Quality Polished Concrete
Quality Polished Concrete offers a high grade surface with a spectacular look that wears like no other flooring. It requires combining three technologies to finish the surface.These include the use of concrete grinders, chemicals, and diamond technology resins. Once the floor finished it provides superior durability.
Producing our Concrete Grinding Solutions Polished Concrete
After pouring the concrete slab, it requires from one to four weeks for curing. If you are finishing a new building, the best practice is grinding the slab before beginning any further construction. This allows the finishers to grind the slab flat and even without any obstructions. During the process, the customer remains onsite to approve the amount of aggregate the grinding exposes. In an existing home or if the construction has started already, it is best to finish the floor before adding the skirting, joinery or final coats of paint. However, if the final painting is already completed, it is still possible to create a polished concrete floor finish.
Staging the Finish
The process begins by grinding the concrete with a course (30 grit) grinder. This exposes the aggregate and levels the slab so the entire floor is even. Once the customer is satisfied with the exposure, the process continues.
Remove the scratches left by the 30 grit grinder by switching to a 60 grit, medium grinder.
Final grinding with the 120 fine grit blade removes any remaining scratches and leaves the floor very smooth. The technician then uses concrete dust and a grout agent to fill any cracks, holes or other imperfections in the floor.
A densifier/hardener is applied to the surface. It reacts with the concrete creating a surface that is extremely hard.
After 24 hours drying time, a second lick coat of the densifier/hardener is applied. Once it reacts with the previous coats, the technician removes it using a 50-grit resin pad.
He then adds another layer of the hardener, allows it to dry, and removes it with a 100-grit pad. The process is repeated using another coat and a 200-grit resin pad.
The type of desired finish determines the final polishing pad. A 400-grit pad creates a matt finish, while an 800-grit one creates a satin finish. For a full gloss finish, the technician begins with a 1500-grit pad and ends the process with a 3000-grit pad.
The application of an impregnating sealer helps to prevent stains from ruining the surface while enhancing the look. This sealer is resistant to oils and fats, but also brings the natural color of the surface to life.
The final stage prior to use is buffing away the excess enhancer.
CGP customers can rest assured the job is being done correctly using the best machinery, tools, pads available on the market.
Our Quality Assurance Process
You can rest assured in a quality finish due to our standardized system of finishing.
We use top quality tools, machinery and treatment products.
We polish concrete using a Husqvarna Concrete Polishing machine.
Each job is covered by insurance, with a $20 million public liability coverage and a $1 million indemnity policy.
What are the benefits of Polished Concrete?
When your polished concrete floor is properly installed and maintained, it creates a floor that is allergen free and also improves the reflection of natural light. Polished concrete is resistant to:
- Tyre marks
- Dusting
- Wear
- Oils
- Water
- Food stains
- Industrial chemicals
- Fuels
- Hydraulic fluids
- Greases
- Fats
The low maintenance surface is resistant to heat and abrasion. It improves the natural light in a room. The floor helps you keep an area free of allergens.
The use of the specialized treatments and diamond bonds helps to increase the durability of the finished floor. The surface is 10 times as strong as concrete surfaces finished with standard polishing.
The mechanical polishing process, takes an already hard surface and makes it the wearing surface. It eliminates film sealers and coatings.
Choose polished concrete when contemplating new construction projects or when remodeling an existing building. It is appropriate for use in homes, retail, commercial, factories or warehouses.
Polished concrete does not require the costly downtime that one encounters when installing urethane or epoxy coatings.
Polished concrete enhances the natural beauty of the material and offers an easy maintenance surface. The process eliminates the use of epoxies or film coatings. Rather than degrading over time, it improves with age. The finish is able to endure tough traffic and increases the life expectancy of a floor by years.
The application is VOC free, making it odorless and environmentally friendly. It results in a workplace that is healthier for employees and does not produce toxic emissions.
How do I maintain a Polished Concrete Floor?
- Remove dust and dirt by vacuuming the surface regularly.
- Immediately wipe up any spills from the polished concrete surface.
- Avoid the use of harsh cleaners, such as bleach or those with a citrus base.
- Prevent scratches with protective pads under furniture legs.
- Keep the surface clean and free of streaks using a microfiber mop.
- Spot clean areas of heavy soiling before cleaning the rest of the floor.
- Keep high traffic areas looking great with daily burnishing.
- When you must use a detergent to clean the floor:
- Choose a pH Neutral solution designed for floor care.
- Apply using an auto-scrubber or mop and clean water.
- Rinse thoroughly using clean water.
