Polished Concrete: All You Need to Know

Construction & Contractors Blog

If you fancy shiny and extremely smooth floors, then you should go for concrete polishing. The good thing is that the finish can last for over 20 years and does not need a lot of maintenance. It is also easy to clean, does not chip or dent and is non-slippery. The polished surface is also more stable and does not get affected by harsh conditions. Almost all concrete floors, whether new or old, can be polished to the desired taste. However, the methodology may differ depending on the floor's age.

What is the process?

When starting, a very coarse, metal-bonded diamond embedded in metal grinds the floor. The coarseness of the diamond is known as its grit. The grinding process is combined with bonding abrasives into the concrete, and finally, a sealant is applied. Concrete polishing is a more refined technology than other procedures such as concrete grind and seal, which uses a rough grit then seals the floor to make it impervious to water and other liquids.

How is preparation done?

If it is a used floor, the first step is to remove dirt, dust and grease. Proper cleaning ensures that the concrete bonds well with the abrasives and the sealant giving the desired look. Paint is also removed if there is any. Dry polishing is mostly preferred because it is less messy, faster and does not harm the environment. The polishing machine can be fitted with a dust sucking system that minimises dust build-up around the workplace. You can specifically ask the construction contractor to use a dust collection system. For safety and to ensure you do not inhale dust, wear a mask, protective gear, goggles and earplugs.

The grind and seal process

This is the first process before you go on to polish the floor. A 16- to 20-grit machine is used to remove any unwanted surface materials such as paint. After that, the grit is changed to about an 80-grit diamond. After this, you vacuum the dust and apply the sealant to achieve the grind and seal flooring finish. For a more delicate and shiny look, continue changing the grit to a smoother diamond up to a 3000 grit. After polishing, a sealant is essential in achieving the desired shine. Following the application of the first sealant, another layer is added after 45 minutes to make the surface impervious.  

Because the process is quite detailed, to achieve the desired mirror look, it is important to get a qualified contractor to work with you. This ensures that you get a beautiful and durable floor and at the same time meet all the required work and safety standards.

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28 February 2020

Home Construction Ideas that Bring the Outdoors Indoors

If you're thinking about bringing elements of the outdoors into your home but you don't know how to go about it, you've come to the right place. I'm Betty, and I've been in the unfortunately predicament of having severe hay fever and allergies for much of my life. I got sick of loading myself up with anti-histamines just to experience the outdoors everyday, so I decided to look into home additions that would bring that feeling inside where I was safe from pollen. I spent a long time researching solariums, pools, and other constructions, and now I have the home—and life—of my dreams. And now I'm sharing the tips and ideas I've learned with you!