PERFECTING MARBLE EDGES

　　More commonly seen in bathrooms, marble countertops can also create a bold, heat-resistant and durable statement in your kitchen. Marble, similar to granite, comes in a large slab. The machined edges are often rough, scratched or unfinished, without the shine most people desire. Although most full slabs are polished by running water over the stone and grinding away scratches to keep down the dust, wetting the marble isn't necessary if you're only polishing the edges. It's safer to work with power tools away from water.

Edge Treatments

　　1
　　Put on your safety goggles and dust mask. Since you're not running water over the stone, which is a safety hazard around power tools, protect your eyes and lungs from the dust created by polishing the edges of your marble.

　　2
　　Adjust the angle grinder's speed to 2,800 r.p.m. Press a 50-grit diamond grinding disk against the angle grinder's round pad.

　　3
　　Place the angle grinder against the edge of the marble and move the grinder from left to right along the entire edge. The 50-grit disk removes the large scratches and machine marks and begins smoothing the surface. If you want to bevel the bottom edge, hold the grinder at an angle along the bottom corner, making two or three passes with the grinder.

　　4
　　Remove the 50-grit disk and replace it with a 100-grit disk. Grind the edge of the marble slab with the 100-grit disk, making two or three passes. This disk removes most of the remaining deep scratches.

　　5
　　Switch the disk for a 200-grit one and make two or three passes along the edge of your marble. This smooths the edge and removes any tiny scratches that remain.

Edge Treatments

　　6

　　Change to a 400-grit diamond disk to begin polishing the edge of the marble. You should notice a slight shine to the edge after using this disk. Switch to an 800-grit disk for a couple of passes, then move to a 1,500-grit disk. These create a bright, polished shine on the edge of the marble. If you desire even more of a polished edge, finish it with a 3,000-grit polishing disk.