reconditioning marble

[neparose]

I was recently given a slab of marble about 18 in. wide by 4 ft. long. It was buried under a pine tree and the finish is etched. I want to use it as a counter top inset for rolling out pie dough, kneading bread, ect.. Theres no chipping or cracking in the surface, but the veining feels rough. I would like to get it "smoothed out". If anyone has done this kind of stuff before, I'd really like some tips.

rose

[roadking]

I have done some epoxy flooring and flat work on occassion and have dealt with marble on some of the jobs. The standard solution the outfit I was assisting is ALWAYS a wet non-orbital 600 or higher grit medium...in english now; Use a sander, either powered (worth their weight in gold due to the time reduction) that goes back and forth, not around or randomly. The "medium" is either sand paper type material, or fine grit that you sprinkle as you go. The "wet" part is either a watering can or if you use a powered sander that has a water hookup, attach a hose to the sander. VERY messy either way. After sanding the marble down, you will need to allow sufficient drying time, and then seal it. The stuff I have used isn't readily available to Joe Public (need a License, etc, and unbelievably expensive...400 square feet in excess of $800 for the cheap stuff, plus lost of special tools and mixing stuff), so a good clear masonry sealer, Thompson comes to mind, should be applied as per their instructions.
If you need more specifics, let me know, just giving a general approach here.
Matt

[neparose]

Thanks roadking!
I'm familiar with the procedure and tools you mentioned. While we're hunting down a food grade sealer, we'll start the sanding part. All the web sites I checked out were for comercial jobs and no "english" instructions! lol! It sounds like something we can tackle ourselves here at home. I'll post how it turns out.
Thanks again!
rose

[roadking]

One name brand is Dox-o-Tek. Another one, may be easier to access was acquired at Sherwin williams. Both are 2 part epoxy mixes. Good luck.
Matt

[roadking]

Sorry, "DEX-o-Tek", couldn't find the edit button...:o

[Anon001]

You can also find food grade epoxy from beekeeping suppliers.