Polishing basalt, granite

["George Graham" <georgergraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Randy,

Here is some clarification on the powders I use to color tin oxide and hide
pores in granite.

You can find cement coloring powders where ever cement and mortar is sold.
The powders can be mixed together to match the color of the stone you are
working on. mixing black with red will give you brown for example.
A little bit goes a very long way.

Wash all the excess polishing compound out of the pores with a pressure
washer. You may not need to play with coloring agents at all.

If you still have white specks of polishing compound after you are done
polishing and washing, you can use pure coloring powders with a little water
to make a paste, and buff it on your work.

The rpm's of your tools is not nearly a important as the pressure you put on
the surface. The buffing grinder I use has low rpm's and a lot of power so I
can really lean on it . I know this  contradicts what I said about having a
light touch. If I'm polishing a large flat area, like a beveled  or
champherd edge, I work a 2 to 3 foot section at a time, and really put a lot
of pressure on the stone. If I'm working a small rounded , or projecting
area shape,I back off and use a very light touch to avoid heat damage.

The powders are great for tinting epoxy and polyester glues. Once again, a
little goes a very long ways.

It sounds to me like you are very close to getting the finish you want. Just
keep improving and experimenting with your technique and you will be fine.

Good luck
George Graham