How-To: Solid Surface Countertop Finishing and Polishing - Part 2

In this video I will show you how to polish a solid surface material such as Staron, Corian, HI-MACS, Livingstone, Wilsonart and others. This process will give you a polish finish.
On the previous video with the link below, will show all the steps required to allow you to continue with this video. Watch the video prior to moving forward with polishing your solid surface countertop.
Part 1 will demonstrate the previous steps to achieve a matte or satin finish.
➡️ • How To Finish and Poli...
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This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
👉 EXACT TOOLS NEEDED
Makita Electric Polisher - amzn.to/2Hql3vz
3M Wool Polishing Pad - amzn.to/2J2VLnv
3M Wool Compounding Pad - amzn.to/2TmEkQK
3M Perfect-It II Foam Polishing Pad Glaze - 1 qt - amzn.to/2HCjj29
3M 05954 Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 1 qt - amzn.to/37DfHI1
1️⃣ POWER TOOLS
Router 3-¼ HP - amzn.to/3rao3he
Jig Saw - amzn.to/37CYKNP
Betterly Cove Router - betterleytools.com/products/c...
Sawstop 10” Table Saw - amzn.to/3l6kaaB
½” Corded Drill - amzn.to/2N3ZBPA
⅜” Corded Drill - amzn.to/3eqmTdV
4-½” Grinder - amzn.to/30K3PiR
1” Belt Sander - amzn.to/2OBwSCd
Makita Electric Polisher - amzn.to/2Hql3vz
Hot Melt Glue Gun - amzn.to/3vePvgc
Bosch Random Orbital Sander - amzn.to/30zuTkF
3M 6” Random Orbital Air Sander - amzn.to/3bwla4N
Makita Electric Polisher - amzn.to/2Hql3vz
Makita Rotary Hammer - amzn.to/3t5wlaA
Metabo 5” VS Angle Grinder - amzn.to/2OKS7Bt
Makita 1-1/4HP Router - amzn.to/3lcqZI0
Makita Belt Sander - amzn.to/30xdZTS
2️⃣ FABRICATION TOOLS
Jorgensen 6-Inch Clamp - amzn.to/2HHVYfC
Vise Grip Locking Pliers - amzn.to/3oBHD5a
250ml Adhesive Gun - amzn.to/2N4spaI
1 ¼” Hole Saw - amzn.to/2OBxXKh
1 ⅜” Hole Saw - amzn.to/3cjDNZ0
Universal Dust Shroud 5” Grinder - amzn.to/30C1shK
3️⃣ CNC ROUTER TOOLS
CNC Router Bit (Onsrud) - amzn.to/3mJ5xKg
ER32 CNC Tool Holder - amzn.to/34OvtxC
ER32 Collet - amzn.to/34PbFKS
4️⃣ SANDING AND POLISHING SUPPLIES
3M Wool Polishing Pad - amzn.to/2J2VLnv
3M Wool Compounding Pad - amzn.to/2TmEkQK
3M Perfect-It II Foam Polishing Pad Glaze - 1 qt - amzn.to/2HCjj29
3M 05954 Super Duty Rubbing Compound, 1 qt - amzn.to/37DfHI1
80 Grit - 6” Hook and Loop - amzn.to/3byEtdD
150 Grit - 6” Hook and Loop - amzn.to/3cd1EcA
220 Grit - 6” Hook and Loop - amzn.to/3rHCGcc
400 Grit - 6” Hook and Loop - amzn.to/38tMuPk
600 Grit - 6” Hook and Loop - amzn.to/30yImsN
Scotch-Brite Maroon - ➡️ amzn.to/3cnF3Kv
5️⃣ MISC
Oatey 38711 Foam Closet Flange Spacer - amzn.to/3nnx8kt
PROFLO 2" Brass No-Caulk Shower Drain Body - amzn.to/3lpN7xT
Oatey 31177 Plumbers Putty, 9 oz - amzn.to/36sNgu5
Scotch 3M 355 Tape - amzn.to/3nUFyzW
6️⃣ COUNTERTOP CARE & CLEANING SUPPLIES
Glass Cleaner - amzn.to/3rF4o9a
Bar Keepers Friend - amzn.to/34qLYA0
Scotch-Brite Pad - amzn.to/3dURONf
OxiClean - amzn.to/2HCtXWC
Magic Countertop - amzn.to/3jxbmrY
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - amzn.to/34Dx7Ci
Website - www.OliveMill.com
Follow on Facebook - / olivemill
Follow on Instagram - / olivemill_countertops
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QUESTION - Have a question about Countertops, Fabrication or Anything Else? Post in the comments section of this video!
#olivemill #polishing #sanding #solidsurfacecountertops #staron #wilsonart #himacs #backstand #fabrication #livingstone #dupontcorian #diycountertop #splash #diycountertops #diy #refinishing #countertops
Disclaimer: Wear safety equipment at all times. At times we remove safety equipment for the sake of filming. These videos are for entertainment and as such any process you follow is done at your own risk.

