Quick Answer

Yes — for small areas, edges and touch-ups, an angle grinder with a variable speed control (1500–4000 RPM) and 3–5'' diamond pads works well. Use a backing plate with velcro, run the metal and resin sequence in order, and keep the pad flat. For whole floors, use a floor machine.

What You Need

• Variable-speed angle grinder — fixed-speed grinders spin too fast for polishing pads and burn the resin.
• Backing plate — 3'' or 5'' velcro backing disc matched to your pads.
• Pad set — metal bond, transitional and resin pads in your target sizes.
• Water kit (optional) — a grinder water attachment for wet work.

The Technique

• Start with metal bond (50–100#) to level the spot and remove laitance.
• Transition to resin — 200/400#, then 800, 1500# for gloss.
• Keep the pad flat — tilting the grinder gouges the floor.
• Move in overlapping passes — don't stay in one spot (heat builds up).
• Work wet or dry — dry for small spots with a vacuum; wet for better gloss.

Our 3'' Dry Polishing Pads are made for grinder work; the 3'' resin set covers the full sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What speed should my grinder run for polishing?

Keep resin pads in the 1500–3500 RPM range. Above 4000 RPM resin pads burn; below 1500 they don't cut.

Q: Can I use a fixed-speed grinder?

Fixed-speed grinders (typically 10,000+ RPM) are too fast — they burn resin pads and create swirl marks. Use a variable-speed model.

Q: How large an area can I polish with a grinder?

Comfortably up to 5–10 m²; beyond that a floor machine is far more efficient. Grinders shine at edges, corners and touch-ups.

Conclusion

An angle grinder with variable speed and the right 3–5'' pads polishes small concrete areas, edges and repairs beautifully. Match speed, keep the pad flat, and run the sequence in order. JOY TECH's 3'' pad range is built for grinder-based polishing.