What is the Process for Polishing Concrete
A quality polished concrete floor invlolves more than just creating a smooth shiny finish. If a concrete floor is professionally polished it should have increased durablity as well as beauty. In order to take a slab from a troweled finish to a high sheen polished finish the concrete must be ground with varying grits of diamond resin pads. This is normally acheived with a a floor grinding machine know as a planetary grinder. This is a grinder with multiple heads spinning in different directions to aid the contractor in controlling the machine and creating an even finish.
In conjunction with grinding the floor, chemicals are often used called concrete densifiers or hardeners. These products react with the soluble calcium compounds in the cement to create insoluble calcium silicates. This process fills in many of the pores in the concrete creating a surface with much greater hardness.
If a more decorative finsh is desired the concrete can be dyed as part of the grinding process. Decorative patterns can also be cut into the surface to create tile effects. Another popular and beautiful look is that of exposed aggregate. If the concrete is ground more aggressively the aggregate stone in the concrete can be exposed. This is a look similar to terrazzo. One of the best features of any of these decorative finishes is that they are not coatings. Coatings have significant limitations and are prone to failure.
See the Advantages of Polishing vs. Coatings...
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