Hi, I'm following up on a question ask about 20 posts ago by pbernhardt. I too want to tile my kitchen counter and was wondering how to do it. I originally thought about putting down a layer of 1/2 inch cement board, then the tile (I didn't realize that they made 1/4 cement board). My only complaint about this was that between the cement board, glue and tile the top of the counter top would be an inch or more higher now. Scaning the web I noticed that the 2 methods most suggested was either to replace the counter top with 3/4 inch exterior or marine grade plywood, or if it will be fairly wet to use 3/4 inch ply would with a 1/2 cement board and a water proof layer (felt paper or plastic) between the two. Both sound good but of course involve more work, and more garbage to toss (and why toss a perfectly good counter top). Before I read marquest's reply to the previous post I had thought of the same thing. What if I rough up the formica with some 80 grit sand paper, then tile right over that?? The formica is waterproof so it will protect the underlying partical board. The glue for tile seems to stick most surfaces fairly well (I've tiled over sheet rock, plywood, cement board, etc..) so I can't see why it wouldn't stick to a scuffed up surface like this. So what are the cons to this? Ok, before you flame me badly I realize that the backer board is the correct way, and normally I would do it as such. But while the kitchen is young (in the 5-10 year range I would guess) the job doesn't need to last for the next 40 years. Based on marquest's luck I would expect that this method should work for 10-15 years at least. After all isn't the soundness of the base the important part, and the counter appears fairly solid from my walking on it to paint the ceiling, etc. Is there some really bad thing that could happen by doing it this way? Thanks in advance for the info. lazydawgs

I found a product that will bring the shine back to marble floors that have been dulled by traffic, pets laying on it, spilled drinks, etc It is called Rhino Crystallizer Marble Polish. Using a pump bottle to mist an area about 6 square feet and then buffing it with a white pad until it shines like a mirror. My Question is, Do you have to use a low speed buffing machine, (145 rpm) or can you use a high speed buffing machine, (2000 rpm) I am using a low speed buffer and it is really difficult to control the buffer due to the resistance of the surface with the crystallizer on it until it finally evaporates and the shin is achieved. I need to buy a new machine and would like to get a high speed buffer as I have heard that they are much easier to control. My reservation is that I was told that a high speed buffer won’t work to bring the shine back to marble using a crystallizer. Does anyone know the answers???