Unit 7B, 30-32 Barcoo Street, Roseville NSW 2069
Unit 7B, 30-32 Barcoo Street, Roseville NSW 2069
Bringing new life to granite, marble, concrete or fabricated stone is easy when the right diamond polishing pads are used.
The diamond polishing pad – also known as a granite polishing pad – is a highly versatile tool used for polishing and smoothing concrete, granite, marble, terrazzo and more. They are vital in the final stages of stone projects, allowing the user to rough grind, shape, and polish with ease.
However, selecting the best diamond polishing pad for your project is the difference between a good finish and a great one.
Choosing the appropriate pad begins with evaluating the intended purpose. Consider these questions:
Each answer will impact your pad choice. When selecting a diamond polishing pad, pay close attention to certain characteristics such as size, thickness, and quality. Choose correctly, and your diamond polishing pad will work wonders. If you overlook these important aspects, your entire project could be at stake.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of diamond polishing pads available and how to choose the most suitable pad for your next project.
Ever wondered how professionals achieve attractive, shiny surfaces on concrete and marble? The secret lies in the diamond polishing pad. A diamond polishing pad is a specialised abrasive tool that can be used to polish and refinish stone, concrete, and other hard surfaces.
A diamond polishing pad is crafted with diamond particles set in a resin or metal matrix. These tiny diamonds work their magic, smoothing surfaces, and eliminating imperfections to achieve that flawless finish we all admire.
With different grit levels available, the pads cater to various projects, whether it’s rough grinding or fine polishing. So, whether you’re renovating your concrete floor or giving your marble countertop a fresh look, a high-quality diamond polishing pad is a must-have companion for any stone-related project.
Keep your surfaces shining without the use of chemicals or wax. Diamach is home to a wide variety of industrial-grade diamond polishing pads and stone masonry tools in Sydney.
Unlike the diamonds used for jewellery, diamond polishing pads are made with industrial-grade diamonds. These industrial diamonds are synthetic and have specific properties that make them highly effective for the polishing process.
The main difference between diamond polishing pads and conventional polishing pads lies in the abrasive material used. Conventional polishing pads typically use materials like silicon carbide or aluminium oxide as abrasives. While they can work well for certain applications, they are not as efficient and long-lasting as diamond polishing pads.
Diamonds, being one of the hardest materials on Earth, have superior abrasive properties, making them highly effective in grinding and polishing hard surfaces like concrete and stone. Diamond polishing pads are known for their exceptional durability and ability to achieve high-quality finishes. They can efficiently remove scratches, imperfections, and surface irregularities, resulting in a smooth and shiny surface.
In contrast, conventional polishing pads wear out more quickly and may not deliver the same level of precision and smoothness that diamond polishing pads can achieve. They are better suited for softer materials and lighter polishing tasks.
Diamach offers exceptional diamond tools in Sydney for use across all industries and specialisations. Browse our specially designed diamond polishing pads in Sydney perfect for maintaining and resurfacing concrete surfaces.
No two pads are the same, and understanding this will help you tailor your choice to your specific needs and desired outcomes. From the type of stone you’re working with to the thickness and size of the pad, every detail counts.
Diamond polishing pads are available in a variety of sizes and grits which allow for a wide range of applications. To start with, diamond polishing pads can be divided into two main categories: wet polishing pads and dry polishing pads.
Wet polishing pads are often credited with giving an overall better shine, however, with dry pad technology catching up, there isn’t a whole lot of difference. Location will most likely be the main factor in choosing your equipment; for instance, working in an industrial setting vs at home.
Wet polishing is often restricted to fabricators’ workshops due to the amount of slurry it produces. This can often stain surroundings, with dry polishing being the favourite for on-the-job polishing.
When working with dry pads, as a precaution, always use personal protective equipment (PPE). Additionally, certain materials, such as Caesarstone, should not be polished dry due to the potential risk of silicosis—a potentially fatal condition resulting from exposure to dust particles.
Aside from wet and dry, diamond polishing pads can be distinguished by size, thickness, pattern and diamond quality.
Larger pads with a diameter of 7 inches offer significantly improved stability on large, flat surfaces compared to their smaller counterparts. However, when it comes to narrow sections of concrete, the larger pads lose their stability and struggle to maintain a flat surface. Using 7 inch diameter pads on the vertical edges of countertops proves to be challenging.
A good all-around size is a 4-5 inch diamond polishing pad. These smaller pads provide the stability and control needed for polishing tight edges while still offering the power and speed of a larger pad on large surfaces. This way, you can tackle both hard-to-reach areas as well as larger flat surfaces with one set of tools.
Diamach has a wide range of diamond polishing pads in Sydney of all sizes ideal for the cleaning and maintenance of marble, granite, polished concrete surfaces and terrazzo.
