How To Polish Concrete Floors: Our 7 Step Process for Polished Concrete

Have you ever wondered how to polish concrete floors? Polished concrete floors are becoming increasingly popular in both residential and commercial settings. Not only do they look great, they’re also durable and easy to maintain. But if you want your polished concrete floor to really shine, it takes more than just a mop and bucket of water.

To get that perfect glossy finish, you need to take the time to properly polish the surface. Read our 7 step process for how to achieve beautiful polished flooring

Polished concrete is a unique flooring solution providing an attractive and durable finish for both residential and commercial spaces.

The process of polishing concrete involves grinding down the surface of the concrete to a desired level of smoothness. To achieve a high-quality polished finish, the surface must be extremely flat and consistent throughout.

After the surface has been flattened and smoothed, a finer level of grinding is performed with progressively finer abrasives such as steel wool and oxide pads.

The final step of the polishing process involves applying a chemical densifier to the concrete surface which helps to fill in any pores and create a more consistent finish.

Polished concrete steps involve several stages to achieve the desired level of smoothness and shine. The initial grinding stage requires the use of diamond-tipped blades on a heavy-duty machine to remove the top layer of concrete.

Once the initial grinding has been completed, finer abrasives such as steel wool and oxide pads are used to achieve a smoother finish. A chemical densifier is then applied to fill in any pores and provide a more consistent look. After this, the surface is repeatedly buffed with increasingly finer polishers until it reaches the desired level of gloss.

Finally, a sealant is applied to protect the polished surface from dirt and staining. Different types of sealants can provide varying levels of protection: from basic water-based solutions to more advanced epoxies and polyurethanes.

Polishing concrete floors is a multi-stage process that requires patience and precision to get the results you want. Our 7 step process for how to polish concrete floors is a great look into how polished concrete is done

1. Remove existing flooring

The first step in the process is to remove any existing flooring such as carpet or tile. This will ensure that the concrete surface is clear and prepared for the polishing process.

2. Ensure floors are level & any cracks are sealed

Ensuring that the concrete floors are level and any existing cracks are sealed is an essential step in the polishing process.

If these issues aren’t addressed, it can lead to a bumpy or uneven surface, which will be noticeable even after polishing. Leveling the floor with a self-leveling compound and filling in any cracks with a concrete repair mortar are important steps in the process.

3. Grind back the concrete flooring using a range of metal-bonded diamond grits

Grinding concrete floors with a range of metal-bonded diamond grits is an essential step in the process of polishing a concrete surface.
The grinding process involves gradually working from a coarse grit to a finer one, often starting with 30/40 grit and then progressing to 100/200 grit stones.

4. Apply a chemical hardener to densify the concrete

Applying a chemical hardener to densify concrete is an important step in the polished concrete floors process. It involves applying a chemical densifier to the surface of the concrete, which fills in any pores and helps create a more consistent finish.

The best way to apply the chemical densifier is with a sprayer or other tool that will ensure an even coverage.

5. Begin polishing the concrete with a resin bond diamond

Polishing concrete with a resin bond diamond is an important part of the process to achieve high-quality polished concrete floors.
This type of polishing uses diamond-tipped blades that are attached to a heavy-duty grinding machine which grinds away the top layer of concrete in order to create a flat, consistent surface.

6. Increase the grit level until desired sheen level is achieved

Once the initial grinding is complete, the next step is to increase the grit level. Each step in this process requires patience and precision, as it’s important to gradually work through each grade of grit in order to get the best results.

The type of grit used will depend on the desired level of sheen. From basic matte finishes to a high-gloss shine. Generally, a 100/200 grit abrasive is used for a matte finish while finer abrasives such as steel wool and oxide pads are used for higher gloss levels.

7. Apply a high-quality sealant to ensure the concrete is protected & easy to maintain

Applying a high-quality sealant to the polished concrete floors is an
important step in ensuring the surface is protected and easy to maintain.

Sealing concrete floors helps protect them from staining, damage, and premature wear. It also makes it easier to clean and maintain the floor, as dirt, debris, and grime can be quickly wiped away.

Polished concrete floors are eco-friendly since the process does not require harsh chemicals or VOCs like other types of flooring. In addition, they are incredibly durable and scratch-resistant due to the high density of the concrete slab itself.

They can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear, making them ideal for high traffic areas like offices, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, etc.

Overall, polished concrete floors are an excellent choice for both residential and commercial spaces because of their attractive finish, durability, cost efficiency, low maintenance requirements and eco-friendly nature. With proper technique and care you can achieve beautiful results that will stand up to years of daily use.

If you’re looking to get polished concrete floors without know how to polish concrete floor yourself then reach out to our team here at concrete floor renovations and trust our experts to enhance your space with polished concrete.