Polished concrete floors are highly durable, easy to clean, and stain-resistant. Polishing concrete floors is something of a dying art, making it challenging to find contractors who offer this service. Fortunately, the experts at SLG Concrete Coatings can apply this beautiful flooring solution.
Why Choose Polished Concrete?
Concrete polishing involves a series of treatments that reduce a concrete surface’s porosity. Without these treatments or a sealant, concrete is a highly porous flooring material, making it prone to staining. Wear and tear and everyday use soon make it look and feel grubby.
Opting for polished concrete allows you to extend the lifespan of your decorative concrete by several decades. This treatment also gives your floors a stunning sheen.
The polishing process involves using a series of ever-finer grinding plates. When the contractor completes the process, your concrete flooring has a virtually impermeable gloss finish.
How to Achieve the Effect
You may opt for this finish on both newly poured concrete and an older floor. The process is largely the same in both cases and consists of the following steps:
- Prepare the Surface: As with most renovations, the better the preparation, the better the results. Naturally, preparation is easier with a new surface because you don’t need to repair cracks or chips.
- Grind the Surface: Whether the surface is old or new, you must grind it to ensure it’s entirely even. Any lumps and bumps will mar the look of the polished concrete, so it’s crucial to take great care during this stage.
- Concrete Hardening: We apply chemical hardeners to reinforce the concrete during this stage. These substances sink into the pores, sealing them off and making the surface denser than before. The concrete surface becomes far more robust as a result.
- Final Polishing: We leave the hardeners to cure before progressing to the polishing stage. The number of passes we make depends on the level of shine you require. The higher the gloss you want, the longer it takes.
- Staining: Should you wish to stain the concrete, the best time to do so is while you’re polishing the concrete. Adding the stain just before you finish gives the stain time to work into the surface while allowing you to run a final pass over your work.
How Long Will a Polished Concrete Floor Last?
Most standard concrete floors show signs of wear and tear within five years of you laying them. Conventional sealants provide some protection from stains but do little to protect against cracking or chipping.
Polished concrete, however, lasts around twenty years or more, depending on how much traffic it handles. Unlike an untreated surface, very little maintenance is necessary during its lifespan.
Who Should Select a Polished Concrete Floor?
Several concrete coatings are available on the market today, but none match the refined look of polished concrete. Thanks to its glossy finish, polished concrete allows you to do away with many decorative elements and still create a showstopper.
This option is an excellent solution in a garage where hot tires might cause epoxy flooring issues. Unlike epoxy, polished concrete won’t lift heavy traffic and cooling tires.
Can You Apply This Finish to Damaged Floors?
It’s possible to revitalize damaged floors by polishing them as long as the damage is relatively minor. Repair spalling, small cracks, and chips first before applying the polish. If the damage is extensive, we recommend relaying the floor before polishing it.
If you’re not sure, let our team take a look. Our experts will give you the best advice on whether or not you can save the floor. We’ll also assess whether your concrete has moisture issues.
Can You Polish Any Concrete Floor?
As long as the floor is structurally intact, you can polish it. Most concrete surfaces will respond well to this treatment. As a service for our clients, we’re happy to look at your floor and advise you on the best way forward before providing a quote.
Where necessary, we’ll conduct minor repairs as part of the preparation process.
Contact SLG Concrete Coatings Today!
At SLG Concrete Coatings, we have your best interests at heart. We back our top-quality work with a 20-year residential warranty and a five-year commercial warranty.
If you are interested in polished concrete or other coatings, give us a call or complete our online contact form. Call our friendly teams in Santa Maria, CA at (805) 934-3881 and Fresno, CA at (559) 724-3884 to help you find the best solution for your surfaces.
