• Polished tiles have excellent reflectivity.marble tiles image by javarman from Fotolia.com
  
  You can polish stone tiles of various stone types (granite, marble) to bring back the luster after they were damaged or cut. Powered, stone tile polishing tools consist of a motor-driven tool, such as an angle grinder, and pads or disks coated with silicon carbide abrasives or a diamond. Polishing tools are also available that you can use by hand to bring out a very fine finish or to polish small spots.
  
  

Wet Stone Grinder

• You can use wet stone grinders to polish or grind stone tiles using water. These grinders feature built-in ground fault circuit protection that are designed for operator safety. Single speed models weigh about 4 lbs. and operate at 3700 RPMs. Heavy-duty versions come with multiple speeds and more powerful motors, allowing them to achieve a more consistent RPM speed.
  
  

Angle Grinder Water Attachment

• When polishing stone tiles, use water to lower the surface temperatures and to minimize dust. A water attachment converts a standard angle grinder into a tool that brings water to the polishing surface. Such attachments move water to the center of the wheel or bit.
  
  

Diamond Polishing Pads

• You can buy diamond polishing pads in sets that range from 50 to 3000 grit, or buy individual pads, which fit standard grinders and can work with or without water, to polish tiles of granite, marble and other stone types.
  
  

Dry Polishing Disks

• Many dry polishing disks, called PVA disks, contain silicone carbide abrasive. The disks are generally used for marble tiles. Water is unnecessary, and you can buy these disks to fit any standard grinder. A set consists of 10 disks ranging from extra fine to extra coarse. You can also purchase individual disks.
  
  

Diamond Hand Pads

• Use diamond hand pads for quick polishing touch-ups on stone tiles. The pads are available in an assortment of grits. These hand polishing pads are resin bonded or electroplated, which refers to the method by which the pads are attached to the diamond material. You can use resin bonds on both dry and wet diamond tools. Use electroplating where more accuracy is needed in the coating process. Note that electroplated tools cut cooler for wet as well as dry use.