[@AndyGraves]

Just start by sanding using a direct drive sander with 120 grit sand paper. Then use random orbit up to about 600. Then use the polishing compound. Depending on the size of the job it shouldn't take that long to refinish a countertop.

[@JPGtampa]

I do auto body work so all of this makes perfect sense. I already have the tools and materials.. I'm totally trying this at home lol

[@flagNplaytv]

Thank you

[@AndyGraves]

You're welcome

[@WonbyGrace2]

Great videos I appreciate you taking the time and sharing your knowledge. That's a lot of work and looks great. I like the way you just list the supplies and then show how. Maybe your font could be just a little bit larger for us old folks! LOL Thank you for sharing.

[@venkatesan.pvenkatesan3721]

Good working good job

[@kimlockhart3287]

Thank you for these. Especially like the finish "recipes" very well done. I have a vintage camper that I have restored. I used a similar process restoring the gel coat. I think next summer I'll incorporate your sanding/buffing technique going over the same surface multiple times. I had good results with my effort but with the multiple passes I should be able to see my face in the finish. Thank you.

[@AndyGraves]

That's awesome, glad to hear it.

[@nawlinsdemon6126]

Great videos! Both well done and very concise and clear. Now I just have to get wife to decide which type of finish...that will take longer than the job! Lol

[@AndyGraves]

Just tell her there is only one finish available. :)

[@venkatesanvenkatesanp.]

பயனுள்ள பதிவு எனக்குயிப்ப ரொம்ப பயனுள்ளதாருந்தது நன்றி

[@evakaye4897]

That’s amazing... 😱. Just bought this house a month ago... not sure if my Corian ever looked good. Sahara, I believe it is, isn’t exactly a show stopper anyway. But wow... yours looks incredible.

[@AndyGraves]

Are you going to refinish the Corian in your new house?

[@evakaye4897]

Hi... I’m gonna definitely try to improve the appearance of my Corian... 🤞🏼 I am jealous of the color of yours... Makes me wish I could make mine dark & beautiful. My color looks like a dingy beige that has yellowed with age. I guessed at the color name, Sahara, from a picture I saw online. 🤷‍♀️ But honestly, I am not familiar with Corian Counters , soooo... I’m not sure what they’re supposed to look like. Basically... I just love DIY projects & I’m trying to give my ugly kitchen a little love. I’d like to keep the Corian countertops, but I kinda need to know what colors are in there, as I will be coordinating EVERYTHING around the Countertops. 🙏🏼 Your Video was AWESOME... I’m so glad & personally grateful that you took time to post it. Your final result was a bit mind blowing... I was genuinely surprised by how amazing they looked.. I’m going to buy my Polisher/Buffer today. Thanks again for the video! Eva ⚜️

[@miguelvsllejo3700]

Me gusto mucho el video. Yo utilizaría menos producto, pero el es el profesional. Gracias y Saludos.

