Concrete floors have become the ideal and most popular finish in recent times. One of the main reasons behind this could be that its raw look is appealing to many. In addition to this, you can get a glossy finish by polishing concrete.
Other than this, many prefer to paint over it or lay tiles on top. Likewise, Ready Mix Concrete flooring offers many finishes while also being durable. It is suitable for heavy traffic areas and is a flooring that will last you a lifetime.
Of its most popular finishes, concrete polishing has recently gained popularity. Many homeowners prefer the finish of polished concrete. Furthermore, it is easy enough that you can do it yourself.
However, you should know the right process and steps to finish the job perfectly. Worry not as we bring you everything you need to know about polishing concrete.
Concrete Polishing
To begin with, polishing concrete offers a neat and clean finish. It is cost-effective as you don’t have to worry about adding tiles, wood, or anything else. Furthermore, polishing can prolong the life of your Ready Mix Concrete flooring whether residential or commercial.
Besides the above, polishing concrete is simple and anyone can do it. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you will enjoy polishing your concrete floors yourself.
First, we must prepare the surface and ensure it is smooth. Then we clean it and remove the dust and concrete debris from the surface. Lastly, we apply the polish and allow it to dry. You can do this on your freshly laid concrete floor as well as old floors.
Whatever your current flooring is, you can follow the below steps to polish your concrete floors. So let’s find out how to go about it.
1- Remove Current Flooring Material
Whether you have tile work, wood, laminate, or anything else, you will likely have a concrete base beneath. So the first thing we’ll do is remove this top layer. If you want to polish your freshly laid Ready Mix Concrete floor, then you can move on to the next step.
Materials such as wood and tiles are recyclable products. So make sure you remove them safely. In case you’re having trouble in this step, you can work with a professional for expert help.
Then, remove the glue or grout from your flooring. For carpets, you’ll likely have to use a carpet glue remover. So consider the type of material and use the right product to clean your floor.
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2- Step One of Preparation
First and foremost, we need to ensure the floor is in good condition. For this, you need to look for cracks and holes in your concrete surface. Don’t worry about the bumps as we’ll take care of it in the next step.
In addition to such issues, check if your floor is level. You can use Ready Mix Concrete or floor screeds to level the floor. Floor screeds are self-leveling compounds that’ll give you a level surface without requiring additional effort.
3- Time to Grind
In this step, we’ll take care of the bumps and any other imperfections. You will need professional tools for this step that you can rent if you don’t own them. We’ll be using coarse and fine grits until we achieve the smooth finish we want.
Begin with the coarse grit such as 30/40 and then end with a fine grit such as 100/200 grit stones. We recommend getting professional help if you’re having trouble with this step.
4- Clean the Floor
Cleaning the surface is an important step in concrete polishing. The debris from the previous flooring can hamper the polishing process.
Moreover, you’ll find a lot of concrete dust on the floor after grinding it smooth. Use a hard brush to remove this dust. Wash away any stains with water. Allow it to dry before we move on to the next step.
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5- Densifying the Concrete
Now, it is time to make the concrete floor dense. To do this, apply any commercial chemical densifier on the surface. You might also find this product by the name chemical hardener. You will need a sprayer for this step to ensure it covers the surface evenly.
Doing this step will fill in the gaps and pores. As a result, you can enjoy a smooth finish that is consistent throughout the floor.
6- Concrete Polishing
Finally, we can begin polishing the floor. For this, you will need a resin bond diamond. This is necessary if you’re looking for a high-quality finish on your floors. Their blades have a diamond tip and come with a heavy-duty grinder.
When you use this, it will grind away the top layer and give you a flat surface. After this, go on with a higher grit. Make sure you’re patient throughout so you don’t compromise on the precision of the work.
You can pick from matte finishes to glossy shiny finishes. This will depend on what type of grit you use. With finer abrasives, you can get a higher gloss. Likewise, if you use a 100/200 grist, you’ll have a matte finish.
7- Applying the Sealant
As the last step, apply a sealant to your floor. The sealant acts as a protector for your flooring. Furthermore, sealants make the concrete easy to clean and maintain.
Not to mention, this is a necessary step to avoid staining. It also comes with the benefit of protecting it from damage and wear and tear.
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Takeaway
Concrete polishing is a fantastic way to finish your bare concrete floors. Doing so allows you to experience the aesthetics of concrete flooring while also keeping it easy to maintain. Easy cleaning and slow wear and tear are simply a bonus.
To learn more about this, get in touch with Ready Mix Concrete London. From the highest quality ready mix concrete to advice from experienced professionals- we offer it all!
FAQs
Should I polish my concrete floors?
Concrete polishing is a great way to protect your floors from damage and enhance their looks. If you’re opting for concrete flooring, polishing is a great way to enjoy the aesthetic without compromising on quality.
Can I DIY concrete polishing?
Yes, with the right tools, you can polish your concrete flooring yourself.
Is Polished Concrete Durable?
Polished concrete is highly durable. The polish and sealant protect the flooring from water, stains, and other damage.
