Concrete polishing is the process of grinding a concrete slab with progressively finer diamond abrasives, then densifying it, to create a smooth, glossy surface.
Understanding Concrete Polishing
Crews start with coarse diamond tooling to remove coatings and flatten the slab, then step through finer grits. A densifier hardens the surface, and the final steps bring up the shine.
Polishing vs. Coating
Polishing changes the concrete itself. A coating adds a film on top. Polished floors will not peel, but they show the slab as it is, including cracks, patches, and color variation.
Levels of Polish
Floors are described by exposure and gloss, from cream and salt and pepper to full aggregate, and from low sheen to high gloss. The level should match the slab condition and the budget.
Practical Tips
Inspect the slab before quoting, since hardness and age change the process. Use dust control, keep records of grit steps, and set care expectations with the customer.
