Polished Concrete Process

Our Polished Concrete Process

Mechanically polished concrete is the ultimate in flooring and is an expensive and very time consuming process of up to 15 steps. Do not get this finish confused with a grind and seal. A polished concrete floor done properly is ground to the desired stone exposure, honed, densified and grouted and finished off at 800 to 3000 grit depending on gloss level. This finish suits a high quality properly specified 32mpa concrete mix. Polished concrete is suitable for domestic, commercial and industrial projects.

Why choose us?

If you require a high quality floor it must be planned from the beginning to avoid dissapointment. The overall look will depend upon the quality of concrete and the timing of project. These are our general steps and guides. In our experience each job is different which may require a different approach and timing may differ depending on the layout, age and condition.

 
  • Consult with us as soon as possible. Some polished concrete floors will require a specified concrete mix. If a concrete mix is not suitable a required finish may not be acheived.
  • Decide on style – clear or coloured coating/grind and seal/polished concrete
  • Decide on stone exposure – cream/salt and pepper/stone.
  • Decide on gloss level
 
  • 1st Stage: Grinding – new slabs/ exposure work, we pre-grind the slab 7 to 28 days after the slab is poured before wall framing or any other construction work commences.
 
  • 2nd Stage: Honing, Polishing & Sealing – at plaster stage (prior to skirting boards and joinery, timber stairs etc) we polish and seal the floor.
 
  • For cream and salt and pepper finishes -The whole process is started at 2nd stage. Floors must be protected as soon as posible during the building process as they require minimal to no grinding and any stains may remain.
 
  • Old floors/renovations – We start before new painting. Skirtings and fixtures should be removed if possible.
 
  • For new homes that have been completly finished – wall protection measures must be put in to place. We do not recommend heavy exposure work as it is very messy and will require skirting removal and fresh paintwork to be touched up.
 
  • NOTE If there are to be no skirting boards or P50 is being used, we need to return EARLIER. This is to minimise any risk of damage, ensures the best finish and saves labour cost
 
  • We require exclusive access to areas while being polished and sealed. Any areas polished and sealed at different times can look different.
  • Floor protection must be put in place as any damage will need repairs/regrinding.
  • After the building complete the floor can be uncovered and final clean and seal if required.
 

What we require from you

 
  • For heavy grinding/removal somewhere to dispose of waste, dust and slurry. A skip may be required.
  • Complete access to slab at all times, this includes clear parking, clean and clear access to slab
  • Power and water at all times while the polishing process is undertaken.
  • Doors, skirting boards, kitchen kickboards, trims and fixtures to be removed. If not removed these areas will require extensive handwork and will not match the the rest of floor. Our grinding machines only get to within 10 – 15mm of walls, skirtings etc.
  • Final paintwork to be left until floors are comlplete. Freshly painted walls and skirtings may be marked and damaged.
 

Lastly patience.

 

The concrete grinding and polishing process can be a very loud, messy and time consuming process. Dust and slurry although it looks very messy it is pretty easy to clean. We grind off several hundred kgs of dust on a standard domestic medium to full exposure job. The dust will be bagged. Expect some traces of dust or slurry to be left behind. We use large H class dust extractors and try very hard to keep the process as clean as possible after the process you will more then likely be left with some dust print from our boots in walkways and the driveway but these mop off and will wash off the driveway easily. NOTE THE SLURRY AT THE BASE OF THE BRICKS THIS WAS FULL EXPOSURE WE GROUND OFF APPROXIMATLY 4MM

Shoalhaven Illawarra's Number One For Polished Concrete

Polishing concrete is a specialized service that Shoalhaven Illawarra Polished Concrete proudly offers to our valued customers. It’s a multi-step process that transforms dull, utilitarian concrete surfaces into stunning, reflective masterpieces. Contact us for a FREE Quote today