Diamond Polishing Pad Grit Sequence: How to Choose
September 28, 2026 · DIAMTO
The grit number on a diamond polishing pad tells you how coarse the diamond abrasive is: the lower the number, the more aggressive the cut. A 50# pad grinds away saw marks and lippage; a 3000# pad brings the stone to a mirror gloss.
The safe, standard progression used across the stone industry is 50# → 100# → 200# → 400# → 800# → 1500# → 3000#. Each step removes the scratches left by the previous one. Understanding when to follow the full sequence — and when you can shorten it — saves both time and pads.
What grit numbers actually mean
Grit numbers describe the size of the diamond particles bonded in the pad. Coarse grits (50#–200#) shape and level the surface; medium grits (400#–800#) refine it into a honed finish; fine grits (1500#–3000#) create the final polish.
Resin-bond diamond pads in the 3", 4" and 5" sizes are the workhorse of this process — they flex to follow the stone and are used with water on granite, marble and engineered quartz.
The standard 7-step sequence
For a full mirror polish on granite or quartz, work through every step without skipping:
- 50# — remove saw marks, lippage and deep scratches
- 100# — level the 50# scratches
- 200# — first honing pass, surface turns matte-smooth
- 400# — honed finish; a common stopping point for floors
- 800# — light sheen begins to appear
- 1500# — high gloss on most stones
- 3000# — mirror finish
When you can skip steps — and when you must not
On dark granites and black marble, do not skip grits: every skipped step risks visible scratch trails that only show up under raking light, forcing you to go back and redo the work.
You can shorten the sequence when the starting surface is already good — for example, re-polishing a countertop that only lost its gloss may need just 800# → 1500# → 3000#. For floors where a honed, non-slip finish is wanted, stopping at 400# is standard practice.
Wet or dry for the sequence?
Run the sequence wet whenever you can: water cools the pad, carries away swarf and keeps dust down, which is why wet diamond polishing pads are the default for granite and quartz fabrication.
Dry polishing pads exist for jobs where water is impractical — edge work on installed pieces, quick repairs, restoration sites. They cut the same grit progression but generate dust, so respiratory protection is required.
What you need besides the pads
Pads alone are not enough: you need a backing pad (hook-and-loop holder) matched to the pad diameter, a variable-speed polisher or grinder, and a steady water feed for wet work.
Buy pads as a matched set per diameter — mixing brands or bond types mid-sequence can leave an uneven finish.
Pads for this grit sequence
Wet resin diamond polishing pads in 3", 4" and 5" — sold per grit, MOQ 100 pcs per SKU.
Grit sequence FAQ
Can I jump from 200# straight to 800#?
Not recommended on dark or high-gloss stone — the 400# step is what erases the 200# scratch pattern. On light stone with a honed target finish, experienced fabricators sometimes skip one step, but test on a sample first.
How do I know when to move to the next grit?
When the scratch pattern from the previous grit is uniform across the whole surface. Wipe the slurry away and look at the stone under raking light before stepping up.
Do I need all 7 grits for a matte floor finish?
No. For a honed, low-sheen floor the standard stopping point is 200#–400#. The fine grits (800# and up) are only for gloss.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
The standard MOQ is 100 pieces per SKU. Mixed-grit sets can be combined within one order — tell us the grit breakdown you need in the RFQ.
What is the lead time?
Standard lead time is 15–30 days after order confirmation. Samples and repeat orders are usually faster. Sample orders and small quantities can ship by air freight to shorten delivery time.
I’ve never imported from China before. Can I still order?
Yes — many of our customers placed their first China order with us. Mention it in your inquiry and we’ll recommend freight forwarders experienced with small B2B shipments, and help you plan the order step by step.
Need pads in this grit sequence?
Tell us the stone, the diameters and the grit breakdown — we will quote a matched set within 24 hours.
Request a quote →