A full mechanical polish on the average 200 m² house will typically take a week to complete.
Wet Grinding
Water can be used during the grinding process to act as a coolant and lubricant. This can help the cutting efficiency and controlled dust.
Sealer (surface, penetrating)
Surface- a waterproof membrane (generally an acrylic, polyurethane or a epoxy) that is applied with the roller to the floor at any stage in the grinding process (usually after scratch removal).Penetrating- A non-film forming stain resistant sealer designed to be applied to densified and polished concrete.
Stage
The grinding and polishing process is broken down into many stages. Different floors in different conditions will dictate the number and type of stage that is required. Generally a minimum of 18 stages are required.
Mix design
Your concrete supplier will design your mix for you (sizes and quantities of aggregates, cement, water and additives). Your role is to select the aggregate colour and size plus cement colour along with pigments if desired.
Mechanically polished concrete
A process used to grind and polish concrete without the need for a sealer. While a more labour intensive process than a grind and seal a significantly superior floor is produced, a floor which is harder, as a higher gloss level and better environmental credentials as no polyurethanes or epoxys are used.