[@AndyGraves]

Gracias

[@kennyroach7038]

Really enjoyed these videos, and great pictures of the products you (the professionals) use. Makes for a much easier job and better finished result , thank you. Was able to find the rubbing compound quite easily by using the labels product number in the picture. The finishing glaze was somewhat hidden though and I could only get the first couple of numbers (059??). Since there seems to be so many different flavors and varieties (purple , white, etc...) I was hoping you could help with some insight.

[@AndyGraves]

www.amazon.com/3M-05928-Finesse-Machine-Polish/dp/B0006GBTP8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1532364172&sr=8-2&keywords=3m+finesse-it

[@AndyGraves]

3M 05928 Finesse-It II Machine Polish

[@yassinchbani4267]

Very nice and useful work, does solid surface use in the floor? Thanks

[@AndyGraves]

Yes, you can use solid surface on the floor. We use solid surface on shower floors all the time but we have also installed on regular floor.

[@rogeriowisniewski8539]

Muito bom....eu trabalho com corian no Brasil !

[@AndyGraves]

That's great, thank you for watching.

[@rebecca9172]

Hi there, thanks so much for putting this video together! My counters are darker and the comparison at the end you state that for a high gloss you use a green scotch brite and satin perfect finish, no 1000 grit or Finesse It. It's hard to tell in the video but that will still give me the same high gloss finish? Our countertop installers did them in a satin matte finish and I hate them, I'm hoping to polish them to a high shine to bring out the colors

[@AndyGraves]

There are many ways to achieve a Hi-Gloss finish but if you use a green Scotch-Brite with satin perfect finish and you buff until it's dry it will give the the desired finish. You can also use a 1000 grit sandpaper and then use Finesse It but it will be extremely messy in your home. Hope that helps.

[@AmberCanaan727]

I think I’m going to try this. We had our kitchen remodeled 6 months ago and have the LG solid surface counters. They’ve never had a shine, not even from the beginning. It is very disappointing! We picked a lighter colored countertop because we were told it would show scratches less, but there are tons of scratches! They aren’t deep, you can’t even feel them with your fingernail but they are there if you look at the right angle. I have 4 kids so not a surprise. I’m pretty handy, would this be something I could do myself? Should I even have to be thinking of this with countertops that are only 6 months old? I appreciate any help you can get. I’m kind of disappointed!

[@AndyGraves]

Sure, you could do it yourself. I will give you a link to a page where you can get specific tools for the job. You will need a random orbit sander and silicone carbide sandpaper along with scotchbrite pad. www.amazon.com/shop/olivemill?listId=1TLNJOHLHR68T . Here is the sander I recommend that will give professional results - www.amazon.com/dp/B0001408SO/?ref=exp_loc_pl_olivemill

[@vicdeeble]

Thanks for such a detailed set of instructions. In my case the surface is in scratch free condition except for a small area of microabrasion caused by once cleaning with a sponge contaminated with some pot abrasive cleaner. Can I go straight to the final step to refinish the shine without the need for the orbital sander?

[@AndyGraves]

Do you have a polished finish?

[@vicdeeble]

@@AndyGraves Yes and it is the polish that is glazed in a small area.

[@AndyGraves]

@@vicdeeble Yes, then just polish it with the final step and blend it in. If that doesn't work at try using rubbing compound and then final glaze.

[@vicdeeble]

@@AndyGraves Thanks Andy. I am amazed at your quick and useful response. Cheers.

[@AndyGraves]

You're welcome, I hope it helps.

[@janisforch8305]

For the light colored corian to get the high gloss finish, can you explain if you need to use all 4 different grit sand paper you listed or is it just one of those?

[@AndyGraves]

Typically you would move through the different grits to achieve a high polished finish. However, if you already have a countertop that is a satin finish, you would probably only need to sand with the last two grits of sandpaper to achieve the polish.

[@charlieorlaurelrossi2559]

Great videos. Thank you. I presume this would work the same on non-Corian branded product? Our installer called ours "LG Solid Surface" about 8-10 years ago - told us LG actually manufactured the Corian; I don't know if that was true or not. Also, is there a preferred method/product to maintain the semi-gloss on a regular basis once we have restored the finish? Now I see the video actually says how to sand & polish Samsung Staron & Tempest solid surface, so it probably is the same for LG?

