The sector of concrete floor grinding and polishing has flourished relatively swiftly in recent years. Even while concrete grinding and polishing have been done for at least a decade, builders, engineers, landowners, industrial designers, and building contractors have only gradually begun to take a high involvement in the practice. Those contractors that begin participating in the process right away and invest the effort and time necessary to comprehend its intricacies and variables will be repaid as the market’s demands continue to grow.
This concrete floor technique is done by flattening down hard concrete surfaces to expose a smooth and shining surface. This method necessitates the utilisation of industrial-grade concrete grinding machinery as well as diamond-impregnated sections or platters, which are comparable in appearance to long-lasting sandpaper. In order to attain a high sheen or smoothness, the discs used in the concrete grinding operation are steadily changed out for discs with a coarser grit as the process progresses.
To attain a high sheen surface, the concrete grinding phase must be completed in its last stages before moving on to the concrete polishing process. During these terminal days, the finest grit discs are utilised in the concrete grinding process. It is possible to apply a polishing substance to the floor at the last stage of the concrete polishing process. This will help clear any remnant that is still on the surface of the floor and give the floor an added gloss. Floor grinding and polishing can provide a surface that is silky flawless and visually spectacular, very similar to that of polished concrete, when used in combination.
Identifying the Different Stages and Categories
Concrete that has been ground is considered to be in the step-by-step category which is the most basic in concrete floor grinding and polishing. Any grit abrasion with a resin that is about 50 grit or below is deemed to be a grinding phase. This is the case if the abrasive substance is classified according to the grit of the abrasive. A surface made of ground concrete has the illusion of being flat, with no reflection or very minor mirror image at most, and may at times have a low gloss.
After ground concrete comes the segment of polished concrete, which is the following category of steps in the production procedure. The process of honing refers to the use of any grit abrasive from about 100-grit resin all the way up to 400-grit resin. A surface of honed concrete will have a matte look and/or a subtle clarity of reflection and will have either a low, medium, or high shine depending on the level of honing.
Concrete that has been polished is in the most advanced category of treated concrete processes. Any grit abrasive with a resin that is around 800 grit or higher is regarded to be a polishing phase. Typical polishing steps include abrasives with 1,500 or 3,000 grit. A surface made of polished concrete has the same degree of reflection sharpness as a mirror and a gloss similar to that of glass.
Basics of Concrete Floor Grinding and Polishing
Keeping in line with the natural order of things.
When taking on concrete floor grinding and floor polishing, it is essential to perform the steps in the appropriate order. Hopping on steps or doing things in the wrong order can cause harm to both the ground and the machinery.
Restoring a concrete floor requires always starting with the removal of any previous coatings that were applied to the floor. For more forceful removal, use a diamond with a grit of 16 or 20, particularly for coatings that are thicker. After the paint has been removed, you should use filler to fill up any gaps or joints that you find.
After the coating has been removed, you can continue the concrete floor grinding and polishing process with a metal-bonded diamond grit of 30 or 40, followed by a metal-bonded diamond grit of 80. To complete the process and obtain the desired end result, a metal-bonded diamond of 150 grit or higher should be utilised.
After that, you can proceed to polish the surface using a resin-bond diamond of 100 or 200 grit. After you have completed that process, move on to using a diamond resin-bond grit of 400. After that, polish with an 800-grit resin bond diamond, and then complete the ultimate polishing with either a 1500 or a 3000-grit resin bond diamond, based on the degree of gloss that you prefer.
To put the finishing touches on the project, you should think about putting a stain guard on the freshly polished concrete surface so that it is secured and can be maintained for a longer period of time.
Benefits of Concrete Grinding and Polishing Your Floors
1. Surface with a High Gloss and Reflection
In floor grinding and polishing, the result is a surface with a high sheen that absorbs light. Even in big structures, such as warehouses or plants, this can result in the establishment of a safer workplace and contribute to a reduction in the costs associated with lighting.
2. Simple in Its Upkeep
When undergone through concrete floor grinding and polishing, a resilient surface is created. This surface will survive for a significantly longer time than other surfaces, such as stone tile or vinyl. The only upkeep that is necessary for polished concrete floors is the periodic sweeping or mopping to eliminate dust or debris from the surface. Other than that, they demand very little upkeep. In addition, polished concrete floors may require refinishing every five to ten years, dependent on the amount of foot traffic they receive, in order to maintain their brilliance and beauty. Nevertheless, even this procedure is speedy and calls for very little waiting time.
3. Appearance That Is Pleasing to the Eyes and Aesthetic Appeal
The innate beauty of any form of concrete can be brought out through grinding and polishing. Additionally, when concrete stains are put over polished concrete, they can offer the appearance of luxury polished stone such as marble or granite. This effect is achieved by the reflection of light off the surface of the stone. Concrete that has been polished can give the appearance of being elegant and attractive for many years to come with very little management or maintenance required.
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