Polished concrete is a type of flooring that has been treated to give it a smooth, shiny appearance. It is a popular choice for commercial buildings, warehouses and retail stores, but it can also be used by homeowners who are looking to replace their carpet with something more durable and contemporary.
What Is Concrete Floor Polishing?
Polishing concrete floors is a very intricate process that requires expertise and specialized tools to get the results you want. While you can try and do this on your own, the best thing to do is to hire a professional.
The equipment needed to do concrete floor polishing is a lot like that of sanding a hardwood floor: a concrete machine with diamond-impregnated pads and a polisher. You will need a few of these pads depending on the size of the floor you are working on, along with extra tools to deal with the dust created by the polishing process.
You should use a dust filtration system during this process and a concrete vacuum to help keep the work area clean. It is also a good idea to apply a concrete sealer to protect the floor and add more durability.
Using a polishing compound is another way to achieve a more polished look. You can buy these compounds in a variety of colors, and you will need to select the color that best fits your tastes.
A gloss meter or image clarity meter can be used to measure the degree of shine on polished concrete surfaces. This will help you determine the overall quality of the finished product.
If you are planning on doing this yourself, you will need to have a lot of patience and a good set of tools to complete the job. This includes a concrete polishing machine, diamond grinding pads and a vacuum system to remove all of the dust generated from the process.
First, you will need to do some initial grinding on the floor. This will allow you to remove any blemishes and minor pits that may have developed over time. It will also help you get a clear picture of how your floor will turn out when it is all done.
Next, you will need to grind down the surface of the concrete to a flattened and even state. This will take a few passes on the grinding pad. The goal is to level the floor as much as possible without damaging it.
Once you have achieved this, you will need to buff it down to bring out the shine. Th
is will require multiple passes with the concrete grinding pad and will need to be completed before you put a coat of sealer on the surface of the floor.
The end result of this step is a beautiful, high-gloss surface that you can enjoy for years to come. However, before you do this, it is a good idea to choose the right concrete polishing compounds and the correct finishing grits for your desired finish.
