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Stone Dude
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« Reply #15 on: July 03, 2007, 08:05:57 AM » |
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well making a "distressed" or "antiqued" look would actually cost some money too, because of the process and tools used, but you can definitely give it a honed finish. if you or your husband are somewhat familiar with sandpaper and sanding would it is very similar. i would recommend stopping at 400 or 600 grit sandpaper.
start with 220 grit. use lots of water. the water will give you an even finish, and will make the sandpaper last longer
after 220 grit, dry the top completely and look it over. if you can see the spots still, then you need to drop to 80 grit. also you want to make sure the surface is even all the way around. its ok if you see small scratches, the next grit will take them out.
if you go down to 80, do 220 again, then 400, 600 etc. each time you finish a grit, dry the counter all the way and make sure youve covered all the surface. also rinse with wet rag and dry after each grit, to removed and debris left fro mthe previous grit. after youve finished 400 grit, dry it and clean it off with some acetone or similar to remove all the residue. if you like it, stop, if you want a little bit higher finish move to the next grit.
WORK SLOW AND ALWAYS SAND IN CIRCLES!.
if you REALLY want a great honed finish you can pick up a very small portion of honing powder from youre local stone tool supplier. this powder is to be used after 400 grit sandpaper. the powders normally come in 220, 400, 600 and 800. i would recommend 400. or 600. you can use a soft pad (not brillo pad) with water and some honing powder. you want it to be a slurry. use the same circular motion you do with the sandpaper. rinse and dry, clean with acetone and check it out
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