Ceramic and porcelain stoneware

The Importance of Polishing Ceramic and Porcelain Stoneware

Polishing ceramic and porcelain stoneware is a technical process that requires precision and specialized tools. Both materials are popular for wall and floor coverings due to their aesthetics and durability, but their unique properties present specific challenges.

Ceramic, being more fragile, can chip if not handled carefully, while porcelain stoneware is extremely hard and compact, making it resistant but more difficult to work with. To achieve a flawless polish, high-precision diamond tools are needed, capable of working without damaging the material.

Characteristics of Ceramic and Porcelain Stoneware

1. Ceramic:

• Softer and more porous material.
• Prone to chipping if excessive pressure is applied.
• Ideal for residential interiors.

1. Porcelain Stoneware:

• More compact, dense, and abrasion-resistant.
• Less porous, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Perfect for exterior and commercial environments.

Diamond Tools According to the Polishing Process

Just like with floor polishing, diamond tools are classified by grit:

• Coarse grit (50-100):
  Used for initial grinding and removing surface imperfections. Ideal for leveling ceramic tiles and preparing the surface.
• Medium grit (400-800):
  At this stage, a uniform polish is achieved by removing finer scratches and defects without damaging the material.
• Fine grit (1500-3000):
  This step obtains shiny, mirror-like finishes, highly valued in porcelain stoneware floors for hotels, offices, and high-end homes.

Step-by-Step Ceramic and Porcelain Stoneware Polishing Process

1. Initial Preparation
   Clean the surface to remove dust, grease, or construction residues.
   Check if tiles have any cracks or significant unevenness.
2. Initial Grinding
   Use 50-100 grit tools to level the tiles and remove surface defects. For porcelain stoneware, adjust rotation speed to low levels to avoid cracks.
3. Intermediate Polishing
   With 400-800 grit tools, smooth the surface and remove minor marks without compromising integrity. In ceramic, apply moderate pressure to avoid chipping.
4. Final Finishing
   Use fine diamond pads (1500-3000 grit) to achieve a mirror shine on porcelain stoneware floors and a satin finish on ceramic.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
   Complete the process with a deep cleaning to remove residues. Using sealants can prolong shine and protect the surface.

Key Tips to Avoid Damage in Ceramic and Porcelain Stoneware

• Adjust speed: Porcelain stoneware requires lower speeds to prevent friction damage.
• Apply constant cooling: Use water or coolants to avoid overheating tools and material.
• Moderate pressure: Never apply too much force, especially on ceramic.
• Clean tools: Removing residues extends tool life and improves the final result.

Practical Applications of Ceramic and Porcelain Polishing

• Restoration of old tiles: Recovering shine in homes, hotels, and shopping centers.
• Commercial flooring: In shops and offices where daily wear requires constant maintenance.
• Decorative finishes: On walls and floors to achieve high aesthetic value surfaces.

Practical Example: Polishing in a Shopping Mall

In a shopping mall with porcelain stoneware floors, the surface showed wear from daily traffic. A three-step polishing process was carried out:

• Initial grinding to remove imperfections.
• Intermediate polishing to smooth the floor.
• Fine grit finishing to restore the material’s original appearance.

The result was a restored, shiny floor that was much easier to maintain.

If you work with harder materials like granite and marble, we invite you to read our guide on polishing granite, marble, and natural stone.