Granat Sanding Schedule

[WPeters]

We just received our  RO 150 and ETS 150 and will use them for solid surface among other things.  We also have Granat paper.  Would someone have instructions on techniques(ie pads etc.) and a sanding schedule for Granat to finish solid surface?  Thank you!

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

First, let me say that this is not an area of expertise for me. The information below was provided by Steve Bace, our trainer in Vegas who has a very strong background in solid surface. Thanks to Steve for the info.

Solid Surface Sanding and Finishing

When finishing Solid Surfaces, the right combination of technique, tools, and abrasives will achieve superior results.

Technique

Begin by sanding from left to right (making sure to overlap your passes) then sand from front to back.  After the surface has been sanded in both directions, sand in a circular motion clockwise (following rotation of the sander) in an 8”–10” circle.  This circular motion makes the finish more even and reduces the checkerboard effect.  In order to avoid swirl marks in your finish, it is very important to sand along the rotation of the pad. If you sand against the rotation of the pad you face the likelihood of getting swirls in the finish.

To improve finish results remove any sanding dust or residue before proceeding to the next grit.  This dust is the same size as the last grit that was used, and the dust will be coarser than the next sanding grit and will thus hinder your progress toward the perfect finish.

For polishing high gloss finishes, (see below), follow this same method. Again, it is important to remove all compounds from the surface before moving on to the next step.

Seams may be taken down with either 80 or 120 grit Granat abrasive.  When sanding a seam, the Rotex sander should be used in Rotex mode (coarse sanding) up to 120 grit. With grits of 150 and above, it is recommended that you switch to Random Orbital mode (fine sanding). Feather out the seam, overlapping with successive grits to achieve a uniform finish.

Matte finish:

Light colored material - Granat or Tiatan II- 120, 150, 180, Vlies 280
Dark colored material – Granat or Titan II – 120, 150, 180, 220, Vlies 800

Satin Finish:

Light Colored - Granat or Titan II – 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, Vlies 800
Dark Colored – granat or Titan II – 120, 150,180, 220, 320, 400, Platin 500

Semi Gloss Finish:

Light Colored – Granat or Titan II – 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, 400, Platin 500
Dark colored – Granat or Titan II – 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, 400, Platin 500, 1000

Light and Dark Colored Surface - Type/Order of Grit

Gloss Finish: Granat or Titan II – 120, 150, 180, 220, 320, 400, Platin 500, 1000, 2000, 4000

High Gloss Finish:

Same grit sequence as the Gloss finish above. Follow sanding process by applying compounds with felt pads mounted on the polishing pad. Use sander in the gear driven Rotex mode on high speed for coarse sanding and polishing and move to low to medium speed (1-3) using the following pads and compounds:

• Hard felt – Rubbing compound (Marine grade)
• Soft felt – 3M Finess-It II
• Wool pad – Liquid glass

 

[Sean7a]

Awesome Shane.  Thanks for posting.

 

[woodie]

I recently refinished my own countertops. They are a light grey (Corian color "Dove").  I used a similar schedule to what Shane posted for the Satin finish. I used my Fein Multimaster with the Festool paper for corners and my RO150 for everything else.

I started with Granat 220, Granat 320, Granat 400, then Vlies 800.

I didn't like the finish the Vlies left. The finish just didn't seem consistent, leaving variations in the sheen. I tried the Vlies both dry and wet and still didn't like the result. I'm really picky so I decided to start over with Granat 320. I ordered some Titan II in 400 and 500 and skipped the Vlies. The finish turned out perfect! I felt the TitanII even gave me a more consistent finish at 400 compared to the Granat. Although the Granat did seem to last little longer.

Kris

 

[woodie]

Here's a picture before I did my final cleanup. There was a small seam that was faintly visible in the middle of where I took this picture.  Now I wish I had taken a before pic... D'oh!

 

[WPeters]

Thank you Shane!  That is what I was looking for!

 

[Paint and Hammer]

Thanks Shane, I printed that for future reference.

Now can we get that in Apple Scent?  [big grin]

I recently refinished my own countertops. They are a light grey (Corian color "Dove").  I used a similar schedule to what Shane posted for the Satin finish. I used my Fein Multimaster with the Festool paper for corners and my RO150 for everything else.

I started with Granat 220, Granat 320, Granat 400, then Vlies 800.

I didn't like the finish the Vlies left. The finish just didn't seem consistent, leaving variations in the sheen. I tried the Vlies both dry and wet and still didn't like the result. I'm really picky so I decided to start over with Granat 320. I ordered some Titan II in 400 and 500 and skipped the Vlies. The finish turned out perfect! I felt the TitanII even gave me a more consistent finish at 400 compared to the Granat. Although the Granat did seem to last little longer.

Kris

Kris, nice review.

A repeat customer of mine just asked me about her countertops. I said I didn't know anything about it. Didn't dawn on me that these could be buffed out.

Did you have any knife scratches, that sort of thing?

 

[woodie]

Thanks Paul. No knife scratches, just the usual fine scratches from normal wear. For deeper scratches you might go one step coarser. Although the visible seam smoothed out quickly with 220.

The counters look better than new now.

Kris