It is extremely important to note that desired finishes can only be reached by proven techniques in sanding, buffing, and polishing.  If these procedures and techniques are not understood, an unwanted finish may occur.  However, there is good news.  All finishes can be refinished to the desired result with the right techniques and tools.  The finish is the sole responsibility of the fabricator or end user. 

There are different types and grits of sandpaper.  To understand more about sandpaper and to see a conversion chart for P-Grade sandpaper to micron sandpaper, the following website maybe helpful http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandpaper

To achieve a desired finish, we recommend using the highest numbered/finest grit sandpaper possible that will still work in sanding the surface.  Using sandpaper that is too coarse at the beginning will cause scratches to be made by the sandpaper that will later have to be sanded out with finer grit sandpaper.  If deep scratches are present, starting with 100-grit sandpaper maybe suitable.  If no scratches are present, starting with 220-grit sandpaper usually works.  Wet sanding is preferred to keep dust out of the work environment.  Sanding must be completed in steps.  Generally increasing sandpaper grits by 150 to 200 grit is an adequate increase for each sanding step.  Depending on the type of sandpaper, the type of sander, and other factors, usually sanding for 1 to 2 minutes per square foot is sufficient for each sandpaper grit used.  Changing sanding directions from left to right, to up and down, to diagonally, may lead to better results. Each sanding step must be thoroughly completed.  No sanding steps should be skipped or left partially completed.  Use increasingly finer grit wet/dry sandpaper in steps until the desired finish is achieved. 

Matte finish:  A matte finish is recommended in most applications.  This finish shows scratches the least.  Usually sanding in steps to reach a finish of 320-grit will achieve a matte finish.  A maroon abrasive pad may also be helpful on the final stage.  Using a product like Countertop Magic (r) can help condition the surface and create a uniform color.

Satin finish:  A satin finish is harder to maintain than a matte finish.  This finish may be desirable to enhance darker colors. Usually sanding in steps up to 400-grit will achieve a satin finish.  A gray abrasive pad may also be helpful.  A polishing liquid and buffing may be needed to get the desired finish.

Semi-gloss & Gloss finishes:  These finishes generally require special techniques and equipment to complete.  Sanding, buffing, and polishing techniques are extremely important to attain these finishes.  A rubbing compound and a polishing compound will most likely be required to get these finishes.   Generally careful attention to sanding in steps of 150 to 200 grit increases should be used.  One method of achieving a gloss finish is to start with 220-grit sandpaper and to increase to 320-grit, then 400-grit, then 600-grit, then 800-grit, then 1000-grit, then 1200-grit, then to use a rubbing compound, and to finish with a polishing compound that is buffed to the desired finish.


This information is believed to be reliable but should not be interpreted as a warranty for which Diamond Surfaces USA™ assumes legal responsibility.  The user must verify and test the suitability of any information or products for his or her specific application. Merchantability or fitness or usage for a particular purpose is not guaranteed.
Countertop Magic (r) is a registured trademark of Magic American Products, Inc.