Quick Answer

The gloss comes from the sequence, not from any single pad. Burnish granite countertops with resin-bond diamond pads from 50# through 3000# on a variable-speed wet polisher, working each grit stage until the previous scratch marks are gone. Finish with a 3000# (and optionally 6000#) pad plus a stone burnish compound for a true mirror.

For machine-matched tooling, browse our Diamond Resin Polishing Pads for Concrete & Terrazzo... range.

The Grit Sequence for Granite

The practical details.

• 50–100# — strip saw marks, chips and level the edge.
• 200–400# — refine the surface, strip 100# scratch marks.
• 800–1500# — start the reflectivity; surface becomes satin.
• Burnish compound — final buff for depth and streak-free reflectivity.
• 3000# (and 6000#) — mirror finish.

Crews that rush this part rarely get a mirror finish.

About Key Technique Points

Key points for the polishing sequence.

Our 5''/125mm Resin burnish pads in the full grit stage set are the standard for countertop work.

• Clean between grit stages — wipe the surface so loose grit stage doesn't scratch mark back.
• Don't skip grit stages — a skipped grit stage shows as haze in the final mirror.
• Wet burnish — water cools the granite and carries away grinding slurry.
• Variable speed — 2000–3500 rotations per minute for resin pads; slower for metal-bonded matrix.

This stage decides how much reflection the floor finally shows.

Problems: Common Cases

What matters most in this stage.

Miss this step and the gloss will not come up evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I dry polish granite countertops?

A: The practical answer is, Yes, with dry pads and a industrial vacuum, however wet burnishing gives a more suitable mirror and longer pad life. Dry is for rapid touch-ups.

Q: How exactly many grits do I need for a mirror finish?

A: For most jobs, At minimum 5 stages: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000. A 3000# finish with compound reads as mirror on granite.

Q: Is it necessary to need 6000# pads?

A: In short, Optional — 3000# plus a burnishing compound gives a mirror on most granites. 6000# adds extra depth on dark stones.

Looking for the right tool? Check our Diamond Resin Floor Polishing Pads. Looking for the right tool? Check our 8 Triangles Diamond Resin Floor Polishing Pads.

Conclusion

The finish is the sum of the stages - stay disciplined and the floor shines. Mirror granite comes from a complete wet resin sequence, clean technique and no skipped grit stages.