Thanks to recent advances in polishing equipment and techniques, polished and stained concrete is increasingly growing in popularity. In addition to its clean, sleek, modern appearance, it is cost effective, durable and has green benefits as well.
Concrete Restoration Inc. has fully embraced this vibrant, growing segment of the flooring industry and is rapidly becoming one of the leading contractors who expertly grind concrete floor surfaces, new or old, to a high gloss finish that never needs waxes or coatings.
Considering the superior durability and performance of concrete, its no wonder polished and stained concrete has become an excellent alternative to traditional flooring choices such as tile, linoleum, VCT, carpeting, wood or coated concrete.
What is Polished Concrete ?
Concrete polishing is the art of altering the concrete floor surface to achieve a specified level of gloss through the multi step ( as many as 15 ) process. The concrete surface is mechanically refined using diamond abrasives and is divided in to 3 stages; grinding, honing and polishing.
The grade of the floor represents the amount of aggregate that will be exposed at the surface. The higher the grade, the greater the amount of aggregate will be shown.
Grade 1 – Light Sand Finish
Grade 1 finish is considered a creamy looking surface typically exposing only the sand particles in the concrete floor. It is the most popular choice for ground & polished floors.
Grade 2 – Salt & Pepper Finish
Grade 2 or salt & pepper exposure typically exposes a spattering of aggregate in the concrete floor. The grade 2 finish is most often chosen to give the appearance of an aged surface.
Grade 3 – Aggregate Finish
Grade 3 aggregate exposure is a more heavily cut surface typically exposing the greatest amount of large aggregate in the concrete floor. Grade 3 finish is chosen when the substrate has been seeded with a custom aggregate. On some floors, especially older concrete, there may be a limit to how deep the floor can be cut.
The class of the floor represents the amount of reflectivity or shine that will be visible at the surface. The higher the class, the greater the amount of reflectivity or shine.
Class 1 – Low Reflectivity, 400 Grit
Class 1 finish ( specified as 400 grit ) results in a surface that exhibits a low level of specular reflectivity. After being polished to a 400 grit level, the finish delivers a relatively low gloss reading.
This would be the least shiny floor option.
Class 2 – Medium Reflectivity, 800 Grit
Class 2 finish ( specified as 800 grit ) results in a surface that exhibits a moderate level of specular reflectivity, approaching a mirror–like surface. After being polished to an 800 grit level, the finish delivers a medium level of gloss. This would exhibit shine but not a clear mirror–like reflection.
Class 3 – High Reflectivity, 1500 grit
Class 3 finish ( specified as 150 grit ) results in a surface that exhibits a high level of specular reflectivity, and much closer to a mirror–like surface. After being polished to a 1500 grit level, the finish delivers a high level of gloss. This would exhibit a shine close to a clear mirror–like reflection.
What are the benefits of concrete polishing ?
- No peeling, flaking or delaminating
- Dust free, stain resistant, easy to maintain
- No moisture vapor transmission issues
- Extremely versatile and customizable – can be polished and stained to different degrees of shine
- Cost effective installation and maintenance, low life cycle cost
- OSHA Compliant
- Sustainable – concrete is recognized as a sustainable design material
- LEED Friendly – polished concrete can earn LEED points in the areas of energy, atmosphere, materials and environmental quality.
Who should consider concrete polishing ?
- Retail Stores
- Grocery Stores
- Restaurants
- Schools & universities
- Hotels
- Car dealerships
- Aircraft hangars
- Warehouses
- Industrial buildings
- Office buildings
- Governmental buildings
- Hospitals
- Residential homes
- And many more
At Concrete Restoration Inc. our concrete polishing and staining processes are done using the most technologically advanced grinding, honing and polishing equipment available in the world today.
Our entire installation department is C.P.C. certified, demonstrating superior concrete polishing and staining qualifications along with the appropriate credentials.
From the initial consultation to the completion of your project, let us show you how our industry knowledge, old school dedication to hard work and detail along with our years of experience will be the difference you can count on.
Concrete Restoration Inc. – building our reputation one overwhelming first impression at a time.
