Question : Do we really need all of the discs, somebody told me you only need three grits?
Answer : Yes. Using anything less than the full system will not ensure the high quality finish. Skipping grits or not spending enough time on each grit does not work and always yields unsatisfactory results. Alpha® Ceramica Resin is a complete modern and effective system, which can prove its value under the toughest of work conditions and the most demanding inspections.
Question : What materials can I use Ceramica Resin on?
Answer : Ceramica Resin is designed for use on granite only.
Question : Why do I need to use the 60 Grit Ceramica Vitrified or Metal Bond disc?
Answer : The 60 grit Ceramica Vitrified disc is necessary to remove saw marks and grinding marks. If the 60 grit disc is not used, the 150 grit will have to work exceedingly harder than necessary and will have a reduced life.
Question : Can I use Ceramica Resin discs on my Makita tool?
Answer : Alpha® Ceramica Resin is designed to be used wet and at a low RPM. Ordinary angle grinders are much too fast and will cause the discs to burn. Only a water-feed machine will supply enough water to the Ceramica Resin discs. Do not try to run on high-speed machines that run above 4,000 RPM.
Question : Do we really need a center water-feed or can we sponge on water when needed?
Answer : Alpha® Ceramica Resin is designed to be used on a center water-feed tool. This tool distributes water evenly on the disc. Trying to get the job done any other way will only guarantee you frustration, lack of polish, and a waste of time and money. We recommend using the Alpha® VSP-320 or AIR-680, since all of these polishers have a center water-feed system.
Question : How long does Ceramica Resin last?
Answer : Due to the many types of materials these discs are capable of polishing, it is very hard to say exactly how long a Ceramica Resin disc will last. However, if used properly your pads will last a long time. Studies have shown that no other disc comes close to the lifespan and quality of the Alpha® Ceramica Resin disc.
Question : How many passes do you have to make?
Answer : It is important to make sure all prior scratches are removed before moving onto another grit. An average of 2 to 3 passes is all that is needed. Polishing two across and one up and down is a good technique and will usually provide an adequate amount of time. Never rush the grits! You will only risk having to do your workpiece over again.
Question : What RPM speed is best, I’ve been told many answers?
Answer : Alpha® Ceramica Resin is designed to operate in the range of 2,000 to 2,500 RPM. However, Ceramica Resin will work at a maximum of 4,000 RPM for people who prefer to work at a higher RPM. Exceeding 4,000 RPM will only wear the discs quicker and quality of polish will be disappointing.
Question : What are the differences between Vitrified and Resin 150 and 300 grits?
Answer : Alpha® Ceramica Vitrified discs are more aggressive and have 3 times faster material removal rate, which will get light grinding done much faster. Due to the harder bond, they will last much longer than any resin type disc.
Question : Can I polish engineered stone using Ceramica Resin discs?
Answer : No. Ceramica Resin is only designed for use on granite. We highly recommend using Alpha® Ceramica EX for polishing engineered stone.
Question : Can these discs be used on my floor machine?
Answer : Although the Ceramica Resin and floor discs may look similar, they differ greatly. Ceramica Resin discs are designed only for hand polishing applications. Do not try to use these discs on a floor machine. Floor polishing can use the Alpha® Advantage Floor discs to accomplish your grinding and polishing needs.
Question : What sizes are Ceramica Resin offered in?
Answer : Ceramica Resin is available in 3”, 4” and 5”. The 4” diameter is the most common size of polishing discs and can be adapted for many applications by using smaller-sized backer pad.
Question : What are the different Backer Pads used for?
Answer : Alpha® Flexible Backer Pads are rubber and used for curves and bullnoses. Alpha® Rigid Backer Pads are for flat areas and straight edges.
Question : We followed your instructions and the stone is shiny, but Absolute Black Granite looks gray?
Answer : To get a good deep polish, all discs need to be used in the proper sequence, all the way from 60 grit to 3000 grit followed by the Final Buff disc. Polishing at the wrong RPM or not spending enough time on each grit can cause hazy areas to be noticed. Follow step by step instructions listed above to avoid cloudy and hazy areas. Note: cloudy and hazy areas usually indicate that a lower grit did not successfully remove scratches from the preceding grit.
Question : My employees don’t like to get wet when polishing! What can I tell them?
Answer : Fabrication is easier, faster and much healthier when the material is worked wet with a quality diamond system. Breathing dust generated by dry polishing techniques is very unhealthy. A higher quality polish is obtained with wet polishing. Using proper attire and equipment such as rubber boots, safety glasses and the Alpha® Apron, will keep them dry.
Question : What kind of polishing powder should we use to finish up?
Answer : We don’t recommend the use of any sloppy and hazardous chemicals and loose powders. For granite, Alpha® designed the Ceramica Buff Final Polishing disc which works better and quicker than any traditional final polishing method. Use the Ceramica Buff Black for dark granite or Ceramica Buff White for light colored granite. All other materials will have an excellent finish after the 3000 grit.