The Process of Polishing Concrete Floors

Are you considering polished concrete floors for your home or business? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process of refining your floor with diamond pads to polish concrete floors. 

Materials Needed for Polishing Concrete Floors:

• Concrete DNA™ satellite pads: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,500 grits
• Squeege (double foam works best)
• Concrete DNA™ Densifier
• Concrete DNA Double Sided pad 3000 grit
• Concrete DNA™ Polish Guard – Gloss

      Polished concrete floors are created through a multi-step process that involves running successive grits of diamond pads and the use of a densifier (to make your floor harder) and a “Guard” to help protect the finish.  Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

1. Surface Preparation:

Proper surface preparation is crucial for a successful polished concrete floor. The goal is to ensure a clean, smooth, and profiled surface for optimal results.

• Repairs:

  • Address any cracks or joints after the initial grinding and honing process. This ensures repairs are seamlessly integrated into the polished surface. Many sanded grouts can help make these repairs and different colors can be chosen to match your concrete best..

• Prep and Honing:

  • Begin by removing any sealers, dirt, oils, glues, or other contaminants from the concrete surface.  The initial 50 pad often does this on its own for light glue or contaminates.  Floors completely covered in glue, paints or other materials must be stripped.  Our “Snot” product and a black scrub pad on a low-speed buffer work well for this. 
  • Utilize Concrete DNA™ satellite pads, starting with the 50 grit pad, on a low-speed floor buffer, auto scrubber, or propane burnisher.
  • Ensure the pads are run wet and at a low speed.
  • Make two passes with each grit if possible, progressing through 50, 100, 200, and 400 grits (do not skip grits).

• Cleaning:

• • Squeegee off dirty water from the floor between grits before it has time to dry.

Clean the floor thoroughly before applying the densifier. Note: Do not leave dust marks or footprints (these typically can be mopped, or microfiber wiped from the floor

2. Densifying the Concrete:

• Densify floor with Concrete DNA™ Densifier. Apply at a rate that the floor stays wet with a densifier for 15 minutes or more. (Typically 300 sq ft per gallon) 
  • Let the densifier dry until the floor is dry on the surface.
  • Note: It is best to let the densifier dry overnight to further harden the floor.

3.

3. Polishing the Concrete:

Continue polishing the floor with the Concrete DNA™ Satellite pads in the 800, and 1500 grit (run these pads wet). This step creates the glossy, reflective finish characteristic of polished concrete floors.

4. Protecting the Concrete:

• Ensure the floor is thoroughly clean and dry.  If there is just some light dust or haze dry buffing with the 3000 pad helps.  
• Apply Concrete DNA™ Polishing Guard Gloss (dilute 1:1 with water) by spraying it on the floor and spreading it with a microfiber. Apply at least two thin coats. This product goes down thin to win (2000 to 3000 sqft/mixed gallon)
• After it is dry and cannot be marked by touching it with your fingers it's typically ready to buff with Concrete DNA™ Double-sided 3000 pad. You can buff with a low-speed buffer, but a high-speed buffer will produce more shine. Buffing is highly recommended for our Gloss version.
  • We also have a Polishing Guard in a Matte finish. It is not to be diluted. 

Conclusion

Polished concrete floors offer a unique combination of aesthetic appeal, durability, and sustainability. While this installation process was once only for professionals, the process explained using pads and simple machines found at almost any rental store can be achieved by almost anyone who wants to take on the task. Understanding the steps involved can help you appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating these stunning floors. If you're looking for a flooring option that will enhance your space for years to come, polished concrete is worth considering. Remember, this guide is just a starting point. If you're interested in learning more about polished concrete floors, consult with a professional at Concrete Floor Supply