POLISHED CONCRETE
A diamond polished concrete floor is very time-consuming if done correctly, this is due to the fact that there are at least 10 to 15 steps involved. The general rule is to start the initial grinding with a coarse 16- or 30-grit diamond and finish with a 1500- or 3000-grit diamond, depending on the gloss level required. These diamonds are impregnated inside a metal- or resin-bonded segment. Typically the diamonds' grit size will double once the first grind has been carried out. The use of 16- or 30-grit size diamonds, then use 60/80-grit diamonds followed by the 120-grit metal bond segments. The polishing process begins with a 50-grit diamond resin pad instead of a metal segment. When using the resin pads the steps may be 100, then 200, 400, 800, 1500 and finally 3000 grit. Throughout the process a densifier is used to harden the concrete surface, which allows the concrete to be polished. A number of densifiers can be used; these consist of a lithium, potassium sodium silicates. A grouting chemical is also used throughout the process to fill in any holes, cracks or imperfections that were exposed from the initial coarse grinding step. The concrete is then sealed with a natural-look impregnating sealer; this sealer penetrates 2–5 mm inside the pores of the concrete preventing any deep staining from oils and spills.
The process also uses a material call the hardener/densifier which helps dust proof the surface. We use a 3D Hybrid Silicate Densifier that is three densifiers in one. It improves surface performance and resists the harmful effects of traffic wear and weathering. By having three different sized molecule silicates this product fully penetrates varying densities of concrete regardless of region or hardness. This improves the abrasion resistance for new or aged concrete. 3D HS is ideal for use for exposed and polished concrete, as well as cements with integral color.Recently there have been a lot of improvements in the polishing procedure and tools, therefore workers are now changing the concrete floors into one that has a glossy finish and which does not need any need for waxing.
The polished concrete has a great durability rate and is now being used in offices and is being considered to use at homes as well. Since polishing concrete is a several step process, owners can choose the levels of polish ranging from satin to high gloss that meet all of the owners requirements. The polished look that the flooring has can be done by two different processes; a mechanical polish and a chemical finish.
Polished concrete can be used for immediate use especially because they do not require the use of any kind of chemical. Therefore it will not be a problem using it in an area that has already been polished. In particular for places such as hospitals, restaurants and supermarkets, where safety is the first priority, polished concrete could be used for immediate use without any problem.
One of the major pros of using polished concrete is that it known for not leaving and sort of scratch marks or tire marks. Therefore, this is best for residential areas as well as commercial use and other facilities where it is better to choose a polished concrete option rather than any other flooring option.
Apart from its other features polished concrete is a low maintenance flooring option. You can simply dust the surface of the flooring by sweeping or mopping which is not a pricey option at all. Moreover, using these simple processes can easily keep the surface looking glossy at all times. If the flooring is properly polished, you will not have to worry about any kind of re-polishing any time soon. Polished concretes are known for their long lasting polished effect, usually that of a minimum of ten years.
Nowadays polished concretes are well known as the best substitute in flooring for residential, commercial, industrial and lots more applications. Furthermore, it is one of the best economical and financial flooring solutions used presently.