Polishing and beveling the edges of your new quartz countertop will give it a clean, finished look. With some basic tools and a bit of elbow grease, you can achieve a professional result. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to bevel and polish a quartz countertop end yourself.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the necessary supplies:

• Safety gear – gloves, goggles, mask
• Orbital sander with 80, 120, 220 grit sandpaper
• Sanding block with 400, 600 grit sandpaper
• Diamond polishing pads in 400, 800, 1500 grit
• Clean cloths
• Mineral spirits or denatured alcohol for cleaning
• Water spray bottle
• Blue painters tape

Preparing the Countertop

Before sanding and polishing, the countertop edge must be clean and dry:

• Wipe away any dirt, grease or residue with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Allow to dry fully.
• Cover the countertop surface with blue painters tape about 1-2 inches from the edge. This protects the surface from marks during sanding.

Sanding the Edge

Start sanding with the roughest grit and work up:

• Attach 80 grit paper to the orbital sander. Keep the sander flat and sand the top and bottom of the exposed edge.
• Sand the length of the edge, moving steadily and evenly. Don’t stay in one spot.
• Vacuum up dust between sanding. Wipe with a dry cloth.
• Repeat with 120 and 220 grit, until the edge is smooth and uniform.

Hand Sanding

For hard to reach spots, hand sand:

• Use the sanding block with 400 and 600 grit paper to manually sand any inside corners or tight areas.
• Blow away dust, wipe clean with a dry cloth between sanding.
• Sand until the entire edge is uniformly smooth without deep scratches.

Polishing the Edge

Switch to diamond polishing pads:

• Start with 400 grit and polish the entire edge length using steady, even motions.
• Spray edge with water to keep the surface wet while polishing.
• Wipe clean. Move to 800 grit and repeat polishing steps.
• Finish with 1500 grit pad until the edge has an even, glossy polish from top to bottom.

Finishing Touches

Complete the polishing process:

• Remove all sanding and polishing dust with a vacuum and dry cloth.
• Use a clean cloth dampened with mineral spirits to thoroughly clean the entire countertop edge.
• Allow to fully dry. Remove painters tape covering the surface.
• Stand back and admire your handiwork. The beveled and polished edge will beautifully finish your quartz countertop installation.

With the right supplies and techniques, DIY beveling and polishing can yield stunning results. Just take your time and work through each grit increment. The effort pays off in an exquisite polished edge that looks professionally done.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sander to use for beveling quartz?

An orbital sander with variable speed is ideal. It allows smooth sanding on edges without digging in. Use 80, 120 and 220 grit paper.

How do I get a smooth beveled edge?

Sand evenly through the grits, stepping up incrementally. Don’t skip grits. Finish hand sanding edges. Avoid staying in one spot too long.

What polishing pads work best?

Use diamond polishing pads from 400 grit up to 1500 grit. Diamond is harder than quartz so it polishes well. Lubricate with water.

How do I polish tight corners?

Use a hand sanding block to smoothly sand inside corners. Fold sandpaper to polish difficult spots. Take your time.

Do I need a special sealer after polishing?

No, quartz counters don’t require sealing. Just clean well with mineral spirits after polishing. Avoid waxes or other coatings.

How can I get a rounded bullnose edge?

A bullnose profile requires a router or fabricated edge. It is hard to round a sharp corner by hand. Ask about this custom edge when ordering.

Can I polish the surface too?

Yes, use a buffing pad on a variable speed polisher. Work in small sections with a polish compound to bring out the shine. Avoid burning or swirling.

Beveling and polishing transforms the appearance of a quartz countertop edge. With patience and the proper grit sandpaper and polishing pads, you can achieve stunning results. Make sure to prep the surface properly and work through each grit. Take your time polishing by hand on hard-to-reach inside corners. Your finished edge will look cleanly professional.

Conclusion

Beveling and polishing the edge of a quartz countertop may seem intimidating, but this straightforward process can be completed by the ambitious DIYer. Allow yourself plenty of time and patience. Following the proper sanding and polishing steps from start to finish will yield eye-catching results. With a gleaming beveled and polished edge, your beautiful new quartz countertop will have a custom finished look, adding value and elegance to your home.