Concrete floors are gaining popularity for their durability, sleek appearance, and low maintenance. But over time, even the toughest concrete surfaces can lose their shine.

That’s where concrete polishing comes in.

This process can renovate your dull, worn-out floors into a stunning, glossy finish that looks brand new. At Infinity Flooring, we specialise in concrete floor polishing to restore and enhance your floors. In this guide, we’ll explore the whole polishing process to get flawless results.

Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about polishing concrete floors.

What is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is a process that transforms a standard concrete surface into a sleek, smooth finish with a shiny, reflective look.

This is done by mechanically grinding the concrete with specialised diamond-encrusted floor grinders. Similar to how wood is sanded for a smooth finish.

Note that not all concrete finishes are considered polished concrete.

There are various types of concrete finishes available. Each offers a unique appearance and level of gloss, ranging from high-shine to a more subtle, matte look.

Have a quick look at some popular concrete finishes:

Finish Type	Appearance	Best For
Grind & Seal	Smooth satin matte finish	Rustic, industrial look for cafes, restaurants and cost-effective solutions
Cream Finish	Smooth, non-aggregate exposed, subtle sheen	Industrial areas needing high strength, large commercial spaces
Polished Concrete	High-gloss, reflective finish	Commercial spaces, residential areas, high-end appeal

Let’s get into further details to know better about the difference between polishing and grinding and other finishes:

Grind & Seal Finish

• The most popular choices for a durable yet cost-effective solution.
• It involves grinding the surface of the concrete to a smooth finish and then applying a protective sealer.
• Grinding and sealing give the floor a satin matte appearance
• This finish is used in rustic or industrial designs – perfect for spaces like cafes and restaurants, where a trendy, minimalistic look is desired.
• Sealer protects the concrete from stains and spillages, making it easy to maintain.

Cream Finish

• The cream finish is achieved by grinding the concrete to expose only the top cream layer, leaving the aggregate (stones or pebbles) unexposed.
• The method requires the concrete to be of high strength, typically at least 32 MPA (Mega Pascals).
• Great option for industrial and commercial spaces with high-traffic where floor durability is essential.
• Cream finish doesn’t offer the shine of polished concrete, it provides a subtle, smooth appearance that’s easy to clean and maintain.

Polished Concrete Finish

• Polished concrete is a more elaborate, detailed and expensive process that takes the concrete surface to the next level.
• To achieve a high-gloss finish, the concrete is polished through multiple stages, usually between 12 to 18 passes with diamond grinders. Each pass involves using finer grit diamonds to achieve the desired smoothness and shine.
• Chemical hardener is applied during the process, which helps to densify the surface and make it more durable.

How to Polish Concrete Floors? Easy 8 Steps

Polishing concrete floors is a detailed process that requires time, effort, and precision. But with the right approach and tools, you can achieve a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance floor.

Follow these 8 simple steps to polish your concrete floors to perfection.

Step 1. Get Ready for Polishing Concrete

Before you begin, make sure you have the right protective gear to stay safe. Concrete polishing can create dust. So, ensure wearing:

• a mask
• safety goggles
• ear plugs
• protective clothing

Additionally, if possible, use a dust collection system attached to your polishing machine to minimise dust buildup in your workspace. This will make the job cleaner and safer.

Step 2. Remove Existing Flooring

First of all, remove any old flooring. Whether it’s carpet, tile, or another type of surface, clearing the floor will ensure that you’re working with a clean, smooth concrete base.

This step is important for a flawless finish. So, take your time to ensure all old materials are gone.

Step 3. Level the Floor and Seal Any Cracks

Concrete floors need to be level for a perfect polish. If your floor has any cracks, be sure to seal them properly to avoid issues during polishing.

Use a self-leveling compound to ensure the surface is smooth. For cracks, apply a concrete repair mortar to fill them in.

This step ensures the surface is even and free of imperfections, which will show through the polish if not addressed.

Step 4. Start Grinding the Concrete

Next, it’s time to grind the concrete. This involves using metal-bonded diamond grits that gradually smooth out the floor.

Begin with a coarser grit, such as 30/40, to remove any rough patches. Then progressively switch to finer grits, like 100/200, as the floor begins to level out.

The goal is to get a smooth surface that is ready for the next steps.

Step 5. Apply a Chemical Hardener to Strengthen the Concrete

Once the grinding is complete, it’s time to apply a chemical hardener to densify the concrete.

The hardener penetrates the surface, filling in pores and hardening the concrete, which enhances the polish and provides a more consistent finish. This step is vital for durability and achieving a high-quality final look. You can apply the densifier with a sprayer or similar tool to ensure even coverage.

Step 6. Start Polishing with Resin Bond Diamonds

Now, begin the polishing process using resin bond diamond abrasives. These specialised diamond-tipped blades are attached to a heavy-duty grinding machine, which smooths the surface even further.

This process removes the top layer of concrete to create a flat, shiny finish. Keep the machine moving evenly to ensure a consistent result across the entire floor.

Step 7. Gradually Increase the Grit to Achieve the Desired Shine

As you progress, increase the grit level to achieve the level of shine you want. The higher the grit number, the finer the finish.

