Choosing the correct diamond polishing pads is necessary if you want to achieve a great finish on concrete, as well as get the most bang for your buck.
Diamond polishing pads available on the market have different names, manufacturers, prices and styles. This can be overwhelming to some people, leading many people to choose a pad based on price alone. What many people do not realize, however, is that cheap pads may end up costing more in the long run. On the other hand, it’s probably not a great economic decision to run out and buy the most expensive pads you can find either.
Choosing the right diamond polishing pad begins by assessing what your plans are to do with it. Your choice in pad is influenced by tasks.
-
Will it be used for general honing?
-
Are you planning on doing high stock removal with it?
-
Are you polishing your concrete to a high gloss?
Pad Thickness
There are several different thicknesses for diamond polishing pads, ranging from approximately 2mm to 8mm. Pads which are thicker may last longer, but are stiffer and often warp after they dry. Thinner pads do not last as long as thick pads, but they have more flexibility. This is advantage when polishing or honing inside curved connected sinks.
Pad Size
Larger pads are more stable than smaller pad areas because they are large and flat. However, when using larger pads on concrete sections that are narrow, they tend to become unstable. If you are using a pad 7” in diameter on a concrete strip that is 3” wide, it will not cut evenly or stay flat. They are hard to also use on the edges of vertical countertops.
Smaller pads have a higher chance of gouging when working on large areas with a big polisher and are less stable in general. However, they work great for processing narrow sections and edges.
A diamond pad 5” in diameter is an all-around good size. Pads that are 4” come with many inexpensive polisher packages. However, they can be hard to control when using polishers that are hand held. They are meant for use on stone, which is hard and not as likely to gouge.
Diamond Polishing Pads Recommended for Concrete Countertops
These are features wanted in diamond polishing pads for concrete countertops:
-
High concentration of diamonds for fast cutting
-
Narrow gradation of diamonds for a surface that is swirl-free
-
Thick enough to have long lifespan
-
Thin enough for flexibility
-
Channel design to prevent clogging and eject slurry
-
Resin binder to have long life without any glazing
Considering these factors will help you select a polishing pad that is right for your concrete countertop.
