polishing marble for outdoors

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Robin,
I picked up an architect's source book last fall and saw your work in it. I
like your art and website.
The heart of the issue regarding polished outdoor stone, is starting with a
stone that does not degrade and oxidize when set outside in the sun and
rain. All the soft carving stones that are in the alabaster,limestone and
marble family will loose their polish eventually when exposed to sun and
rain.
Most marble and limestone will last for eon's outside, but the polish will
fade quickly. I just stop when I've got a good clean sanded finish. Using
the tool marks,and natural textures of the stone also give you a huge range
of possibilities.
Using granite and other hard , yet beautiful stone for polished outdoor
sculpture work great, but its a lot more time and work to get it done.
Polished granite seems to last forever.
Polishing marble after 1500 grit is real easy, but there is not a single
best way to do it.
I prefer to use a marble floor tile sealer that is an acrylic liquid wax.
After 600 grit sanding, I use a cloth and rub on the sealer. I rub it in as
thin as possible. I like it to be drying as I go. No drips and puddles.
After a couple of times around, I get a clear high polish that has not
yellowed after many years. The oldest piece with this polish is 10 years,
indoors and looks like it was done yesterday.
The polish is harder than the stone, gives you protection from stains and
scratches, and is fast and easy. The easy part is most important, because
I've become very lazy. Polishing the old way is way to much work!
Keep up the good work,
George Graham