Polished vs. Sealed Concrete: What's the Real Difference?

Defining the Processes: How Are They Different?

Sealed Concrete:

• This process, often called “Grind and Seal”, involves applying a sealant (acrylic, polyaspartic, or urethane) to the concrete surface. The sealants create a protective layer that shields the concrete from stains and makes cleaning easier.
• This process involves grinding the concrete like polished concrete, but a sealant is applied when the surface has a profile instead of continuing the polishing process with many more diamond tooling steps (7+ more diamond steps typically).  “Sealants” often involve one of the following options:
  • Acrylic sealers: Cost-effective, typically single-component, and have the least amount of durability. They are suitable for residential use (Concrete Floor Supply does not carry this type of sealer as it costs a fraction more to get exponentially more durability).
  • Polyaspartic Coatings sealers: Tougher, more chemical-resistant, ideal for garages or workshops.  Higher build than most standard sealers.  Offers a thicker, higher solids option. (Like our Poly 90 or Poly 85 Slow)
  • Urethane sealers: Durable, excellent scratch and UV resistance, suitable for high-traffic areas.  Water-based urethanes are typically more economical to apply but don’t give you as much ‘build’. Note:  We like the water-based version of urethanes as they have far less odor than their solvent-based counterparts and have better direct-to-concrete adhesion.

Polished Concrete:

• Polished concrete, on the other hand, is a mechanical process. It involves mechanically “sanding” the concrete surface with progressively finer diamond tools.
• This grinding process creates a smooth, high-sheen finish, revealing the concrete's natural beauty. Chemicals such as a hardener/densifier and a guard are also utilized.

Durability and Resistance: Which Lasts Longer?

Polished Concrete:

• Highly resistant to scratches, wear, and abrasion.
• Ideal for high-traffic areas…mainly foot traffic floors like a big box store.
• Low maintenance (sweeping, mopping, auto scrubbing).
• Depending on use and maintenance, it can last decades without additional treatment. Refreshes with one or two upper grit diamond pads can renew the polished concrete easily

Sealed Concrete:

• Good stain and chemical resistance.
• Ideal for floors that have any liquid exposure
• Makes the floor have a clean, even look
• Regular sweeping, mopping, and auto scrubbing.
• Refreshes involve screening and adding another layer.  The more the floor is maintained, the less typical it is.

Aesthetic Differences: The Look and Feel

• Achieves a high-gloss, reflective finish, enhancing the natural beauty of the concrete.
• It can reveal the aggregate and variations within the concrete, creating a unique and sophisticated look.

Sealed Concrete:

• Wetter, glossier look than polished concrete
• Grip additives can be added if desired (can’t add grip additives to polished concrete

Cost Considerations: Balancing Budget and Value

Initial Costs:

• Sealed concrete typically has a lower upfront cost compared to polished concrete and offers more chemical protection
• Polished concrete, while a more significant initial investment, offers a more natural look

Long-term Costs:

• Polished concrete minimizes the need for resealing, saving on future expenses, but it requires diamond pad care to maintain the sheen.
• Sealed concrete may require periodic resealing to maintain its protective layer and refresh wear from abrasions.

Advantages and Disadvantages: Making the Right Choice

Polished Concrete:

• Advantages: Durability, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, allows the floor to breathe, and long lifespan.
• Disadvantages: Higher initial cost, less chemical resistance

Sealed Concrete:

• Advantages: Lower cost, stain resistance, quicker, and even look.
• Disadvantages: Potential for wear, resealing down the road

Conclusion: Which Option Is Right for You?