Full Mechanical Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors are created by mechanically grinding an existing concrete slab with progressively finer diamond-impregnated tooling. At MajestiCoat we often start with a 16 grit diamond and work through a 10 step process ending with a 400-1500 grit resin bond finish This meticulous process transforms the concrete from a dull slab to a durable, high-gloss, and timeless finish that eliminates the need for topical coatings. To further enhance the floor's durability, densifiers are applied. These densifiers work by hardening and protecting the concrete from the inside out, creating a tough, low-maintenance, and highly sustainable eco friendly flooring solution.
Polished concrete floors offer a range of characteristics and benefits:
Durable- Polished concrete is an exceptionally tough and long-lasting flooring option, offering excellent abrasion resistance that stands up to heavy foot traffic and wear.
Low Maintenance- One of the most significant advantages is the minimal upkeep required. Polished concrete floors typically only need regular dust mopping and an occasional cleaning, making it extremely easy to maintain compared to other flooring options.
Sustainable and Eco Friendly- By utilizing the existing concrete slab, the polishing process significantly reduces the amount of materials that go to the landfill, making it an environmentally responsible and sustainable choice for your space.
Aesthetic Versatility- The finish of a polished concrete floor can be tailored to achieve various levels of shine, from a modern matte to a glass like high-gloss. Furthermore, it offers endless customization options with dyes or patterns to match any design preference.
Safe-Polished concrete floors do not release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
The polishing process involves several key steps to achieve its superior finish:
- Grinding- The concrete slab is ground starting with coarse diamond-impregnated tools. This step is important to remove any imperfections, flatten the surface, and, if desired, expose the aggregate for a unique aesthetic appeal.
- Densifying and Pit Grout- After the initial grinding steps, a clear lithium densifier is applied to the concrete. The densifier penetrates deep into the concrete crevices hardening the surface from within. Heavily worn concrete often needs to have a polishable grout applied to the surface to fill in pits that have formed in the surface from abrasive chemicals and salt. The excess grout is ground off in the following grinding pass.
- Polishing- Resinous diamond pads are then used in a series of passes to progressively refine the surface. This is where the floor truly starts to shine, increasing its reflectivity through each set of grits to achieve either a desired high-gloss, mirror-like finish or a sophisticated satin sheen.
- Optional Decorative Upgrades and Sealers- For those looking to add a personalized touch, the floor can be dyed to introduce a decorative element. Additionally, custom designs can be created using stencils, allowing you to create a custom look. Although stain resistant, polished concrete is not stain proof. Utilizing a topical breathable sealer can help prevent permanent staining by allowing more time to clean up materials that could stain.