If you're purchasing pre-shaped granite tiles, they are probably tapered and polished at the edges. If you're cutting your own, however, the edges will be raw and need to be polished and sometimes sealed, sometimes also shaped, before installation. You can also use the same technique to polish the edge of a granite countertop that has been cut to size, or restore badly gouged or scratched pieces of granite.

Step 1 Start with a 40/60-grit belt or disc on your sander. Wet the disc or belt down, then use this to start grinding the edge of the tile down to the shape you want it. If the tile edges are already in the proper shape, you can start with a medium-grit sandpaper, between 120 and 150-grit.

Step 2 Stop as soon as the granite shows an even, consistent texture.

Step 3 Wipe the area clean with a damp rag.

Step 4 Swap the coarse belt or disc out of your sander for a finer grit (higher number) sandpaper, and keep sanding until you see a uniform texture on the edge of the granite tile.

Step 5 Wipe the area and swap the sandpaper again until you work up to an extremely fine grit (around 600). Working from coarse to fine like this ensures the finest finish.

Step 6 Polish the edges with a coarse cotton buff and tripoli polishing compound, which should be available from a home improvement store. Work your way up through finer grades of polishing compounds, such as white rouge and red rouge, which you may need to purchase from a jeweler.

Step 7 Rinse the granite tile clean. Wipe it dry and apply a granite sealing compound to protect it.