Silestone is the material used mostly in kitchens and provides a new and improved look to them. It is made up of a combination of pigment, quartz, and a resin substance that holds them all together. But cutting the Silestone is not an easy task and requires several precautions before starting the cutting process. In this article ‘How to Cut Silestone,’ you will get the step-by-step guide of this process. Also, the essential information and necessary tips associated with the entire process.
Contents
How to Cut Silestone – Step By Step Guide
Before heading towards the steps, it is better to know that Silestone is a different material than the wood and metals. It is difficult to cut through a Silestone and has to be performed with proper tools. You can use an angle grinder or a wet saw for this purpose. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve the desired results while cutting through the Silestone:
Method 1: Using An Angle Grinder
Step 1: Measuring The Silestone
The first and foremost step is to measure the Silestone slab and to get the measurements for cutting it at the required points only. This is an integral part of the process because the final results depend upon this step also.
The Silestone is a material made up of a resin material that tends to melt at the heat of the tool. It becomes essential to get accurate measurements to complete the task quickly and easily. You can use a tape measure for this purpose.
Step 2: Marking The Cut Line
After taking all the required measurements, you have to mark the cut lines on the Silestone. For getting perfect cuts, proper measurement and cut lines are essential. You have to remain careful while marking this line. This is because any mistake in this thing will affect the results or may even damage the quality of the material.
You need a straight edge or ruler and a non-permanent marker for creating the cut line. This is important to create a straight and clear line. It has to remain visible while accomplishing the task. Also, marking the cut line is better for achieving the perfect results.
Step 3: Applying The Painter’s Tape
In this step, you have to apply the painter’s tape over the area you have marked for cutting. It has to be applied properly over the Silestone slab. For this, you have to overlap the tape by half-inches to ensure the protection of the entire surface around the cutting area. This makes it mandatory to apply before starting the cutting work. This prevents the remaining area from the cracks during the cutting process.
After masking or covering the area with the painter’s tape, you can use the pencil for marking the cut line again. This provides an exact area for cutting and enhances the chances of getting precise results.
Step 4: Wear Safety Equipment
Cutting Silestone is not an easy task and can cause several injuries. This is because small pieces of stones or debris are discharged while cutting the material. This creates a possible safety threat. To get protection, you should wear safety equipment before starting the work with the Silestone.
You have to wear safety goggles while cutting it. This will protect your eyes from the small pieces of stones or dust and eliminates the possibility of getting injured. You can also go for the leather gloves or other working gloves for the safety of your hands. The gloves will also protect your hands from the small fragments of Silestone.
Step 5: Preparing The Workplace
Now, you have to prepare the workplace for cutting purposes. It means that you have to place the Silestone slab over it and making necessary adjustments for ensuring a smooth flow of work. It is best to ‘float’ the material above your workbench. You have to place the material carefully. Also, you need to ensure the stability to get precise and fine cuts.
You can use towels to cover the workbench. Use some scrap wood to cover either side of the towel and add this in the middle of the bench also. Then, you have to place the Silestone slab over the work area. In case you are dealing with a large slab which is heavier, then you can take the help of any other person.
Step 6: Preparing The Silestone
In this step, you have to begin the cutting process. Since the material is made up of several components, including a resin material, it becomes difficult to cut the Silestone. First of all, you have to arrange an angle grinder with a diamond cutting blade.
The diamond-encrusted blades are much effective in cutting the Silestone as they are strong enough to cut it into the desired shape. The only problem lies at the time when the material gets overheated and disrupts the process. To counter this situation, you have to cool the material at regular intervals. So, you have to pour a small amount of water on the surface and make it suitable for cutting work.
Step 7: Cutting The Silestone
When you are done with the preparation of the material, then you have to move further and start cutting the Silestone slab. After applying the water on the surface, you have to turn on the angle grinder and start making the first cut. In the first cut, you have only to score the stone and not to make a deep cut.
You will get the first cut after you operate the angle grinder through the entire cut line. For getting the perfect cut, you have to use the tool several times. It means that after making the first pass, you have to go for the second pass. But before this, you need to apply water on the surface to make it cool. In each pass, try to cut about 1/8-inches further deep into the stone. In case you see the dust coming from the stone, it indicates that the surface is getting dry and more water has to be applied to it.
It is advised to make the cuts slowly and without any hassle. Trying to make the cuts quickly will damage not only the tool but also the Silestone. You can continue to make the cutting passes and with each pass, cut about 1/8-inches into the stone. Once you are done with the entire cutting process, you can polish the edges of the Silestone and install it where you want.
Method 2:Using A Wet Saw
Step 1: Preparing The Wet Saw
The first step is to prepare the wet saw for cutting the Silestone. First of all, search for the nut in the saw that holds the blade at its position. You have to loosen that nut and remove the existing blade. Replace it with a blade that can cut hard materials such as granite or quartz.
Silestone is made up of quartz and other materials that can damage the standard blades. It can destroy the outer edges of the diamond blade and can affect the performance of the saw.
Step 2: Marking The Cut Line
The next step is to mark the cut line on the Silestone. You have to use a pencil and a straight edge to indicate the position of the cut. They are essential for getting the precise cuts on the stone. You can also hold the stone against the area it will be installed. This will ensure to provide accurate positioning in that particular area.
Step 3: Position The Silestone
In this step, you have to position the Silestone. For this, you need to set the Silestone face up on the tray of the wet saw. Also, you have to remember that the cut mark which you made must be in line with the saw blade. There should not be any deviation from it and have to be accurately placed with the line.
Step 4: Cutting The Silestone With The Wet Saw
Now, you have to begin cutting the Silestone with the wet saw. Turn on the wet saw and hold the tray from the edges. Then, push the tray towards the blade so that it can start cutting the stone from the cut line. Always work slowly while dealing with such hard material. Do not put
pressure on the blade and allow it to complete its work steadily and precisely. After completing the cut, you can switch off the tool and pull the tray back towards yourself.
It is recommended to make the cuts gradually and without any hassle. You have to accomplish every step carefully. This will ensure to get the perfect cutting results in the end.
Things You Will Need
- Angle grinder with a diamond cutting blade or a wet saw (if you want to cut with a wet saw)
- Measuring tape
- Straight edge and pencil or non-permanent marker
- Safety equipment such as gloves and protective goggles.
- Scrap wood and towels (in case of angle grinder)
- Painter’s tape
- Bucket of water
Final Thoughts
Cutting Silestone becomes an easy task if it is done with the help of the right tools and following steps correctly. Silestone is made up of several materials like quartz, granite, and a resin material. These things make the cutting task difficult to some extent. But this can be overcome with the angle grinder and wet saw. Both tools are effective in getting accurate results. You have to make sure that the right tools are used correctly and in a step-by-step manner.
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