The process that professional concrete polishers use is relatively simple and uses similar steps to concrete epoxy flooring with a finishing step more similar to re-sanding hardwood floors. Dry polishing is typically the more desirable process because it is so quick and environmentally friendly. There are also wet polishing techniques available, but here we will discuss dry polishing. With all of these dry polishing techniques, a vacuum system is used to collect and dispose of the dust that is a natural result of the sanding process.
The first step to concrete polishing is to check the surface of the concrete to make sure that there are no cracks or holes in the surface that will deter from the finished beauty. The concrete also must be checked to ensure that the surface is level.
Once any cracks or holes are filled or repaired the next step is to complete a rough grinding that really sands the surface of the concrete down still in preparation for polishing process. Once this preparation is completed, the contractor will begin to sand the surface of the concrete using a progressively finer diamond “sandpaper” until the desired level of smoothness is acquired. This process as with future grinding steps always works from progressively coarse to finer grit discs.
At this point, it is time for professionals to add any laser cuts and or any other decorations that have been chosen to be imbedded under the surface.
Once the decorative process, not including color, is complete, it is time for the professionals to really set to the task of polishing. This looks very similar to the earlier sanding process, but this uses progressively finer grit diamond sanding until a mirror like finish is seen. During this polishing process a sealer is applied to sink down under the surface and seal in the density of the concrete adding to the sheen, the durability, and the simple maintenance. The sealer literally protects the polish from the inside.
In the final step, there is a polishing compound deposited onto the surface. This compound acts as a final sealer and protects the finish from the surface and is what is responsible for leaving your polished concrete virtually maintenance free. The final sealer is why you will rarely have to clean the surface of your newly polished concrete floors.
This quick and relatively simple, environmentally friendly process is one of the many reasons that concrete polished flooring is becoming one of the hottest design choices on the market today.