Surface Leveling Polishing Pad 200 Grit Orange - LustroPad
Step 2: Coarse Surface Leveling & Scratch Refinement
The LustroPad 200 is the coarse leveling pad that refines the rough surface left by Step 1. It removes the 100-grit scratch pattern and creates a smoother, more uniform base for polishing.
Step 2: Coarse Surface Leveling & Scratch Refinement
The LustroPad 200 is the coarse leveling pad that refines the rough surface left by Step 1. It removes the 100-grit scratch pattern and creates a smoother, more uniform base for polishing.
Gloss Level: 5% (Matte)
Still matte, but noticeably smoother to the touch. The aggressive grinding marks are replaced with finer, consistent scratch patterns.
When to Use This Pad:
- After Step 1 – refine aggressive grinding marks
- Medium scratch removal – lighter damage than Step 1
- Continued leveling – fine-tune flatness
- Grout haze removal – new installation cleanup
- Surface preparation – before honing or polishing
- Terrazzo restoration – expose aggregate evenly
Surfaces:
- Kitchen floors after renovation
- Bathroom tiles with grout haze
- Entrance halls with wear patterns
- Stair treads with scratches
- Window sills after painting
- Fireplace surrounds
Materials:
- Marble – vein pattern starts showing
- Granite – crystal structure visible
- Travertine – pore structure refined
- Limestone – fossil patterns emerge
- Terrazzo – chips become defined
- Concrete – aggregate exposure continues
Sizes:
- 125mm – detail work, edges, corners
- 150mm – standard hand polishing
- 430mm – floor leveling projects
Ensure all 100-grit scratches are gone. Cross-hatch pattern helps: work north-south, then east-west.
Step-by-step guide to refining the surface after initial scratch removal, creating a uniform base for further polishing with the Angle Grinder / Flex (5" / 125mm) LustroPad.
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Prepare your angle grinder
Attach the 125mm (5") velcro backing pad to your angle grinder with M14 thread. Ensure it is centered and tight. Set the variable speed to 2000-3000 RPM.
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Mount the diamond pad
Press the LustroPad firmly onto the velcro backing pad. Check that it is centered - an off-center pad causes vibration and uneven polishing.
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Prepare the work area
Clean the stone surface with water to remove loose dirt. For floors, have your spray bottle or hose ready. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves.
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Start water flow
Spray water on the surface before starting. The pad must stay wet during the entire process. Have someone spray continuously, or stop every 30 seconds to re-wet.
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Begin polishing
Hold the grinder at a slight angle (5-10°) and lower the spinning pad to the surface. Move in slow, overlapping passes. Keep the pad flat - tilting causes gouges.
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Work systematically
Divide the surface into 50x50cm sections. Complete each section before moving to the next. Overlap your passes by 50% to ensure even coverage.
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Check your progress
Stop periodically, wipe the surface dry, and inspect under angled light. Look for consistent scratch pattern. Repeat areas that show uneven results.
Step-by-step guide to refining the surface after initial scratch removal, creating a uniform base for further polishing with the Rotary Polisher (6" / 150mm) LustroPad.
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Set up the rotary polisher
Attach the 150mm (6") backing pad to your polisher spindle. The larger size covers more area per pass. Set speed to 1500-3000 RPM depending on grit level.
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Attach the diamond pad
Center the LustroPad on the velcro backing. The 150mm pad works best with consistent pressure across its larger surface area.
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Prepare water supply
If your polisher has a water feed attachment, connect it now. Otherwise, use a spray bottle. Wet the surface before starting.
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Position and start
Hold the polisher with both hands using the main handle and side grip. Start the motor before touching the surface. Lower gradually to the stone.
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Polish with overlapping passes
Move in straight lines with 50% overlap. The 150mm pad covers 44% more area than 125mm, so work efficiently in rows. Maintain steady speed.
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Control pressure
Apply medium pressure - about 2-3 kg. Let the diamonds do the cutting. Too much pressure causes overheating; too little is ineffective.
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Inspect and repeat
Wipe dry and check under light. The surface should show uniform scratch pattern matching the grit level. Address any missed spots before proceeding.
Step-by-step guide to refining the surface after initial scratch removal, creating a uniform base for further polishing with the Floor Buffer Machine (17" / 430mm) LustroPad.
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Prepare the floor machine
Attach the 430mm (17") pad driver to your floor buffer. These machines run at low speed (150-300 RPM). Check that the pad driver is secure and level.
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Mount the diamond pad
Tilt the machine back and attach the LustroPad to the pad driver velcro or clips. Lower the machine and check the pad sits flat on the floor.
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Set up water and vacuum
Fill your spray tank or connect a hose. Position your wet vacuum nearby. For large areas, have a floor squeegee ready to move slurry.
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Wet the floor
Spray a generous amount of water on a 2-3m² section. The 430mm pad needs more water than smaller pads due to its large contact area.
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Start polishing
Turn on the machine and guide it in slow, overlapping passes. Walk behind the machine at a steady pace. The weight of the machine provides the pressure.
