone and marble bring timeless beauty to countertops, floors, and sculptures—but achieving a flawless polished surface requires the right sanding technique. This guide explains how to sand and polish stone safely, restoring its natural luster or refining it for a honed matte look.

Why Sanding Matters for Stone and Marble

Over time, stone surfaces develop dull spots, etching, or uneven texture. Sanding levels imperfections and reveals a fresh surface ready for polishing. By progressing through fine grits with water lubrication, you can restore the deep, reflective sheen of marble or granite without damaging the material.

Recommended Tools

• Wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper (120–3000 grit range).
• Orbital or hand sander with soft pad.
• Spray bottle or hose for water cooling.
• Stone polishing compound or marble powder.
• Microfiber cloths and squeegee.

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 120 grit – Flatten chips or uneven patches.
• 400 grit – Smooth the texture and remove tool marks.
• 800 grit – Begin building satin sheen.
• 1500 grit – Refine clarity for near-gloss appearance.
• 3000 grit – Final polish-ready surface for mirror gloss.

Step-by-Step: Sanding and Polishing Stone

1. Clean the surface. Remove all dirt, wax, and residue. For floors, mop and dry thoroughly before starting.
2. Initial leveling. Begin with 120 Grit (25-pack) to even out cracks, chips, or uneven edges. Keep the surface wet and sand in overlapping passes.
3. Intermediate smoothing. Move to 400 Grit (50-pack) wet/dry paper to remove scratches and start refining the stone’s texture.
4. Build the sheen. Continue with 800 Grit (100-pack) paper, maintaining consistent pressure. Rinse often to prevent slurry buildup.
5. Fine polishing. Sand with 1500 grit using gentle, circular motions. The surface should now reflect light evenly with a soft glow.
6. Final gloss. Finish with 3000 grit wet sanding for mirror clarity. Dry and buff with a marble polishing compound or powder until fully glossy.

Special Cases

For travertine or limestone, avoid coarse sanding below 220 grit—these stones are softer and can erode easily. For outdoor granite, stop at 1500 grit for a low-maintenance satin finish. For deep etching or burn marks, professional resurfacing may be required before sanding.

Pro Tips

• Always sand wet to reduce heat and extend sandpaper life.
• Work in small sections for uniform results.
• Change direction between grits to eliminate sanding lines.
• Inspect under natural light after each grit step for even finish.
• Seal polished stone after finishing to preserve the gloss and prevent staining.

Aftercare

• Clean with pH-neutral stone cleaner—avoid vinegar or acidic solutions.
• Re-seal every 1–2 years depending on traffic and exposure.
• Use soft pads or mats under heavy objects to prevent scratching.
• For minor dull spots, re-polish with 3000 grit and compound.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand marble? Not recommended—heat buildup can crack or discolor the surface.
• Is polishing necessary after 3000 grit? Yes—it enhances clarity and seals micro-scratches for full gloss.
• Can I sand stone countertops by hand? Yes, for small areas—use even pressure and plenty of water for cooling.

Watch & Learn

By carefully wet sanding stone and marble through 120 to 3000 grit and finishing with a polish, you’ll restore natural brilliance and durability—bringing elegance back to any countertop, floor, or sculpture.