[@AndyGraves]

Thank You. Absolutely, Corian, LG HI-MACS and Staron are all the same. Just remove all the scratches first and then follow the steps to achieve the desired look.

[@charlieorlaurelrossi2559]

Thank you! Any advice on method/product to maintain the semi-gloss after restoration?

[@AndyGraves]

Charlie or Laurel Rossi - No, just use the countertop as normal. Once finished there won't be anything on the countertop. Clean and maintain with soap and water.

[@rborst]

I have Ecostone. I assume the same steps would work?

[@AndyGraves]

Is Ecostone a polyester or acrylic material? If so it should work great.

[@CesarMartinez-kc6zt]

Andy, can this technique be applied on quartz counter tops?

[@AndyGraves]

No, this is only for solid surface material and it won't work on quartz or natural stone.

[@caroldawncole5740]

Andy, do you have a kit that contains all the supplies, i:e buffer pads, round sandpaper, scotch -brite , 3M rubbing compound

[@caroldawncole5740]

Please add any suggestions. Thank you

[@mitchvaneps6932]

Dumb question but I can’t find the scotch bright you are using. Do you have a link?

[@AndyGraves]

You will have to buy the 6x9 pads and cut round. Use with a 6" velcro backing pad. The ones I buy are special order and must be purchased in bulk. Not sure if you need a 100 of these.

[@petergerasia1422]

the amazon page no longer exits, can you show me where i can perchance these two products

[@AndyGraves]

Just search Amazon for 3M rubbing compound and 3M Finness-It

[@mikenelson3338]

Nice grinder, is that a Bosch?

[@AndyGraves]

It is a Makita polisher. The link is in the description.

[@jonathanpetersheim3304]

Do you use the buffer for the edge of countertops.

[@AndyGraves]

Yes you can, just slow it down a little so you don't burn the material.

[@sharonflynn2122]

Where can I buy the 3M products?

[@AndyGraves]

I added them to my Amazon shopping list for you - www.amazon.com/shop/olivemill?listId=1TLNJOHLHR68T

[@evakaye4897]

I’m so jealous..lol

[@everyday234]

is this the early Corian counter top material? or the improved later stuff..cause the early stuff scratches tooooo easy and the later stuff doesn't..you can use the later Corian as a cutting board..its HARD..the early stuff is SOFT.. we have the early stuff where I work and I've tried this exact method of polishing the early stuff with exactly the same tools and same 3M materials as they're using in this video and it doesn't work!!! BTW I don't see any scratches in this counter top to begin with??? I'm gonna guess if anything it must be the later / new Corian which I've never seen get scratched..didn't even know it would get dull..maybe it does..get dull..and maybe this method works with it, but what about the easily scratched and damaged earlier Corian before they started making it out of pulverized granite.

[@AndyGraves]

Not sure the issue. I did this video a few years ago. I have also been fabricating Corian for 30 years and have never run into an instance where I couldn't sand to a polish. You will not be able to sand and polish a quartz material, it's virtually impossible. The material I think you are referring to is called quartz material. Corian is an acrylic material without crushed stone of any kind. Hope that helps.

[@everyday234]

When I say it takes forever..I've got a big theater lobby an acre plus..and have plenty of these counters I can spend maybe 6 hours + doing just one single 3 x 7 foot counter..and the result is less than I like BTW I didn't see the Video #1..until just now..I only saw your video #2 ..OK ..I see you doing the sanding etc..I'm clear on that thanks

[@royceibanez7939]

are these food grade products?

[@AndyGraves]

What, the sandpaper or polishing compound?

[@royceibanez7939]

@@AndyGraves the polishing/rubbing coumpounds. I mean, if the top will be used for kitchens. Are they safe for food preparations?

[@AndyGraves]

The material is non porous and we clean the tops after polishing. I honestly don't know if the polishing compounds if food safe certified. I'm assuming cleaning would remove all residual compound.

[@royceibanez7939]

@@AndyGraves thank you!