Polished Concrete v’s Grind & Seal

Mechanically Polished Concrete Process

A mechanically polished concrete floor can be time consuming if done correctly, this is due to the fact that there are at least 10 – 15 steps involved.

The general rule depending on the level of stone exposure desired is to start the initial concrete grinding with a coarse 20 – 30 grit diamond abrasive segment and grind the concrete to expose the embedded stone and finish with a 400 – 3000 grit diamond achieving the gloss level required.

These diamonds are impregnated inside a metal or resin bonded segment or pad. Typically the diamonds grit size will double once the first grind has been carried out. The use of 20 or 30 grit diamond abrasives then  60/80 grit diamond abrasives followed by the 120 grit metal bond diamond abrasives.

The concrete polishing process begins with a 50 grit diamond abrasive resin pad instead of a metal segment. When using the resin pads the steps usually are 50 grit, 100 grit, then 200, 400, 800, 1500 and finally 3000 grit if a high gloss finish is desired.

Throughout the mechanically polished concrete process a densifier is used to harden the concrete matrix, which allows the concrete to be evenly polished. A number of different densifiers can be used; these consist of a lithium, potassium or sodium silicates. A grouting compound is also used throughout the process to fill the holes, cracks and pores that were exposed from the initial coarse grinding steps.

The concrete is then sealed with a natural-look totally surface impregnating sealer. The sealer penetrates 2-5 mm inside the pores of the concrete to help prevent staining from accidental spills from oils or liquids that would usually stain unprotected polished concrete.  

Grind and Seal Polished Concrete Process

Grind and Sealed Polished Concrete system is the standard polished concrete system and is just as the name suggests. 

The concrete surface slurry is removed by means of concrete grinding to reveal the level of stone desired.

When the desired grind level is achieved, the surface is re-ground with finer diamond abrasives to remove any visible scratches from the previous steps. 

Grouting and patching may be required to fill any voids, holes cracks or imperfections. The surface is then cleaned and prepared for the application of either a gloss or matte surface coating.

With the use of a high quality non yellowing coating an amazing durable polished concrete floor can still be achieved as a more affordable option.