For a matte look, you’ll want to use abrasives around the 100/200 grit level, while higher gloss finishes require finer abrasives like steel wool or oxide pads. Take your time to move through the grits slowly to ensure an even and smooth result.

Step 8. Seal the Concrete to Protect and Maintain the Shine

Once you’ve achieved your desired shine, it’s time to seal the floor.

A high-quality concrete sealer will help protect your polished floor from stains, wear, and damage. It also makes cleaning easier. So, dirt and debris won’t easily penetrate the surface.

Apply the sealant evenly and allow it to cure properly for the best protection and longevity of your polished concrete floor.

Top Benefits of Polished Concrete Flooring in Perth

Polished concrete floors aren’t just visually appealing. They come with a host of practical benefits that make them a top choice for homes and businesses alike.

Here are some compelling reasons why polished concrete should be your next flooring option:

• Exceptional Durability

One of the standout features of polished concrete is its durability. It’s highly resistant to wear and tear. This durability makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and commercial spaces. Thus, polished concrete floors stay looking great for years, even in demanding environments.

• Low Maintenance, Big Savings

Unlike other flooring options, polished concrete is incredibly easy to maintain. There’s no need for waxing or frequent cleaning rituals.

Simply sweep or mop the floor to keep it looking fresh and clean. This low-maintenance feature saves you both time and money on cleaning products and services over the long term.

• Versatile and Stylish Designs

Whether you prefer a sleek, modern look or a more rustic, industrial vibe, polished concrete fits seamlessly into any design style.

With a variety of finishes and colours available, you can customise your floor to match your aesthetic. Thus, you get a unique and stylish floor look that suits your space perfectly.

• Cost-Effective Flooring Option

Polished concrete is not only affordable to install, but it also saves you money in the long run.

Unlike other flooring materials, which require costly repairs or replacement over time. Polished concrete’s low maintenance and long-lasting nature make it a cost-effective investment.

You won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacement costs, which makes it an excellent choice for those on a budget.

• Enhanced Lighting & Energy Efficiency

One of the lesser-known benefits of polished concrete is its ability to enhance lighting. The reflective surface boosts ambient lighting in a room. It improves the overall aesthetic and creates a brighter, more inviting space.

This natural light magnification reduces the need for artificial lighting. Thus, it lowers energy consumption and contributes to cost savings on your electricity bills.

• Eco-Friendly Choice

Polished concrete is an environmentally conscious flooring option. By polishing existing concrete surfaces, you’re reducing the need for new materials, which helps minimise waste.

For businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, polished concrete is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

So, there you have all the reasons to get started with concrete polishing.

Remember that you just have to pick the right professionals and get the right concrete polishing Perth service to get the best results!

Bring Back the Floor Shine with Infinity Flooring’s Professional Concrete Polishing Services

As your floor restoration experts – we don’t just polish concrete; we restore life to your floors.

Our polished concrete specialists offer expert concrete grinding, sealing, cleaning, polishing and honing to ensure your floors shine like new. Whether it’s a home or commercial space, we have the tools and expertise to meet all your floor restoration needs.

Our floor restoration services include:

• Concrete Floor Polishing
• Travertine Restoration
• Marble Cleaning & Sealing
• Granite Polishing
• Terrazzo Refinishing
• Natural Stone Cleaning & Polishing
• Limestone Cleaning & Polishing

Let’s bring your floors back to life.

Contact us Today

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FAQs About Polished Concrete

Q1. Can I polish my existing concrete floors?

Yes, most existing concrete floors can be polished as long as they are structurally sound. Whether you have a new or older floor, the right service can bring out the beauty and durability of your concrete.

Q2. What is the best method for polishing concrete?

Dry polishing is the most effective method for achieving a high-gloss finish on concrete floors. This technique uses large, corded machines for polishing, and smaller hand tools can be used for tight spaces. Although it’s called ‘dry’ polishing, water is occasionally used to reduce dust during the process.

Q3. How long does it take to polish concrete floors?

The duration of polishing depends on the size and condition of your concrete floor. But most projects are completed in just a few days.

Q4. At what stage of construction do you begin polishing concrete floors?

Concrete polishing usually begins after the lockup stage of a project. At this point, the foundation is set. And we start the process of pouring, grinding, and polishing the top layer of the concrete to achieve the desired finish.

Q5. Are polished concrete floors slippery?

Polished concrete floors are not inherently slippery. Even when finished with a high-gloss sheen. But for additional safety in certain environments, anti-slip treatments can be applied to enhance traction. Especially in areas prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic.

Q6. How soon after pouring concrete can it be polished?

Wait at least 28 days after pouring concrete before polishing it. Polishing before this curing period can cause damage to the slab or result in an uneven finish, as the concrete hasn’t fully set and hardened.

Q7. Should you apply a sealer after polishing concrete?

While polished concrete is durable on its own, applying a high-quality sealer can significantly boost its longevity and appearance. Sealing helps protect the surface from stains, damage, and wear, maintaining that glossy look for longer, especially in high-traffic or specialized environments.