When it comes to polishing finished concrete, generally there are two options: mechanical or chemical. If you want to get the shinest surface with the least amount of effort, opt for mechanical polishing. Diamond polishing is one of the most common methods used to get a shiny glass-like surface.
However, if you don't notice any damage to the floor, it's possible that you can restore shine simply by cleaning with a microfiber mop and a concrete floor polishing agent which can break down surface dirt and grime. To clean concrete floors, stat with small areas to ensure there is no dirt or grime left behind.
Start with medium sandpaper to remove the most noticeable irregularities. Finish by fine-tuning with light sandpaper, until the surface is perfectly smooth. We recommend using a hand planer to smooth and compact the surface.
Often known as the Easy Float, magnesium bull floats use an extruded magnesium alloy blade which is strong, yet lightweight enough to glide with ease. Using a bull float you can create a smooth finish on setting concrete without the need for powered machinery.
Carpet is a simple method for covering a concrete floor; it is not expensive when you lay the carpet yourself. Finally, epoxy kits provide a simple and low-cost way to finish concrete garage or basement floors. Concrete floors in basements or garages may have moisture problems.
Epoxy coatings have a couple of benefits, not only do they add an incredibly great shine and protect the entire surface, but they also are great for smoothing a rough surface.
Duro-Polish is ideal for use on liquid silicate or siliconate hardened concrete floors, as the unique polymer formulation penetrates deep into the small surface pores of hardened concrete to create a resilient finish resistant to wear from foot traffic or scrubbing.
The Verdict. There is no concrete winner in the battle between polishing and coating your concrete floors. Both options will increase the strength, lifespan, and appearance of your concrete floors. Your decision will ultimately come down to your personal preferences, budget, and specific needs.
Use a detergent such as Dawn or Ajax dishwashing liquid mixed with water to brighten a concrete patio that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Just as you would regularly vacuum the floor and dust your furniture inside your house, you should keep your patio clean so it's ready at a moment's notice to entertain.
Keeping your floors dust-free is as simple as a nightly sweep with a microfibre mop. If you don't have one of these, a cotton or soft bristled broom will also do the job. Then, once a week, go over the area with a damp mop. This will remove any residual dust and really get your floors shining again.
The answer to “can I polish concrete floors myself” is yes, but only in a limited set of circumstances. DIY projects should only be attempted on newly poured slabs that are clean and in good condition. A matte finish is also preferable, as fewer sets of diamond polishing tools will be required.
As we noted earlier, concrete sealers produce a very smooth surface on top of the concrete once it has fully cured, which gives your driveway valuable resistance to water, oil, and stains.
Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement.
Ideal for a soft concrete floor: Dry polishing tends to work better for soft concrete. Polishing wet on these floors forces diamonds to grind over aggressively to leave unsightly gouge marks on the floors. This method also does more to the slab in terms of hardening and condensing.
The process is fairly straightforward, but it does require plenty of physical labor and time. You must clean and patch the surface, grind it smooth with several passes of a concrete grinder, buff it to bring out the shine, and apply a sealer to protect your work.
The Sparkle Grain Finish system is an eye-catching, black (or white) sparkle which is an iridescent black sil-car abbrasive (or white oxide) grit concrete additive that provides a mirror like sparkle that is dramatic both day and night.
To make the sparkle even more prominent, he recommends integrally coloring the concrete mix. A metallic aggregate from Pacific Palette Concrete Products that comes in black and white, Sparkle Grain is recommended where you want a decorative, hard, nonslip surface.
Sealing concrete is a necessity: It keeps your floors clean, glossy and stain-resistant. Regularly applying a protective coating is vital to preventing chips, cracks and dirt buildup.
Epoxy is affordable and comes in kits, making it one of the easiest finish options for DIYers. Since they're so tough, they help to protect the floor from oil, tire marks, and grease stains, which is why they're such a popular option for garage floors.