Steps for Making Polished concrete and its Benefits

Polished concrete is a flexible material which can be easily customized as per its appearance by using stunning aggregates, quartz, as well as colors to create a sense of industrial sophistication in both commercial buildings and homes. The reflective surface of the concrete creates a reminiscent quality under the light.

Polished concrete

Polished concrete has been processed through a series of mechanically ground i.e. polishing/ grinding steps that are similar to the production of terrazzo. A penetrant chemical is also used to provide a different texture to the concrete known as a hardener. The polishing is a multi-step process that requires specialized tools and equipment.

The construction process of making polished concrete is explained below.

Polished concrete can be created in many ways, but the basic approach remains the same. The most important selling point for polished concrete is that it is easy to maintain. The smooth, as well as hard surface, makes it easy to clean and durable for use. Although the concrete is prone to cracks due to moisture and building settling, the patching materials can disguise these cracks.

Polished concrete

Grinding Process

• In order to create polished concrete surfaces, machines that are used for diamond segmented abrasives are used on the concrete slab.
• These machines are helpful in grinding down the surface until the desired shine and smoothness is achieved.
• The continuous process of grinding converts coarser grits into finer grits. The grits over here are the particle size of the diamond.
• A densifier can also be applied once the concrete is opened and at this point, it is ready to accept the chemical. This step is known as hydration of the concrete slab.
• Mainly most of the grinding process of concrete begins from less than 100 value. There are machines available with various grinding discs along with different grits.

There are two methods for polishing the concrete:

• Wet method and
• Dry method.

Polished concrete

Wet Method:

In this method, during the grinding process for cooling, the diamond abrasives water is used. This reduces the amount of dust which is created during the polishing process. Also, water used in wet method reduces the friction and acts as a lubricant. Thus, this way the life of the polishing abrasives is increased.

Further, as water is the only source used in the entire process, a huge amount of slurry is formed which is difficult to clean and dispose of.

Dry Method:

As the name indicates, no water is used during the polishing process. A containment system is directly attached to the floor polisher in which the dust formed is directly taken through the vacuum effect. This process simultaneously clears the mess, and this is an added advantage compared to the wet method for polishing concrete.

Benefits of the Polished concrete

• They are highly durable
• The concrete polishing creates a non-slippery surface, due to the high coefficient of friction.
• The polished concrete has a low maintenance cost.
• The polishing of the concrete surface does not encourage insect attacks and mold growth.
• The natural lighting of the room is improved with the polished concrete surface.
• Polishing of the concrete can be done using existing materials for construction, hence, it is sustainable.
• Polished concrete is easily cleaned by neutral cleaners or water. There are many cleaners available that are designed for the proper maintenance of polished concrete.
• The surface which is polished can withstand the extreme industrial environments.
• The concrete surface is improved when it is polished.
• With polishing the appearance of the concrete surface is improved.
• One can achieve 3D forms easily by polishing the concrete surface compared to natural stone.
• Cost-wise, the polished concrete has a broad price range which is dependent on the refinement of the finish.

Polished concrete

Thus, try polished concrete surface in your homes or commercial location for longer shelf life and durability along with low maintenance and the beautiful look.