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Manage slurry
The polishing creates slurry (water + stone particles). Use the squeegee to push slurry toward the vacuum pickup. Do not let slurry dry on the surface.
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Complete sections systematically
Work in 2x2m sections. Overlap each pass by 10-15cm. Complete one section, vacuum the slurry, then move to the adjacent section.
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Final inspection
After completing all sections, mop the floor with clean water. Inspect under bright light for missed spots or uneven areas. Touch up as needed.
Variable speed 5" (125mm / 12.5cm) angle grinder. Recommended: 2000-4000 RPM. Brands: Flex, Metabo, Makita, DeWalt, Bosch.
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125mm (5") Angle Grinder Variable speed 5" / 125mm angle grinder with M14 spindle. Set to 2000-3000 RPM for wet polishing.
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125mm (5") Velcro Backing Pad Flexible rubber backing pad 125mm / 5" with M14 thread. Must match grinder spindle size.
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Spray Bottle or Hose Continuous water supply. A garden hose with trigger nozzle works best.
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Safety Glasses Eye protection against water spray and stone particles. Sealed goggles recommended.
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Rubber Gloves Waterproof work gloves. Nitrile or rubber to keep hands dry.
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Knee Pads Comfort padding for floor work. Gel-filled for longer jobs.
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Clean Microfiber Cloths For wiping surface and checking progress between grits.
Variable speed 6" (150mm / 15cm) polisher or rotary machine. Recommended: 1500-3500 RPM. Brands: Flex, Festool, Metabo, Makita.
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150mm (6") Rotary Polisher Variable speed 6" / 150mm polisher with adjustable handle. Set to 1500-3000 RPM for wet polishing.
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150mm (6") Velcro Backing Pad Flexible rubber or foam backing pad 150mm / 6" diameter with center hole for polisher spindle.
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Water Feed System Center-feed water attachment or continuous spray. Keeps pad and surface wet.
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Safety Glasses Eye protection against water spray and stone particles.
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Rubber Gloves Waterproof work gloves for grip and protection.
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Knee Pads Gel-filled knee pads for extended floor work.
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Clean Microfiber Cloths For checking progress and final inspection.
Low-speed floor buffer/polisher 17" (430mm / 43cm). Recommended: 150-300 RPM. Brands: Numatic, Kärcher, Tennant, Nilfisk, Clarke.
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430mm (17") Floor Buffer Low-speed rotary floor machine 150-300 RPM. Standard 17" / 430mm floor polisher used in professional stone care.
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430mm (17") Pad Driver Universal pad holder 430mm / 17" with velcro face or clip system. Attaches diamond pads to floor machine.
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Wet Vacuum Wet/dry vacuum for slurry removal. Essential for clean results and faster drying.
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Floor Squeegee (50-70cm / 20-28") Wide squeegee for pushing water and slurry to vacuum pickup point.
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Water Tank or Hose Pressurized sprayer or hose system. Large areas need continuous water supply.
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Warning Signs Wet floor signs for safety in commercial areas during polishing.
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Rubber Boots Waterproof safety boots. Non-slip sole for wet floor work.
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Clean Mops Cotton or microfiber mops for final cleaning and inspection.
Recommended Supplies (all sizes)
- Stone Cleaner (pH Neutral) — Use between grits to remove slurry. Avoid acidic cleaners on marble.
- Stone Sealer — Optional: Apply after final polish to protect against staining.
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Use a variable speed grinder
Fixed speed angle grinders run at 10,000+ RPM which is far too fast for polishing. You need variable speed set to 2000-3500 RPM. Higher speeds generate heat that damages both pad and stone.
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Tilt the grinder slightly
Hold the grinder at a 5-10° angle to the surface. This prevents the entire pad from grabbing and allows for controlled material removal. A flat approach causes the grinder to skip and vibrate.
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Keep the pad moving
Never let the spinning pad sit in one spot. Continuous movement prevents heat buildup and ensures even polishing. Work in slow, overlapping sweeps across the surface.
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More water, less pressure
Diamond pads cut best when flooded with water. If you see steam or dry spots, add more water immediately. Let the diamonds do the work - pressing harder just wears the pad faster.
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Perfect for edges and details
The 125mm pad excels at polishing countertop edges, sink cutouts, and decorative details. The compact size allows access to tight spots that larger machines cannot reach.
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Secure workpieces properly
When polishing small pieces on a workbench, clamp them securely. The rotational force of the grinder can spin unsecured pieces, causing injury or damage.
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Follow the same pattern
Polish in the same direction and pattern you used with 100 grit. This ensures the 200 grit pad addresses all the scratches left by the previous step.
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Surface should feel smoother
After 200 grit, run your fingertip across the surface. It should feel noticeably smoother than after 100 grit, but still have a matte texture.
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Balance speed with grit level
Lower grits (100-400) work best at 1500-2000 RPM. Higher grits (800-8000) can run at 2500-3000 RPM. Matching speed to grit level optimizes cut rate and pad life.
