Grind and seal is a concrete finishing method that lightly grinds the surface flat, then relies on a topical sealer for shine and protection, unlike polished concrete which is mechanically polished to a reflective finish.
Understanding Grind and Seal
Grind and seal is a two step concrete finishing process. A diamond grinder is run over the slab to remove surface imperfections, old coatings, and light stains, creating a smooth, flat base. A penetrating or film forming sealer is then applied on top, and the shine the floor ends up with comes almost entirely from that sealer rather than from the concrete itself.
Grind and Seal vs. Polished Concrete
Polished concrete goes several steps further. The slab is treated with a liquid densifier and then ground through progressively finer diamond grits until the surface itself becomes reflective, with no sealer required for the shine. Grind and seal skips that mechanical polishing step, which makes it faster and cheaper to install but also means the gloss depends on a sealer that will wear through in high traffic areas.
When Grind and Seal Makes Sense
Grind and seal is a good fit for budget conscious projects, lower traffic spaces, and jobs where the schedule does not allow for a multi day polishing process. It is also a common way to freshen up an older, imperfect slab that is not flat or dense enough to take a full polish.
Maintenance Considerations
Because the finish sits in a topical sealer, grind and seal floors need periodic recoating, especially in areas with forklift or cart traffic. Setting a realistic recoat schedule with the customer during the sales process prevents complaints later when the sheen starts to dull.
Also Called
Grind & Seal Concrete
