How to Sand Stone and Marble Surfaces: Smooth & Polish Guide (120–3000 Grit)

Natural stone like marble, granite, and limestone adds timeless beauty to homes—but scratches, etching, or uneven surfaces can dull their appearance. With the right sanding process, you can restore stone surfaces to a smooth, polished finish that shines like new.

Why Sand Stone & Marble?

Stone surfaces wear down over time from foot traffic, spills, and abrasion. Sanding removes surface imperfections, levels uneven spots, and preps the stone for polishing. This process is essential for countertops, tabletops, and flooring that need restoration.

Tools You’ll Need

• Wet/dry sandpaper sheets (120–3000 grit)
• Sanding block or orbital sander with water feed
• Respirator mask and safety goggles
• Bucket of clean water & spray bottle
• Polishing compound & felt pad

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 120 grit: Initial leveling for rough or damaged stone.
• 220 grit: Refining after coarse sanding.
• 400–800 grit: Smoothing scratches and prepping for polishing.
• 1200–2000 grit: Pre-polish clarity.
• 3000 grit: Ultra-fine, glass-like finish.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Clean the surface. Remove dust, debris, and oils before sanding.
2. Start with 120 grit. Wet sand using 120 grit (25-pack) for leveling chips and scratches.
3. Refine with 220 grit. Smooth the surface using 220 grit (50-pack) wet/dry sheets.
4. Move through 400–800 grit. Alternate directions with each grit to eliminate scratches. Consider 800 grit (100-pack) for consistent polishing prep.
5. Polish with 1200–2000 grit. Achieve a smooth, reflective surface.
6. Finish with 3000 grit. Use ultra-fine sheets for a mirror-like finish before applying polishing compound.
7. Buff with compound. Apply a stone polish using a felt pad for long-lasting shine.

Special Cases

For marble, avoid aggressive coarse grits unless absolutely necessary—marble is softer than granite and can wear quickly. For outdoor stone, stopping at 800–1200 grit often provides a more natural matte look.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to keep dust under control and prevent overheating.
• Work evenly—uneven sanding can cause dips in softer stones.
• Check progress under bright light to spot missed scratches.
• Seal the stone after polishing to protect against stains and water absorption.

Aftercare

• Clean stone surfaces with pH-neutral cleaners only.
• Reapply sealer every 6–12 months for countertops.
• Use felt pads under furniture on stone floors to prevent scratches.

FAQs

• Can I sand marble by hand? Yes, but it’s slower—an orbital sander with water feed speeds up the process.
• Will sanding remove stains? Only surface-level stains; deeper ones may require poultice treatments.
• Is 3000 grit necessary? Only if you want a mirror finish. For matte looks, stop earlier in the grit sequence.

Watch & Learn

Sanding stone and marble is a patient process, but the results are worth it. Explore our full range of medium grits, fine sheets, and ultra-fine sandpapers to restore and polish your stone surfaces beautifully.