Creating a polished concrete surface that is going to last over a long period of time, with little wear, long-lasting never-ending shine and well-preserved design is of course the ultimate goal for any polished concrete floor. However, actually attaining this is a different story. A unique concrete polishing solution, that addresses all of these desired outcomes, is the Green Endurance Process. This is a natural, yet customizable, approach with a focus on maximum durability and aesthetics. The process begins by working closely with architects to write in specs that are most conducive to the polishing process, eliciting the best results possible. Cuviello Concrete and Terrazzo Polishing is a large proponent of this process and integrates it into every job.
Recently Cuviello completed concrete polishing work at Howard County Middle School in Hanover, MD – a 23,250 square foot area. The corridors and cafeteria floor now feature cream and sand aggregate with multiple colors of dye in an elaborate design. What a head-turner! By using the Green Endurance process every aspect that effect the finished floor was controlled — mix design, placement, finishing, joint placement, the polishing process, protection and in service maintenance training.
The Green Endurance Process
- Saw cut the pattern into the concrete
- Fill the cuts with VersaFlex polyurea
- Grind with 50 grit and 100 grit metal, 50 resin bond abrasive
- Hone with 100 and 200 grit
- Dye the floor with AmeriPolish Solvent Base Color
- Densify the floor with Retro Plate 99
- Finish honing with 400 grit resin bond abrasive
- Polish with 800 and finally 1500 grit resin bond
Each bonded abrasive was fully refined from one grit to the next. At no time was any grit skipped.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Understand exactly what the spec says and exactly what your scope of work includes and does not include
- Educate, educate, educate your architect, owner and general contractor, and then manage expectations
- Develop a TIGHT relationship with the division 3 contractor — be sure they understand what they are finishing is going to become the finished floor. Educate them beyond what the division 3 spec says and what is included in their scope of work.
Shining Moments
- Successfully applied dye within the lines
- Intricately saw cut the designs
- Kept a consistent and steady work flow to accomplish saw cutting, joint filling, dying, densifying and polishing through multiple smaller crews
Get to Know Cuviello Concrete and Terrazzo Polishing
Cuviello Concrete and Terrazzo Polishing uses its expertise and experience with technical stone polishing to obtain maximum clarity of reflection (DOI Distinction of Image) and superior durability of the polished surface when applied to concrete and terrazzo. As a leader in the industry on an international level, expertise in contracting services places them in a unique position where they consult with and have trained other polishing contractors from across the globe. In addition, Cuviello Concrete was a founding member of the Concrete Polishing Association of America.