Common concrete flooring services questions

Depending on the aggregate exposure level required, the first three to four passes use a metal bond diamond. The last metal bond grinding step is used in combination with a grouting system to fill hairline cracks and micro air holes in the concrete surface. This provides a smooth polished concrete surface for the next phase of polishing.

After the grouting has been completed, a concrete hardener is applied to the concrete slab to give it the extra strength required for optimal polished concrete results. Unlike other polished concrete applicators, we apply a concrete hardener between three to five times depending on existing concrete strength. This strengthens the concrete and prepares the surface for the resin bond polishing pads.

Once the concrete has been polished to the desired gloss level, we install a penetrating sealer for added protection against staining. The penetrating sealer protects the concrete from foot traffic, chemical spills, oil spills & general staining.

There are four main types of polished concrete finishes:

• Fine exposed aggregate polished concrete – lightly polished concrete that shows little or no aggregate.
• Medium exposed aggregate polished concrete – polished concrete that has been grinded several times using different diamond grit to achieve the desired look.
• Full exposed aggregate polished concrete – the hardest to achieve as it requires a level floor and extensive grinding. Concrete needs to be grinded 6-10 times using different diamond grit.
• Salt & pepper finish polished concrete - achieved when the floor is uneven (‘wavy’). Parts of the polished concrete will show greater exposed aggregate than other parts.

Unlike carpet and timber, polished concrete does not absorb any harsh bacteria or nest bugs. It is a relieving flooring solution for allergy sufferers who are looking for a dust-free environment.

Polished concrete provides savings due to needing fewer cleaning agents, less repairs and avoiding expensive floor coverings like timber.

The first step is to grind the concrete surface down to the desired aggregate exposure after which the second and third grinding passes are performed to remove any swirl marks in the concrete left by the coarser diamonds.

Once the swirl marks have been removed from the concrete surface, it is thoroughly cleaned in preparation for a topical sealer. Our method involves the application of a clear epoxy as a base coat, which preserves more of the natural concrete colour. Once the base coat is cured we apply a polyurethane sealer in matte, satin or gloss.

Our customers are very happy with grind and seal and we never hesitate to recommend it, but there are a few things that make it a “lesser” product compared to polished concrete.

• The surface is not as durable and requires more maintenance.
• It requires 24 hours to cure, during which there can be no foot traffic.
• Even though the sealers are water based, they do come with a slightly larger environmental footprint.

The difference between an epoxy floor and an epoxy floor coating lies in the depth of the epoxy. An epoxy floor must be at least two millimetres thick. Any less than that and it’s epoxy floor coating.

Customers have a wide variety of epoxy flooring types to choose from:

• Self-dispersing epoxy floors – very strong flooring that is perfect for areas of high traffic and heavy use.
• Self-dispersing epoxy floors with quartz sand – the addition of anti-slip properties.
• Self-levelling epoxy floors – easy to clean and maintain so ideal for kitchens, dining rooms, etc.
• Mortar epoxy floors – the strongest of all epoxy floors available and also used to repair cracks before laying another type of epoxy floor.
• Epoxy anti-static floors – used in sensitive areas, like clean rooms, where a static-free environment is needed.
• Epoxy flaked floors – epoxy flooring with coloured chips or flakes laid within the floors for decoration. The flakes, which come in many different colours and combinations, also provide a slightly rough anti-slip surface.

Drop us a line and we’ll help you make the right choice for your environment.

Yes, epoxy flooring is incredibly customisable. You can change from a variety of colour tints, multi- colour flakes and glitter. You can also easily update your epoxy flooring to change-up your style – all that’s required is an overcoat.

Honed concrete is effectively polished concrete for outdoor environments. Normal polished concrete becomes very slippery in rain, but honed concrete, with its matte finish and grittier anti-slip surface, is perfectly suited for rain or shine.

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