Terrazzo Floor Restoration, Polishing & Cleaning Guide
Terrazzo floors are known for their stunning, mosaic-like appearance & durable composition.
They’re made from chips of marble, quartz, granite, or glass. Bonded with cement or resin, and polished to a sleek finish. Over time though, even these durable surfaces begin to lose their original shine. Dirt builds up, minor scratches appear, and the floor that once dazzled starts to look a little tired.
If your terrazzo flooring looks dull, stained, or scratched. It’s the time to bring it back to life with professional restoration. No idea about the process? We’re about to guide you on that.
Infinity Flooring is the Perth’s trusted name in terrazzo floor restoration, backed by over 15 years of experience. Our family-run team offers personalised service and expert care for every type of flooring.
Whether it’s a worn-down residential entryway or a high-traffic commercial space. Our professional polishing & cleaning treatments restore your terrazzo floors to their original brilliance. Sometimes even better than new.
Let’s get started.
The Need for Terrazzo Floor Restoration
Despite its strength, terrazzo flooring isn’t maintenance-free. Over years of use, the surface gets worn down by dirt, foot traffic, spills, and cleaning agents. So, the fading, exposed chips and aggregates starts to show, and make the floor appear patchy.
Moreover, terrazzo floors also lose their sealant over time. Leaving them more vulnerable to stains and moisture.
Here are some common signs that indicate your floor needs professional help:
- Faded or dull appearance that no longer reflects light
- Visible scratches and scuff marks, especially in high-use areas
- Discoloured patches or stains from spills or moisture
- Cracked or chipped sections that pose tripping hazards
- Loss of protective seal, making the floor harder to clean
When you start noticing these signs, basic cleaning won’t be enough. You’ll need a complete terrazzo floor restoration process to renew its beauty and strength.
Equipment Needed for Restoration
A proper terrazzo restoration isn’t something you can do with household tools. Professional-grade machines and materials are essential for a safe, thorough job.
Here’s what involved in the process:
|
Equipment |
Description |
|
Planetary floor grinders |
These machines use diamond-embedded discs to grind down layers of terrazzo. |
|
Metal-bond diamond pads |
Essential for removing old sealers, scratches, and surface grime. |
|
Resin-bond diamond pads |
Gradually smooth the surface and bring out a glossy finish. |
|
Buffing machines |
Used at the end to enhance the floor’s shine. |
|
Solvent- or water-based sealers |
These are applied to protect the polished floor from stains and wear. |
|
Microfibre applicators |
Allow smooth, even application of the sealing agent. |
|
HEPA-filtered vacuums |
Keep dust at bay during grinding and polishing. |
|
Neutral pH cleaners |
Used to wipe the surface clean without damaging the finish. |
Professional terrazzo floor polishing services uses the equipment with expertise. Making the process safer and the results longer lasting.
The Process of Restoring Terrazzo Floors
Restoring terrazzo is a multi-step procedure that demands precision and experience. Here’s how our expert team at Infinity Flooring does it:
1. Grinding – Level and Smooth the Surface
This is the most labour-intensive stage. We use coarse diamond abrasives to remove the top damaged layer of the floor. This clears away stains, etching, scratches, and any residual sealers.
- Initial assessment to identify deep scratches and uneven areas.
- Grinding in progressive stages, usually with 30, 70, and 120 grit diamonds.
- Levelling of high and low spots to ensure a uniform surface.
- Dust collection using industrial vacuums to keep the site clean.
This stage is important to prepare the floor for a flawless polish and seal.
2. Polishing – Restore the Natural Shine
Once grinding is complete, we move to finer polishing pads. Progressing from 200 up to 3000 grit, depending on the desired gloss level.
- Dry or wet polishing depending on the terrazzo type.
- Layer-by-layer buffing to draw out the stone’s natural hues and patterns.
- Optional densifiers to harden the surface and increase shine.
- Spot check for uniformity and extra polishing where needed.
At this point, the floor looks smooth, rich in colour, and beautifully reflective.
3. Sealing – Long-Term Protection
A polished floor needs to be protected to stay that way. We finish the job with a professional-grade sealer to guard against stains, moisture, and wear.
- Penetrating sealers to prevent water absorption
- Topical sealers for added gloss and protection in commercial settings
- Slip-resistant options for safety in wet environments
- Final buffing and cure time before the floor is ready to walk on
Make sure the sealer is evenly applied and fully absorbed for a clean, streak-free finish.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Benefits
Once your terrazzo floor has been professionally restored, some simple habits can help keep it looking great:
Daily Maintenance
- Dust mop daily to remove grit and particles
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining
Weekly Maintenance
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp mop for routine cleaning
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar that can etch the surface
Monthly to Quarterly Care
- Buff the floor lightly to maintain the shine
- Inspect for wear and touch up with spot-cleaning as needed
Annual Maintenance
- Professional re-polishing may be needed depending on traffic
- Re-sealing every 1–2 years to maintain water and stain resistance
These steps can help you enhance the life of your terrazzo tiles and extend the time between restorations. You can extend it even more by getting it done by professionals. Read on to find out why.
Why Professional Restoration Services Are Better
DIY restoration sounds tempting, but terrazzo is a complex material that requires specific care. Here’s why hiring pros like us at Infinity Flooring is a smart move:
1. Expertise and Experience
Our team understands terrazzo’s unique makeup and knows exactly how to treat it without damaging the surface. We know how to handle both cement-based and resin-based terrazzo.
2. High-Quality Results
Our terrazzo floor polishing equipment and techniques provide a deeper & longer-lasting shine than any off-the-shelf method.
3. Time and Cost-Efficiency
Though DIY seem cheaper upfront, mistakes can lead to costly repairs. We get it right the first time, saving you time, hassle, and long-term expenses.
4. Safety and Cleanliness
We maintain clean workspaces and use equipment designed to minimise dust and mess. This is especially important in commercial settings.
So, if you want your terrazzo floor restoration to be done right & with guaranteed results. Professional help is the way to go.
Conclusion
A well-maintained terrazzo floor adds value, character, and elegance to any property. But over time, wear and tear are inevitable.
That’s why, you need a timely terrazzo floor restoration. From grinding to terrazzo floor polishing, to sealing and maintenance. Each step plays a role in reviving your flooring’s full beauty. And with expert care, it’ll stay beautiful for years to come.
Want to Bring Your Terrazzo Floors Back to Life?
Get Expert Terrazzo Floor Restoration with Infinity Flooring
At Infinity Flooring, we specialise in all things flooring. Including professional terrazzo floor polishing services, cleaning, sealing, and restoration.
Our team has been transforming Perth floors for over 15 years with friendly service and unbeatable results. Whether it’s your home, office, or commercial property. We have the tools, experience, and passion to restore your terrazzo tiles and leave them shining.
Ready to get started?