The Fundamentals of a Polished Concrete Floor Explained
Just like other specialised concreting methods, polishing requires the right set of tools to complete its multistep processes. Polished concrete will serve you well when done according to the standards recommended by builders. Typically, polishing concrete is similar to sanding a wooden surface. It requires equipment designed with diamond-segmented abrasives resembling sandpaper. The material works down on concrete until a desired degree of smoothness and shine results from the ongoing abrasive action. Polishing is one of the best ways of finishing your concrete surfaces. On that note, read on to learn more about concrete polishing:
An Overview of the Polished Finish
Polishing concrete is one of the techniques used to deliver a breathable finish to a concrete surface. Ideally, this is because the system does not involve any secondary coatings, and the resulting finishing permits the transmission of water vapour. You benefit because the breathable system does not succumb to damage by the migration of moisture from below. When done correctly, polished concrete will stand the test of time while saving you the costs involved to lay down subsequent flooring. It also boasts of immense versatility because you can use the polish in different sections of your interior space. Treating it with integral dyes and colours helps to improve the aesthetic appeal.
Wet Versus Dry Concrete Polishing
Wet concrete polishing needs the application of unique disposal methods because of the wet grinding. Wet slurry is the go-to solution for removing the particles resulting from the process. On the other hand, dry concrete polishing requires vacuums to get rid of the dust. You can also use the combination of vacuums and pre-separator systems to keep the dust and contaminants from spreading to other areas.
The Major Steps Involved
The steps involved in concrete polishing depend on how much shine you want on the floor. The floor's original condition also dictates the procedure, and that calls for a preliminary one-site analysis before polishing. Usually, the initial steps involve removing imperfections and high spots on the surface. You also need to get rid of contaminants like chemicals, mastics and sealing materials. These initial processes are essential for achieving the desired finish on the concrete surface.
The degree of shine falls into three major categories depending on the final grit of the polish. It could be 800, 1500 and 3000, translating to semi-gloss, gloss and high-gloss polished finishes. The final step involves applying a particular type of penetrating or topical agent. The agent seals the surface until your densifier achieves the results you want.
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