Grinding
Once the slabs are cut and marked, they are then sent for grinding. Grinding is a process to smoothen the surface of the granite, so they lose their grainy finish, as a result of the cutting process and achieve a smooth to touch finish
Grinding is done in a grinding machine with multiples heads attached to diamond abrasives of different densities to achieve an even surface finish. Again, water is used in this process to minimize heat created from friction.
Epoxy application
Epoxy resin is applied to fill all of the pits and micro-fissures that are occuring naturally and also to ensure the the stone is hardened further. This process makes sure that granite ages well over time and lasts longer while preserving its natural beauty. The proper combination of the color of the granite and the epoxy it is paired with will also contribute in bringing out and highlighting the natural color and pattern of the granite.
Before being treated, the surface of a granite slab has to be heated; to allow the surface of the material to allow the rock to absorb the resin more deeply. The material also needs to be completely clean and dry, so the resin can deeply penetrate in the smallest cracks of the surface. There are a wide range of epoxy chemicals which are paired with the right color and the application type is also critical to ensure the best finish.
The resin is then spread on the whole surface, and then reheated to ensure deeper penetration of the epoxy. After this the slab is left to cool and the epoxy further hardens the granite slab. On many occasions, to find the right combination for a granite color and epoxy match, a test slab is used with application of a varieties of epoxy on different parts of the slab to visualize the best outcome for every epoxy and finalizing one for that block.
Polishing
This is the final step before the granite slabs are ready. This step is done to remove any excess resin on top of the granite surface as well as smoothen the surface finish.
The slabs are processed with special silicon carbide abrasives in a polishing machine and goes through a process of differing hardness and pressure with 21 abrasives to ensure a smooth surface finish and a mirror like shine. We at SLS INDIA GRANITES ensure all the abrasive bricks have been used in right sequence to achieve highest level of smoothness and mirror finish.
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