How to polish a self-leveled concrete

When polishing self-leveled concrete, you must have done the self-leveling within the first 24 hours of work completion. Be mindful that you must cut the floor with a metal diamond wheel of 40–60 grit to eliminate the laitance and polymers in the upper layer. 

The fundamental idea behind the first step with most overlays is to be cautious when removing the skin/cream of the top surface. This is because the top layer will have the highest concentration of polymers. Due to the fact that plastic-to-plastic contact frequently creates too much heat, using diamond tools with resin bonds may leave a burn or discoloration after the treatment. Because of this, being aggressive at the beginning will help you remove the polymer layer and access the material’s body, giving you a more even and monolithic look.

With your first grit, make two passes (north to south, then east to west). It is critical that you do not leave the metal-bond stage until you have everything equal (no low places).
If you need to grind the floor 24 hours after it was laid, use a C or CA series tool designed for softer concrete. For tougher concrete, you may need to use an SF or CX metal-bond tool if you wait a week or two before doing the initial grind.

You may also use the Mohs hardness scale to do a surface hardness test to assist you in choosing the right tools. Tools wear out quickly because of the silica sand that is abundant in concrete tops since it is so abrasive. In order to avoid this, keep an eye on your tool life and be ready to switch to a tougher bond or combination if required.

stages of polishing concrete

The resin bond stage

Normally, this phase may be finished in a single pass moving counterclockwise to the metal-bond stage that came before it. However, be prepared to make two passes if you are unable to remove all of the deep metal-bond scratches in one pass.

Honing stage

You need to make another pass with your 100-grit hybrid-type tool if the 200-grit did not remove all of the deep metal-bond scratches.

Final Polishing stage

After you are done with the honing stage, the next is to go to the final stage where you will use the 3000-grit pad.

How long does a polished floor last 

If preventive maintenance is carried out and deep cleaning is done regularly, a polished concrete flooring system may survive for 20 years or longer with little effort.

Polished concrete outlasts typical concrete flooring alternatives in terms of durability since it has a lesser porosity. Many common concrete flooring solutions begin to age, chip, fracture, or crack within five years or less, depending on the application.

Maintainance of polished floor

Maintenance is one aspect that significantly affects polished concrete floors’ durability. Polished concrete needs relatively little maintenance to stay stunning and undamaged, but unfortunately, many individuals do not care for and keep up with their floors. Your concrete floors require in-time maintenance if you want to get the most out of their lifespan.

• To keep the sheen of your polished concrete from fading, never try to add industrial by-product chemicals to it.
• Sweeping and cleaning your polished concrete floor frequently can help keep grit and dust at bay. Your floor may become scratched as a result of the collection of dust, sand, and gravel.
• Wipe down polished concrete with lukewarm water. You should use a microfiber mop rather than a dry one. You should carefully read and follow the instructions on the package if you wish to use conditioner, as advised.
• It is necessary to preserve your new flooring during construction when designing concrete or pouring some onto the new floor. working with Ram Board, a heavy-duty, breathable, temporary floor protection that rolls out flat and is composed entirely of recycled cardboard and paper, to shield surfaces including floors, counters, staircases, and wall surfaces during construction.
• Every day, dry mop high-traffic areas to get rid of dust and debris. This is due to the fact that dust may cause polished concrete to seem dull if it is left on the surface for an extended period of time. Use a microfibre pad to gather and retain the dust since the soft material will not harm the concrete’s surface.
• Use a mild, neutral-ph cleaning solution for wet mopping a polished floor. The concrete surface may degrade and become dull-looking if your cleaning solution is excessively acidic or too alkaline. Ammonia, bleach, vinegar, and citrus should not be used to clean polished concrete since they are either too acidic or too alkaline in nature.
• Without a cleaning solution, you may simply use clean water, but it may not produce the greatest results as a cleaning solution lifts dirt particles off the surface and makes it simpler to wipe them away. If dirt and dust are left on the surface for an extended period of time, it may fade your surface rather than merely move the dust about.

What makes the polished concrete last longer

• Maintenance
• Not exposed to toxic chemicals

Is it possible to polish concrete that has been damaged?

Yes, damaged concrete floors must be repaired before polishing if they are already shattered. The good news is that even little chips, cracks, and surface damage are usually repairable, making polished concrete floors an appealing alternative to having to create new flooring right away.

How much does it cost to polish self-leveling concrete?

The cost of polished concrete varies based on how many steps of grinding are required to get a faultless finish. The cost of polished concrete may rise if decorative elements like scoring or staining are included. Additionally, take into account the location of the work.

Polished concrete costs less in big commercial facilities, such as warehouses or retail stores. Larger equipment may be utilized in these regions since they are wide open and there are fewer barriers to work around. Because of the need for restricted equipment and access to fewer spaces, smaller residential floors tend to be more expensive.

Glossiness or shine: 

The amount of shine influences how many stages are required to polish the surface; the shinier the finish, the further steps are required, which results in a higher price.

Current flooring: If the existing flooring must be removed, the project cost will increase. It also has an impact on the cost of surface preparation. For example, if a floor is currently carpeted or linoleum-covered, there will be adhesive that must be removed. The thinset used beneath tiled surfaces must be ground before polishing.

condition of the existing surface:

It is necessary to repair any fractures, holes, or gouges on the present surface before polishing. Additionally, stains must be removed. It can be essential to polish after an overlay has been applied if significant repairs are required. Extensive surface preparation can add an additional money per square foot.

The degree of design has the most influence on the price per square foot. It is possible to do almost anything, from just polishing plain gray concrete to designing complicated, unique designs.

Does polished concrete floor cracks

Yes, just like other concrete floors, the polished floor is not excluded from the list. The only thing is that the polished floor is not noticeable when it starts to crack. It starts like a hairline type of crack.