What is Polished Concrete?

Innovate and economic, polished concrete is one of the smartest flooring options available on the market today.

Polished concrete is a mechanical process that utilizes industrial diamonds, hardeners, and sealers to level, polish and seal a concrete surface from within.

It increase the strength of existing concrete surfaces, increases ambient lighting via reflection, inhibits contaminants from penetrating the concrete surface, and is a sustainable and intrinsically green process.

The technique is proving immensely popular with commercial facilities due to the sleek and reflective finish, as well as the low maintenance and cost associated with the implementation.

One of the really exciting things about this type of polishing process is that it is adaptable: the design as well as reflectivity and color can be determined and controlled via different degrees of polishing.

Why Should I Polish Concrete?

The aforementioned low maintenance associated with polishing concrete remains one of the most popular reasons for implementation, as well as the sleek and elegant appearance. Also the fact that it’s making use of materials already in place (most buildings are built upon a concrete foundation) thus rendering the need to expend needless energy and materials on producing a floor covering unnecessary.

In addition to the design and convenience, polished concrete does not retain mold or support the growth of potential allergens and dust mite activities.

What Machine Should I Use To Polish Concrete?

When looking for a machine to polish concrete with, you want something that’s proficient as well as versatile and easy to use. Look no further than the Lavina 20N Pro. 

The Lavina 20N Pro

The Lavina 20N Pro is perfect for residential and commercial jobs on a smaller scale. Its 20” wide grinding and polishing path alleviates the need for excessive supplementary edge work, leaving a 5mm distance to the edge.

The Lavina 7N Pro

Light and easy to maneuver, the Lavina 7n Pro is a single-phase 3HP corner machine that works on 208-240V. Being easily maneuverable it reaches all edges and corners nicely, eliminating the need to bend and kneel in uncomfortable positions to get the job done. It’s designed for dry application, and can be connected to Lavina 1050 vacuum system.

Essential Tips For Polishing Concrete

When considering whether or not to polish a concrete surface, it’s important to remember that if you’re dealing with new concrete, you should wait approximately four weeks before polishing to ensure that it’s completely cured beforehand. Some older floors may also be unfit for polishing due to being damaged or structural imperfections.

Typically there are two methods used for polishing concrete. Of these two methods, one of them is dry and the other is wet. Often times, contractors will use these methods in conjunction to achieve the best result. Dry polishing is often first, using a machine equipped to catch the dust while the grinder works. Next, the wet method may be used to eradicate the remaining debris and lubricate the floors. The wet method usually warrants some clean up time afterwards, as it is usually messier.

To enhance the polishing process, concrete can be stained or have an exposed aggregate worked into the surface before the polishing takes place. After the polishing, the surface of the concrete will be buffed to a shine, which will allow other decorative imperfections to shine through and rival other high end flooring options such as marble or tile. The difference between these surfaces compared to polished concrete is the maintenance that is required, of which there is next to none for this technique aside from basic cleanup.

Want to know more about the concrete polishing process? Interested in booking a concrete polisher for your flooring? Contact us today!