How to Polish Concrete Floors in 3 Easy Steps
The process of polishing concrete floors involves the use of chemical hardeners, which are sold under different trade names. They are made of sodium, potassium, or lithium-based silicates and react with the calcium hydroxide in concrete to produce a hard, crystalline surface. These compounds can be applied to existing or newly constructed floors and should be left to soak in for 30 minutes before being squeezed off. Then, after the concrete has been cured for 12 to 24 hours, concrete polishing Manhattan NY can be performed.
Before applying the chemical hardeners, polishing concrete floors starts by grinding down the concrete surface. This step helps in filling cracks and making the floor smooth and flat. After that, a filler is applied to repair cracks and joints in existing floors. The finished floor can be protected with a stain-guard treatment.
A densifier is a liquid chemical hardener that makes concrete less powdery and less porous. It will also polish the concrete surface. The final step is sealing the floor with a sealant to prevent stains and damage from spills.
Polishing concrete floors is a complicated process that requires several steps. First, you must grind the surface using a diamond or metal-bonded abrasive. Next, use a polishing compound. It will give your concrete a polished look and remove the debris that the diamond and abrasive left behind. You will need to use a higher-grit disc for a high-gloss finish.
Wet grit
Wet grit polishing concrete floors is a process that uses mechanical floor prep equipment fitted with diamond-shaped abrasives. Before beginning the process, remove any existing materials on the floor. These materials may cause the surface to be uneven. Afterward, prepare the floor by filling it with water and cleaning it with a neutral detergent. However, it is essential to avoid using acidic or caustic detergents.
There are two types of concrete polishing discs: dry polish and wet polish. Professional polishers will use both types. The first is used during the initial grinding process to remove any loose debris from the surface. The second type is used when it is time to polish the floor. The first step is to remove the old concrete, which is usually 20 grit thick.
The second type of concrete floor polishing involves applying fine grit to the surface. Generally, a 1500-grit disc will work best. It will remove the last stains and marks and leave the surface looking polished. This method is mainly used for aesthetic purposes.
Once the concrete floor is polished, the next step is to color it. Some polishing contractors use Penetrating Solvent-Based Dyes, which are not environmentally friendly. However, other manufacturers offer custom colors.
Adding pore and crack filler
Adding pore and crack filler to a polished concrete floor is essential for a high-quality finish. This process requires a collaborative approach between the construction team and the polishing contractor. Adding color to concrete floors also allows for a more customized look. There are several ways to add color to concrete.
Adding color to the concrete after the pour can help to prevent cracking and chipping. It can also add a marble-like appearance and improve the concrete’s durability. Adding pigment to the concrete mix will ensure more consistency in color. You can also add color after pouring the concrete to create dramatic effects.
The next step in this process is to clean the surface thoroughly. A wire brush should be used to remove any debris from the surface. The product should have a MOHS rating of at least 6.5, which indicates that it is hardened. If the surface is heavily scratched, a joint and surface crack repair may be necessary to remove stains.
Once you have completed these steps, it is time to add a densifier to the concrete. A densifier is used to fill cracks of up to 7mm. Small cracks are normal, but larger ones can be signs of a structural issue. Cracks more significant than this are best repaired with cementitious filler or a backer rod. Head over to Policrete to find out more about polished concrete
