Revamping old concrete floors through polishing is a fantastic way to restore their original beauty and extend their lifespan. The process involves several key steps to ensure a smooth, high-quality finish. Here’s an expanded overview of what to expect when polishing old concrete:

Initial Assessment and Preparation

Before beginning the polishing process, a thorough assessment of the concrete surface is conducted. This involves checking for any significant damage, such as large cracks, deep stains, or remnants of old coatings. Understanding the current condition of the concrete helps in planning the necessary steps to achieve the best results.

Crack Repair

Old concrete floors often have cracks and imperfections. These need to be addressed before polishing can proceed. High-strength grout is used to fill any cracks and voids. This grout is specifically designed to bond effectively with the existing concrete, ensuring a smooth and uniform surface. Once the grout has been applied, it is allowed to cure completely before moving on to the next stage.

Removal of Existing Coatings and Glue

Old concrete surfaces may have previous coatings, adhesives, or glue residues that need to be removed. This is accomplished through coarse grinding. The grinding process involves using heavy-duty equipment with diamond-embedded abrasives to effectively strip away these substances. This step ensures that the concrete surface is clean and free from any material that could interfere with the polishing process.

Skirting Boards and Doors

For a flawless finish, skirting boards and doors typically need to be removed. This is because polishing requires access to the full surface of the concrete, including the edges where the skirting boards were previously installed. Removing the skirting boards allows for a complete and even polish along the perimeter of the room. Doors may also need to be removed or temporarily adjusted to accommodate the height adjustments that can occur during the polishing process.

Grinding and Honing

With the surface prepared, the next step is grinding and honing. The concrete is ground using progressively finer diamond abrasives to remove imperfections and achieve a flat, smooth surface. After grinding, the surface is honed to further refine and prepare it for polishing. This multi-step process helps in achieving the desired level of smoothness and sheen.

Polishing

Once the surface has been ground and honed, the final polishing stage begins. This involves using finer diamond pads to achieve a high-gloss finish. The polishing process enhances the concrete’s natural color and texture, resulting in a sleek, reflective surface that adds a touch of elegance to any space.

Final Touches and Cleanup

After polishing, any remaining dust or debris is cleaned up. If necessary, final touch-ups are performed to ensure that every part of the floor meets the desired quality standards. Skirting boards and doors are then reinstalled, completing the transformation.