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Use the side handle
Always use both hands - one on the main grip, one on the side handle. This gives you full control over the heavier 150mm pad and prevents the polisher from twisting.
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Overlap passes by 50%
Each pass should overlap the previous one by half the pad width (75mm). This ensures complete coverage and prevents visible lines between polishing tracks.
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Ideal for countertops
The 150mm pad is the professional standard for kitchen and bathroom countertops. It covers more area than 125mm while remaining maneuverable around sinks and fixtures.
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Check pad centering
A pad mounted off-center causes vibration and uneven wear. Before each use, spin the pad by hand to verify it runs true. Replace worn velcro backing pads.
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Clean between grits
Rinse both the stone surface and the backing pad between grit changes. Diamond particles from a lower grit can contaminate finer pads and cause scratches.
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Follow the same pattern
Polish in the same direction and pattern you used with 100 grit. This ensures the 200 grit pad addresses all the scratches left by the previous step.
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Surface should feel smoother
After 200 grit, run your fingertip across the surface. It should feel noticeably smoother than after 100 grit, but still have a matte texture.
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Low RPM is normal
Floor machines operate at 150-300 RPM, much slower than hand tools. The large pad diameter means the edge still moves at optimal surface speed. Do not try to increase RPM.
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Let the machine weight work
Floor buffers provide 20-50kg of downward pressure from their own weight. Do not push down on the handle - this lifts the pad off the floor. Guide the machine, do not force it.
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Work in small sections
Divide the floor into 2x2 meter sections. Complete each section including slurry removal before moving on. This prevents slurry from drying and staining the surface.
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Use a squeegee and wet vac
Diamond polishing creates significant slurry. Have a floor squeegee to push slurry and a wet vacuum to remove it. Never let slurry dry on the floor.
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Walk backwards
Always guide the machine so you walk backwards over the finished area. Walking forward leaves footprints in wet slurry and can track debris back onto polished sections.
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Edge work needs a smaller pad
The 430mm pad cannot reach within 5-10cm of walls and corners. Use a 125mm or 150mm pad with a hand tool to finish edges. This is normal for floor restoration.
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Mark your starting point
On large floors, it is easy to lose track of completed areas. Use masking tape or chalk to mark sections. Work systematically from one end to the other.
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Follow the same pattern
Polish in the same direction and pattern you used with 100 grit. This ensures the 200 grit pad addresses all the scratches left by the previous step.
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Surface should feel smoother
After 200 grit, run your fingertip across the surface. It should feel noticeably smoother than after 100 grit, but still have a matte texture.
General Questions
No, never skip grits. Each grit level removes the scratches from the previous one. Skipping from 100 to 400 will leave deep 100-grit scratches visible in your final polish that are extremely difficult to remove later.
Work each section until the 100 grit scratches are replaced by finer 200 grit scratches. This typically takes 3-5 passes per area. Check by wiping dry and inspecting at an angle under light.
Questions by Pad Size
Use a variable speed angle grinder with M14 thread. Set the speed between 2000-3000 RPM for wet polishing. Popular brands include Flex, Metabo, Makita, DeWalt, and Bosch. The 125mm size is ideal for countertops, small floors, and detail work.
No, a regular drill does not provide the consistent RPM needed for stone polishing. You need an angle grinder or dedicated polisher with variable speed control. Drills also lack the power and stability required for even results.
Yes, 125mm (5") is perfect for bathrooms and small areas. The compact size allows you to maneuver around toilets, corners, and edges easily. For larger floors over 20m², consider the 430mm pad on a floor machine for faster coverage.
Use a 6" variable speed rotary polisher or a larger angle grinder with 150mm backing pad. Recommended speed: 1500-3000 RPM. Brands like Flex, Festool, and Metabo make excellent 150mm polishers with water feed systems.
The 150mm (6") pad covers 44% more surface area per pass than the 125mm. This means faster work on medium-sized floors while still being portable. It fits standard European polisher sizes and works great on stairs and hallways.
No, the pad must match your backing plate size. Using a 150mm pad on a 125mm backing plate causes uneven pressure, poor results, and can damage the pad. Always use the correct size backing plate for your pad diameter.
Use a professional floor buffer/polisher rated for 17" pads. These are low-speed machines running at 150-300 RPM. Popular brands include Numatic, Kärcher, Tennant, Nilfisk, and Clarke. Essential for large floor areas in commercial or residential settings.
Yes, floor machines with 430mm pads are available for rent at tool rental shops. For large living areas, hallways, or kitchen floors, the 430mm is much faster than hand polishing. A 50m² floor takes about 2-3 hours versus a full day with smaller pads.
Strongly recommended. Floor polishing with 430mm pads creates significant slurry. A wet/dry vacuum helps remove water and polishing residue efficiently. Use a squeegee to push water toward the vacuum pickup point for fastest cleaning.
Complete Your Polishing Set
Select the steps you need for your polishing process. Start aggressive and work your way to a mirror finish.