One of the most popular options at My Polished Concrete is to grind and seal polished concrete. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and can be used both inside and outside. Concrete floors that have been grinded and sealed are popular in pool areas, art galleries, and breweries, among other places. Let’s take a closer look at the process to see if a grind and seal polished concrete is the right choice for you.
The term “grinding and sealing” refers to the process of removing layers of concrete and then polishing it with a topical sealant or surface coating. In a few key ways, it differs from mechanically polished concrete. The installation procedure is the main distinction. Grinding and sealing systems, for example, require far less labour than polishing concrete.
The shine and abrasion resistance of mechanical polished concrete come from the concrete itself. Between polishing layers, we use chemical hardeners. The desired level of shine will be determined by the diamond polishing grit we use to finish the floor. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 15 steps and is both expensive and time-consuming.
The topical sealant or concrete coating applied at the end of the grinding process gives grind and seal its shine and durability. All that remains is to apply the coating after we grind back the concrete to expose the level of aggregate you require, patch and repair cracks and holes, and carry out a finer grind to smooth the floor. Grinding and sealing concrete is usually less expensive and takes less time than mechanically polished concrete. As a result, if you’re on a budget and don’t have a lot of time to install flooring, it’s a great choice.
The versatility of a grind and seal polished concrete floor is one of its most appealing features. Grind and seal concrete, as opposed to mechanically polished concrete, is popular in both indoor and outdoor settings. Because a slip-resistant agent can be added to the coating application to create a non-slip polished concrete floor. Furthermore, when compared to other polished concrete finishes, grind and seal polished floors have a high stain resistance. Chemically resistant polyurethane sealer or epoxy coating is used on grind and seal floors. Oil, grease, and other liquids that would cause significant damage to other floors can be easily cleaned away.
You have a few options when you use MyFloor to install a grind and seal system. You have the option of selecting the aggregate exposure level, gloss finish, and non-slip vs. smooth finish. Let’s take a quick look at each of them to see how they differ.
Nil: This indicates that there is very little or no stone exposure. As a result, you’ll have a smooth and even surface!
Medium: There’s a lot of stone exposure, but a lot of areas are stone-free.
Full exposure: The concrete is ground back to reveal as much stone as possible. Due to the existing concrete mix, there may still be areas where no aggregate is visible.
Matte/flat: The surface appears flat, hazy, and reflective. It requires little upkeep and is simple to clean.
Satin Finish: The floor has a slight sheen and reflects light.
Semi-gloss: There’s a lot of light refraction and shine here. If not properly maintained, dust and dirt will begin to show.
High gloss: The highest level of gleam, making your floor appear as if it were made of glass. It has a very clean appearance, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it that way.
Smooth Finish. Indoor surfaces benefit from a smooth finish. It will add a layer of sheen and smoothness to the surface.
Non-slip: This is a must if your grind and seal system is used outside. It will keep your concrete gleaming and prevent it from becoming slick when wet!
Grind and seal systems are ideal for use outside due to their ability to add slip resistance. You can choose your gloss finish on grind and seal systems, unlike honed concrete. You can enjoy the gleaming, reflective concrete outside without fear of slipping. You won’t have to worry about liquids pooling up and damaging the concrete because of their chemical and liquid resistance.
Transition zones between indoor and outdoor spaces. Customers complain that polished concrete is hard to maintain consistent. Because polished concrete is dependent on the surface profile, this is the case. Concrete slabs, as you may know, are not all the same. As a result, polished concrete floors in both internal and external areas can look different. Grind and seal polished concrete is the way to go if you value consistency. You can even maintain a consistent appearance as you move from inside to outside.
Offices, homes, and hotels are all examples. Grind and seal polished concrete systems are ideal for use in a variety of interior settings. Your floors can last for decades if you maintain them properly. The topical coating can wear and scratch over time, which is a minor disadvantage. You’ll need to reapply a top coat sealer every few years if your office or warehouse sees a lot of foot traffic. You’ll only need to re-seal with a top coat every 6-10 years if it’s a medium to low traffic area.
We’re My Polished Concrete, a privately owned concrete grinding, and polishing company. We’ve been in operation since 2009, and we boast a combined industry experience of over 40 years. Our professional services are highly refined, and quality assured to perfection. In particular, we serve residential, commercial, and industrial clients