Concrete Grinding,
Polishing & Sealing

Concrete Grinding, Polishing & Sealing

The Process of Polishing Concrete

Concrete polishing is a relatively new & innovative environment friendly flooring option. It uses a bare concrete slab, typically the building’s foundation, and transforms it to a decorative floor. The end product looks similar to a polished stone such as marble or granite. All products added to the concrete during the polishing process are intended to enhance the natural concrete, not cover or alter it. The end has all the natural perks of the original concrete slab, only it’s stronger and more resistant to staining.

The concrete polishing process is similar to sanding wood, but on a much larger scale. The initial grinding stages remove any dirt or coatings from the floor, and remove the surface paste to expose the stronger concrete that lies beneath. The next grinding stages of finer grits refine the rough floor to a flat, level surface to ensure a consistent polish. And finally the higher grit resin polishing diamonds are used to progressively bring the floor to a durable, high-gloss (or low-gloss if you prefer) finish. A densifier, which improves the strength and abrasion resistance, and a penetrating sealer, which acts as a stain shield, are applied to the concrete at various stages throughout the process.

The Benefits of Having Polished Concrete

First

Polished concrete is very durable. When the concrete is polished it is very strong and will have a long life. Your polished concrete garage floors will be ready to take on spills, tools, and all the other messy things that come along with making use of your garage. Polished concrete garage flooring can reduce wear on the tires of your car. Your polished concrete countertops will be ready to take on the thousands of hot plates and dinners that you will prepare for your family and the science projects that your kids create all while keeping their original shine. Your polished concrete indoor floors will be ready to take on all the dirty shoes, running kids, heavy foot traffic, and all the other surprises that come along with life.

Second

Your polished concrete surfaces will give you a surface that is easy to clean. Spills and messes won’t be able to cause damage to your polished concrete floors as they would do to regular hardwood or carpets. Easily take a wet rag to your countertops, a mop to your floors, or even a bucket of water to your garage floors to effortlessly flush away dirt, crumbs, and other messes. Say goodbye to scrubbing tile and grout, carpet, or linoleum.

Third

Choosing to have polished concrete surfaces in your home will actually help to increase the brightness of your home. This is because polished concrete surfaces will reflect light off of them, creating a beautiful and welcoming area and maybe even a smaller energy bill.

Fourth

You may have noticed that with unpolished concrete garage floors, they ALWAYS seem to be dusty and dirty, no matter how many weekends you take time to spray them down with a water hose. Good news! This dusty dirty problem is not something you will have to deal with if you choose to have your garage floors polished. Dust and dirt have a harder time sticking around to concrete that is polished compared to concrete that is unpolished. This can be a definite plus if anyone in your family has allergies.

Fifth

Polished concrete is stain-resistant, unlike any other surfaces that you may have in your home. The sealing that is applied to your polished concrete surfaces will act as a repellent to water, oil, and other contaminants. Say good-bye to substances penetrating your floors and countertops leaving you with an unpleasant stain to look at. Instead, enjoy the beauty of the smooth easy to clean polished concrete.

Sixth

The question may have crossed your mind: “Are polished concrete surfaces slippery?” The answer, which may be surprising, is no. Polished concrete flooring actually has increased slip resistance. The manner in which the concrete is ground and flattened when being polished multiplies the amount of friction compared to unpolished concrete.