Diamond polishing pads are available in various thicknesses, ranging from approximately 2mm thin to 8mm. Thicker pads will last longer, but thicker pads are stiffer and may become misshapen when they dry.
On the flip side, thinner pads don’t last as long (especially when aggressively polishing), but they are more flexible. This is a big advantage when polishing curved stone.
When choosing a diamond polishing pad for a specific application, it is important to consider the size of the surface area being polished and the desired finish. For larger surfaces, like floors or countertops, thicker pads are best suited. They provide better coverage and more consistent results than thinner pads.
The pattern or grit grade moulded into the cutting surface of a diamond polishing pad plays a significant role in the lifespan and the cutting quality. Here’s a brief guide to different grit levels below:
30/50 grit (Heavy Grinding) – Primarily utilised for eliminating deep scratches, heavy damage, or removing the scratch pattern from earlier metal grinding stages. These aggressive grits result in a rough surface with visible scratches.
100/200 grit (Honing) – Employed to remove moderately deep scratches or damage, these grits leave the surface smooth to the touch but still offer anti-slip properties when wet. The scratches left behind are barely visible.
400/800 grit (Fine Honing) – These grits mark the initial steps in the polishing process. They are used to eliminate light scratches, acid etching, and general wear damage. The outcome is a dull to satin shine.
1500/3000 (Polishing) – The final stages of polishing. These grits are too fine to remove any damage and focus on producing shine. If surface damage is present, using a lower grit is recommended. With the correct process, a mirror shine can be achieved.
8500/BUFF (Fine Polishing) – Although not always necessary, some materials respond differently to polishing. In such cases, these grits serve as a final buff, providing an added touch of shine.
As a general rule, start with a lower grit number, which is more coarse, and gradually move to a higher grit for a finer finish. Each successive grit removes the scratches from the previous stage. Skipping grits can lead to inconsistent polishing and may leave scratches on the surface.
Searching for the correct diamond polishing pad for your next stone project? From grit sizes to expert advice, contact the friendly team at Diamach.
While it’s very easy to see the thickness and channel pattern in a diamond pad, it’s nearly impossible to assess the quality of the diamonds used. Ultimately it’s the diamonds that do the cutting, and they are what gives it a higher price tag. The better the quality of the diamond, the better the grading.
You can come across $1 pads and $100 pads that appear nearly identical at first glance, however, the difference lies in the quality of the diamonds used. To make sure you receive the right product, it’s essential to trust your supplier and rely on them to provide accurate information about the materials used.
Low-cost pads use low-grade diamonds, which are prone to more flaws and have poorer gradation. These pads might have fewer diamonds overall, and their gradation can be less precise. For example, a 100-grit pad may contain a mix of smaller diamonds (like 70 grit) alongside coarser diamonds. As a consequence, these pads lead to lower surface quality, with more visible scratches, and slower cutting due to the amount of smaller diamonds in the pad.
Diamach‘s premium range of diamond polishing pads last 10 times longer than ordinary pads. With over 25 years of experience supplying diamond-based tools and equipment, you can trust the team at Diamach to stock only the highest-quality products for purchase. Explore our wide range of polishing pads and stone masonry tools in Sydney.
The art of stone polishing requires patience and practice, but with the right pad and technique, it can be mastered to perfection. Keep in mind the below tips and tricks for a desired result:
Slow and Steady: One of the most important things to remember when using diamond polishing pads is the need for a steady hand. The speed and pressure applied during the polishing process can significantly affect the outcome. Too much pressure can wear out the pad prematurely, while insufficient pressure may not give the desired finish. Experts recommend a balanced, medium pressure for best results.
Stay Close to Water: Another essential tip is to ensure an adequate water supply when using wet diamond polishing pads. Water acts as a coolant, preventing overheating and potential damage to both the pad and the stone surface. Conversely, ensure to keep the surroundings dry when using dry pads to prevent the risk of electric shock.
Use the Right RPM: Choosing the right RPM (Rotations Per Minute) on your grinder or polisher is also crucial. While a higher RPM will speed up the process, it can also increase the risk of overheating and cause the diamond grit to detach from the pad prematurely. Most experts recommend starting with a lower RPM and gradually increasing it as needed.
Break in Your Pads: The ‘break-in’ process is another aspect often overlooked. The idea is to start the first few minutes of polishing at a reduced speed to allow the diamonds to expose themselves, resulting in a smoother and more efficient operation.
Keep em’ Clean: Finally, remember to clean and maintain your diamond polishing pads regularly. After each use, rinse them under running water and use a nylon brush to remove any residual stone dust. This prolongs the lifespan of the pads and ensures consistent performance.
Quality Diamond Tools in Sydney
Industrial products need to work as hard as you do, which is why our range of diamond polishing pads are designed to last. To find out more about our modern and innovative range of stone masonry tools in Sydney, browse our online store here. As always, if you need product advice or technical help, send us a message or call (02) 8915 5095.
