Concrete floor polishing is a process of grinding the concrete surface with diamond-impregnated disks to produce desired degrees of gloss and smoothness. It is similar to sanding wood with different grits of sandpaper to achieve the desired result. A polished concrete floor is extremely durable, easy to maintain and highly cost effective when compared to other flooring solutions.
Whether your concrete floors are new or old, they can be polished to produce stunning results. The most important factor for success is the substrate preparation. It is critical to remove any coatings, oil, grease and dirt on the surface before working on the finish. Almost any structurally sound concrete can be polished, however, floors that are wavy or require extensive patching may not achieve the desired result.
There are two main types of concrete floor polishing: dry and wet. A wet system uses water to flush the dust off of the concrete as it is being sanded, and a vacuum to trap the dust and moisture in a containment system. A dry system does not use any water and is used more often in today’s industrial world.
Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, but a well-trained, experienced professional should be able to advise which is the most appropriate solution for your concrete floors. Generally speaking, a wet concrete polishing system will last longer and provide a higher level of sheen than a dry one, but it all depends on the concrete and its condition.
After the concrete is sanded, it is densified and then polished with a resin-bonded diamond to produce a high sheen that can be sealed to protect the floor and make maintenance easier. A good polish will be low-maintenance and will not need waxing, buffing or any other type of chemical treatment, and it will be hygienic and easy to clean.
A high sheen, or a hard sealer, can be applied to the concrete floor after it is sanded to provide a high-gloss finish that is easy to maintain. This system requires less maintenance and is a cheaper alternative to a wet polish, but it will not provide the same sheen as a fully polished concrete floor.
The key benefit of a hard sealer is its ability to block moisture and chemicals from penetrating the concrete, making it much more resistant and long-lasting than a soft sealer. It can also be easily repaired if damaged and will not need to be waxed or re-sealed as frequently as a soft sealer.
Unlike other surfaces, polished concrete is non-porous and does not absorb odors or mold. This makes it an ideal choice for areas that need to be cleaned regularly, such as a kitchen or bathroom. It is easy to clean and disinfect with a mop, steam cleaner or pressure washer, and it will not stain like a carpet or tile would. It is also a great surface for radiant heating and can be colored with dyes to match the décor of any room.
