Stone and Floor Renovation: A Complete Guide to Wet Polishing vs. Dry Polishing (2026 Practical Edition)

1. Marble polishing: We strongly recommend using water polishing pads (wet polishing).

One-sentence conclusion: 90%+ of normal residential/commercial decoration scenarios shouldWet grinding with water-based grinding discs.This is currently the most cost-effective, safest, and most visually appealing mainstream approach.

Common marble construction process

  • coarse grinding stage(50#~300#): Dry grinding or semi-dry/semi-wet grinding can be performed first (to reduce water penetration and avoid alkali reaction and yellowing later).
  • From medium to fine grinding(300#~3000#):Wet grinding is necessary.Almost all professional technicians will add water.
  • Final polishing/crystallizationUse a soft pad + crystal hardener, usually with a small amount of water or dry polishing.

Water-polished vs. dry-polished pads comparison chart (marble perspective)

project Wet grinding pads Dry grinding discs (dry grinding) Marble Recommendation
Heat dissipation effect very good Normal (easily gets hot) Water milling wins hands down
Stone damage risk Low (not easy to burn/discolor) Higher (white marble is most prone to yellowing when burned). Water milling wins hands down
dust Almost no (slurry) Extremely large (requires powerful vacuuming) Water milling wins hands down
Gloss/Smoothness Better and easier to get out of the mirror Slightly inferior, prone to leaving marks Water milling wins hands down
Grinding disc life Longer shorter Water milling wins hands down
price Cheap Obviously expensive Water milling wins hands down
Disease risk High risk (waterproofing is necessary beforehand) Lower (high temperature forces out water vapor) Dry grinding is slightly better

Only in very special circumstances should full dry grinding be considered.The site must not be flooded, there is valuable wood veneer nearby, and there is a risk of serious blockage of the sewers.

II. Tile Grinding: Wet grinding throughout the entire process is also highly recommended.

One-sentence conclusionTiles are hard, but they are more susceptible to damage from high temperatures that could burn the glaze.90%+ of renovations use wet sanding with water-based grinding pads.most.

(Similar to the comparison table for marble, wet polishing has more obvious advantages on ceramic tiles: less chipping and less yellowing of the glaze.)

Dry grinding throughout the entire process is not recommended.Unless the site is extremely dry, dry grinding of light-colored tiles can easily cause problems.

III. Which materials are best suited for dry grinding? (The preferred scenario for dry grinding pads)

The best materials for dry grinding (recommended from highest to lowest)

  1. Granite (Artificial Stone) ★★★★★ Can be dry-ground throughout the process, heat resistant, and does not easily discolor.
  2. Artificial stone/quartz stone ★★★★☆ High density, heat resistant
  3. Microcrystalline stone/microcrystalline glass ★★★★☆ Extremely hard, excellent dry polishing for a mirror finish
  4. Dark-colored vitrified tiles/unglazed tiles ★★★☆☆ (Light colors should be used with caution)
  5. Concrete sealing and curing floor ★★★☆☆

Marble & Light-colored TilesDry grinding is highly discouraged and not recommended for use throughout the entire process.

IV. Can all surfaces be water-polished?Answer: Absolutely not!

Suitable for wet polishing (mainstream stone types)

  • Marble, ceramic tile, granite, artificial stone, microcrystalline stone
  • Concrete, terrazzo, etc.

Wet grinding is strictly prohibited (it will directly damage the material).

  • Solid wood/engineered wood flooring → absorbs water, swells, warps, and molds.
  • Carpets → Thoroughly soaked, breeding bacteria
  • Metal floors (stainless steel, etc.) → rust and corrosion
  • Bamboo flooring, some PVC flooring, and floors in precision instrument rooms → susceptible to water penetration.

V. Final Summary (Just memorize it and you'll be fine)

  • Stone/Ceramic Tiles: Bright, Smooth, and SafeWet grinding pads + wet grinding (preferred)
  • Super heat resistant + Must not be exposed to water on siteDry grinding disc(Granite/quartz, etc.)
  • Wood / Carpet / MetalWet grinding is prohibited.Only dry or other methods are possible.

Tips:
Wet polishing = clean, high-gloss, and safe, but water usage must be carefully controlled.
Dry grinding is flexible and free from water damage, but it produces a lot of dust, so proper protective measures are necessary.

Recommended purchase: SPTA 15-pack of water-based resurfacing tablets!



Marbrofin X Green Polishing Compound

PS:As an Amazon Affiliate member, I earn commissions from qualified purchases.

Author: LU YUAN

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *