Concrete Floors: How to Polish Properly

We’ve seen companies in our industry offering “concrete polishing” services that aren’t the actual reality. They’ll perform a couple of steps and then apply an opaque sealer over the floor to make it appear more polished than it is.

The sealer usually wears off in one to six months. Year, and the floor underneath lacks the shine of a naturally finished floor and the durability or cleanliness of a naturally polished concrete floor.

What a concrete polishing job appears like

A concrete polishing process involves around 10 steps. It is a mechanical process, the floor is polished together in a competent mill. Each stage employs a different degree of coarseness (ranging between 60- and 3000 grit. With some diamonds contained, you can attain the smoothness and gloss you desire.

There are two main methods of polishing concrete, each with distinct advantages.

Dry polishing is a method of polishing.

Dry polishing is a great method for creating a glossy shine on concrete flooring. It usually uses large electrical equipment wired to polish floors.

You can see the dry polishing process in this time-lapse video of our team cleaning a church lobby floor. What causes the change in the glossiness of the floor following each step?

The Wet Polish Method

Wet polishing uses water throughout the concrete polishing procedure. It produces a dull, matte surface and only applies to large, broad areas.

Wet polishing has the benefits of requiring less downtime and also providing cost savings. Due to the quantity of water utilized, it’s dust-free, which helps to avoid dust contamination in the work area.

Find out more about wet and dry. Dry polishing of concrete.

Problems With Incomplete or Poor Polishing Methods

A few contractors will only complete some polishing processes and then apply an opaque sealer to the floor. Initially, this could create a polished appearance; however, the outcome appears deceiving.  Leaving a rough, dull floor that lacks the polished floor’s shine, durability, and sturdiness.

They aren’t always able to reveal the inconsistencies of their processes. This lack of transparency may cause floors that appear shiny for a short time but soon deteriorate, leading to higher maintenance costs and dissatisfaction.

The Proper Concrete Polishing Process

Polished concrete is produced through a complex mechanical process that requires at least 10 steps. Each stage is gradually improved to boost the concrete’s aesthetics with different grades of grit (ranging between 60 and 3000 grit and sometimes including industrial diamonds). The result is a shiny, smooth surface that looks stunning but also stands up to wear and tear.

There are two primary methods of polishing concrete: dry and wet. Each method has distinct strengths and advantages, making it appropriate for various applications.

Dry Polishing

Dry polishing is commonly used. This method usually involves massive, electric-powered equipment, but hand-operated machines are also possible in difficult-to-reach areas. One advantage of dry polishing is the instant transparency of the gloss and finish following each polishing session. This allows the contractors to track their process and make adjustments as needed.

Dry polishing is appropriate for areas in which dust isn’t an issue. However, water is sometimes added between polishing stages to keep dust out.

Wet Polishing

Wet polishing creates a matte finish, in contrast to the glossy result of dry polishing. Additionally, it offers the benefits of fewer downtimes and savings on costs since the process is dust-free, permitting work to continue quicker with no need to take large dust control measures.

The Value of a Skilled and Transparent Contractor

An experienced contractor will thoroughly review the entire procedure, ensuring that you know the processes involved, the kinds of abrasives employed, and the differences between real polishing concrete and temporary treatments. They’ll also be able to advise whether wet or dry polishing is an excellent feature for your particular project.

A reliable contractor can honestly evaluate the work required and deliver a durable, long-lasting, and visually appealing outcome. If you choose to invest in the right finished concrete flooring, you’re also investing in the long-term durability and low maintenance expenses of premium finishing.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When choosing a concrete polishing service, searching for one with a proven track record of performance and a reputation for openness is essential. A business that is transparent about its process has experience in various projects, and utilizes the desirable equipment available will probably provide the best payoff and accurate outcome. For companies in the Southeast U.S., firms such as CPC Floor Coatings offer free estimates and consultations, ensuring prospective clients know what they are getting into before making a choice.

Are you in search of a reputable concrete polishing service within the Southeast?

Do you think concrete polishing could be the best solution for your company? If you’re in the Carolinas, northern Georgia, or eastern Tennessee, CPC Floor Coatings will examine your building and offer the owner a complimentary estimate.

Our company has a long history in the flooring industry, and our flooring team has the knowledge and skills to complete jobs on time and within your budget.

You can contact BrewCo Concrete Polishing by calling (864) 855-0600 or visiting our website.