The benefits of concrete flooring outweigh any disadvantages. Concrete is affordable, it is easy to maintain, it is sustainable, and it is versatile in design. And a properly polished concrete floor is beautiful.
The importance of keeping its shine is to keep up maintenance with your concrete. It is recommended that your concrete floors are generally polished every 2-3 years. Though, depending on your floors and location, you may need a polish sooner rather than later. If your floors look drab, you’re certainly not experiencing the full benefit of your concrete floors. You may be wondering how to properly polish concrete floors. While it is not a complicated process, but polishing concrete does require knowledge and skill to polish properly – an incorrect technique can irreparably harm your floors.
To get your shine back, it is time to get in touch with Pro Concrete Design. We have over 15 years of experience serving clients in Missouri and throughout the Midwest. And we have installed more than 10 million square feet of concrete! We want to be your trusted concrete polisher!
The Four Steps of Polishing:
1. Surface Prep
First and foremost, before you begin to polish, you must clean the concrete. Removing any residue, stains, and dirt is critical so nothing will interfere with the polish. If there are any oil marks or mineral deposits, it could ruin the final product of the polish – not offering you the full benefit. To clean the surface, begin the traditional way: sweep, mop, and vacuum. Then use a specified detergent or soap. Avoid any harsh chemicals.
2. Grinding
After surface preparation is complete, the next step is to create a flat, even floor surface. If no coatings were applied during the initial process, then a diamond grinding disc can be used to grind away any irregularities in the concrete floor. On the other hand, if existing sealers or epoxies are on the floor’s surface, then the floors must be chemically stripped before grinding begins.
Different classes of solvent can be used based on the type of coating and its molecular structure, ensuring that all existing substances on the floor are fully removed prior to grinding. Taking these steps results in a smooth and consistent finish for the concrete surface – ideal for any application requiring precision or aesthetic appeal.
Once your floor has been prepped, you’ll need to begin grinding down the rough edges of the concrete using a diamond grinder. This will create a smooth finish on the surface while also giving it more traction by creating tiny grooves in the texture of the concrete.
Make sure not to grind too deeply into the surface, as you might cause permanent damage to the concrete. Rather than ruining your concrete floors and then needing to replace them, discover the benefits of hiring a professional like Pro Concrete Design, who knows how to grind your concrete correctly.
3. Polishing & Buff
Now that your floor has been ground down into a level surface, it’s time to start polishing! You’ll do this with another set of diamond discs on your grinder. These discs come in different levels of grit, from coarse (for aggressive grinding) to fine (for final polishing). Start with a lower grit disc and move up through progressively finer grits until you’ve achieved your desired level of shine on the floor’s surface. Once you’ve done this step correctly, your concrete should have a beautiful glossy finish!
It is a vital step to polish concrete in order to get a smooth and flawless finish. It involves using a machine that grinds down the surface of the concrete, much like sanding wood, to remove any rough edges or ridges. Unlike wood, polishing does not affect the color of concrete; its purpose is simply to give it a glossy and shiny appearance. Depending on the desired outcome, you may consider one or more passes of high-speed buffering over the concrete surface.
This technique helps bring out its natural beauty while ensuring a durable and eye-catching result. Check out the cost benefits of a polished concrete floor compared to other flooring types.
4. Sealing
It is essential to apply a finish to the concrete floor to protect the surface from wear and tear. Additionally, sealing will ensure the cement looks good. Once the floor has been polished, it can be sealed with an appropriate coating, such as a water-based urethane or epoxy. Both are durable and designed to protect, providing a long-lasting, attractive finish that will keep your floor looking great for years to come!
Depending on the type of space, whether a residential or commercial property, you can choose between different types of solutions for the best match. For example, you may choose between a matte or gloss finish. No matter what kind of sealant you choose for your concrete floors, the final result is certain to glisten once polished.
Hire a Professional for the Best Result
If you’re researching how to polish concrete floors, you might want to consider hiring a professional for the job. In fact, it’s probably in your and your floors’ best interest. While polishing concrete flooring is not a complicated process, it is a very technical process. Without the right technique or equipment, you may ruin your cement floors. In that case, you’d have to replace them. For a pristine shine on your cement floors and a job done right, trust the professionals at Pro Concrete Design. You can be confident that Pro Concrete Design’s polishing skills are of the best quality. We have been in business since 2005, with over 30 years of experience working with concrete. This is one DIY job you may want to sit out on. Let us do the work. We can get the best out of your floors, and you can sit back and enjoy the reflective finish. Get more information now at 816-356-6440.