Concrete has often been used to cover the lower surfaces, but today concrete is used as a top and decorative layer. Polished concrete is a multi-step process where a concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed and polished with bonded abrasives.
This process is carried out using a concrete polishing machine, with the aim of creating a smooth surface with a certain level of gloss. This process also includes the use of a penetrant chemical known as a hardener. At the end of the polishing process, you will have a very attractive mirror-like finish that reflects light.
The final beauty of the work has made polished concrete floors one of the most popular options in recent years. You may also be interested in knowing how concrete can be used for the final flooring, so stay with us in the following article.
3 steps to make a concrete polished floor
The concrete surface itself is not glossy and does not influence the interior of the building. Therefore, in this method, the shiny concrete floor is prepared by performing the following steps:
- First step
The first step is to use a large diamond abrasive and metal matrix abrasive to remove any spots, pits, and other imperfections from the concrete surface. This process is the most basic step of polishing the concrete surface because it prepares the floor for applying more glossy layers.
- Second step
At this step, diamond grinding machines that are used in resin or plastic matrices are used. The amount of grit used in these devices depends on the amount of shine you want to have at the end of the project. To have a shiny and glossy floor 1500 grit can be used.
- Third level
During the polishing process, some sealer is added to the floor to penetrate and protect the concrete surface. This material also increases the density and strength of your polished concrete and makes it easier to maintain.
Note that this material is various in different technologies. As mentioned, one of the differences of the new Letomax technology is the material used to strengthen the concrete surface.
Is the polished concrete floor anti-slip like the resin floor?
Polished concrete may seem slippery because of its shiny surface, but in fact, its surface is not slippery until slippery substances or liquids are poured on it, its friction is like a stone floor.
If you are worried about the slippery nature of your polished concrete floors, you can add a layer of anti-slip sealer or reduce the slippery surface with anti-slip detergent. But the more you polished the surface the more slippery surface you will have, so before choosing it compare it with other coating floor alternatives to know all of your options and choose the right floor for you.
Suitable places for using polished concrete flooring
polished concrete gives a special beauty and charm to the space, and in terms of quality it possesses both high strength and longevity like resinous floors. The unique property of colouring and logo insertion on this concrete allows you to customise it, you can implement any design and colour you would like on the surface and customise it according to your needs and usage.
Due to the unique characteristics of polished concrete, this surface can be used in most public and private places.
- Offices
- Stores
- Warehouses
- Beauty salons
- Restaurant
- Hospital
- Hotel
- Residential houses
- Parking lots
- Showrooms
- Shopping centers
Pros of polished concrete flooring
Looking at the benefits of glossy concrete flooring, you can understand why this option is popular in various industries.
The advantages of polished concrete include the following:
Cost-effective: This method is more durable than other flooring methods. For years, you can have a beautiful and durable floors without needing to replace the floor due to corrosion or wearing out and cracking.
Environmentally friendly: In the composition of materials and the process of polishing the concrete surface, chemicals and dangerous cleaners are not used. Also, this option is known as green flooring due to energy saving.
Easy maintenance: These surfaces are very easy to maintain and clean. You don’t need complicated steps or use special detergents for cleaning. A mop and a bucket of water is enough to make your floor shine again.
Hypoallergenic: Since polished concrete is sealed and has a non-porous texture, allergens and bacteria do not accumulate on its surface. This issue also affects the quality of the space.
Resistant to scratches and chemicals: It can be said that it is almost impossible to find scratches on polished concrete. Also, these surfaces are resistant to alkaline, acidic and chemical substances that have reactive properties.
Reflecting light: This feature is very useful in office and public places that want to have a bright view, as it reduces the need for lighting.
Cons of polished concrete floor
Hard surface:
Concrete floors are hard underfoot and if you accidently fall on the surface, it may cause you pain and give you a nasty bump. Be careful when you carry fragile things, such as plates and glasses, because if they are dropped, they will break.
Cracking:
Due to the nature of concrete, it tends to crack with weather changes, so no matter how high the quality of the work is, you may see cracks on the floor after a while. The flooring will expand and settle due to temperature and moisture.
Cold:
The nature of the concrete is cold so it’s not a good material to maintain heat. If your house is already lacking the sun, you must be mindful that this flooring may not be suitable for your space, especially in winter seasons as your floor will not retain the heat.
Weight:
Due to the weight of concrete floors, they are only suitable to be used on ground floors. To use it for other floors the building foundation must be strong enough to bear the weight of it otherwise it will pressure on the building and may cause serious damage.
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