Polished concrete is a cost-effective alternative to traditional flooring. Ideal for use in industrial and commercial spaces, polished concrete is most often used in large warehouses, retail stores, office buildings or private residences. By treating an existing concrete subfloor with a multi-step polishing process, no other materials are needed.
The Benefits of Polished Concrete
- Ecologically Efficient: installation requires no other flooring materials
- Cost Effective: it has a long life span
- Environmentally-Friendly: it releases no toxic fumes or VOCs
- Easy-to-Maintain: low up-keep
- Durable: it does not rip or scuff – can withstand heavy foot traffic
- Allergen-Free: does not harbor dust mites, pet dander or mold
- Versatile: it comes in a variety of colors, finishes and sheens
- Reflectivity: the high-shine cuts down on the need for artificial lighting
The Polished Concrete Process
Thorough prepping of the concrete beforehand, to remove stains and moisture, helps to achieve quality results. The grinding stage removes imperfections and flattens the concrete surface by refining with a progressive sequence of diamond tooling, starting with lower grit metal bond tools (e.g. 30s then 70s), hybrid coppers and finally with resins. Depending on the porosity of the concrete, densify after 200 or 400 grit to harden the floor. Then continue on with resins to polish the floor up to whatever level of shine your job requires (e.g. 400, 800, 1500). As a best practice: protect the floor with a topical guard or penetrating stain resistor. Guards/sealers are preferable for retail or commercial floors that require an aesthetic appearance. However, keep in mind that they are topical, so will scratch, scuff and walk off over time depending on level of foot traffic. Penetrating stain resistors help to tighten up the floor at a sub-surface level, protecting against spills, water, etc. These are ideal for industrial floors or floors that don’t require as shiny of an appearance, but need the stain resistance.
Properly Maintaining a Polished Concrete Floor
Although polished concrete flooring is relatively low-maintenance, it is not maintenance-free. Polished concrete typically does not require frequent sealing. Abrasive dirt and grime can result in the top coat sealant, wearing down and losing its luster. As a result, proper cleaning is needed to keep the high gloss shine from dulling.
- Dust Mop Daily: this will remove dirt and grime accumulation
- Frequent Wet Mopping: use water with an appropriate cleaner – avoid harsh chemicals that can break down the sealant
- Use a pH Neutral Cleaner: solvents with too much acidity or alkalinity can dissolve the concrete and dull the shine
- Work in Small Sections: keep the cleaner from drying and leaving a haze by tackling small sections
- Correct Floor Pads: use softer (higher grit) cleaning pads to prevent scratching and etching e.g. white pads
- Automatic Floor Scrubber: use non-abrasive attachments to clean large areas i.e. soft brushes, not coarse black brushes
- Wipe Up Spills: prevent stains by cleaning them up immediately
Runyon Surface Prep Rental & Supply is a full-service sales and rental facility uniquely dedicated to the concrete polishing industry. Our uniqueness comes from providing our customers with a diverse equipment, product and supply portfolio. We offer training and support, such as technique workshops on prep, polishing or removal, and maintain a well-stocked inventory of consumables ready for your projects at a moment’s notice. Rather than perform contract work ourselves, we consult on job sites when necessary. With the backing of our vendors, Runyon Surface Prep offers support at any level, to assist in helping you get things done. We can deliver or ship wherever you need, or you can pick up from our facility.