Will Concrete Polishing Take a Ton of Time to Complete?
Polishing can transform a dull, bare concrete surface into a high-performing, sustainable, and durable floor, but the process can consume a lot of time. In this article, we’ll talk about how long it takes to complete a concrete polishing project and everything else you must know about the technique.
Answering the Question — A Brief Overview of Concrete Polishing
Learning about concrete polishing basics can help you understand and estimate the amount of time contractors need to invest in the procedure. So, before we discuss how long it takes to polish concrete, here’s a brief overview of the process:
Concrete polishing is a multi-step process used to make a concrete surface smooth and glossy. Contractors will begin by preparing the surface. They remove existing coatings using diamond grinders with diamond-segmented abrasives. They then seal cracks and joints. Afterward, experts grind the surface to create a flat, level surface without imperfections.
Polishing will start only when the concrete floor has been properly ground and densified. Contractors will also apply special chemicals to achieve the best result, such as sealers and stains, to help protect the polished concrete surface and make it easier to clean and maintain.
Understanding the Timeframe for a Successful Concrete Polishing Project
Time is precious in any facility. Because polishing concrete involves several steps, it consumes a lot of this valuable resource. So, when considering a polished concrete floor in a building, facility owners or managers should take into account the timeframe required by the project.
Polishing concrete can take a few days to weeks, depending on several variables:
Concrete Floor Size and Shape
The size and shape of your facility’s concrete floor are among the factors that determine the amount of time needed to complete the process. Large spaces generally require more time than smaller spaces, as there is more concrete surface area to cover.
Desired Level of Gloss
The level of gloss you want on your floor will also affect the time and labor required in the polishing process. If you want the floor to be extremely shiny or reflective, your contractor will likely need more time to accomplish your desired gloss level.
Surface Condition
Contractors must prepare the concrete surface and ensure it’s even and smooth before polishing. Existing concrete floors with coatings or tiles generally take more time to prepare than a newly poured concrete slab.
Each concrete polishing job is unique, with different conditions and challenges. The only way to know how much time it will take to complete a polishing project in your facility is to consult professionals.
Preparation Is Key — What Is Needed Beforehand to Ensure a Prompt and Quality Job
The concrete floor condition before polishing will significantly impact the final result of the project, along with the time, labor, and tools required to complete the job. If you want a quality polished concrete floor in a short amount of time, your chosen contractor should not cut corners and still ensure proper preparation of the area. We’ve already touched on the preparation steps, but let’s discuss it further.
Cleaning the Existing Concrete Floor
Oil stains on the concrete floor will inhibit the penetration of dyes, densifiers, and stains used to polish the surface. Hence, it is vital to remove them first using detergents, degreasers, or any substance capable of extracting dirt and oil stains.
Removing Existing Coatings or Tiles
The concrete floor surface should not have any coating, adhesive, or tile before polishing. If your concrete floor has tiles, a special machine is usually needed to scrape the material off the concrete surface. For adhesives, your contractor may use a chemical stripping agent or grinding equipment.
Fixing Concrete Floor Damage
Repairing any damage to the concrete using appropriate products and tools is crucial to ensure the polished surface lasts longer. For chips, you can use a variety of patching compounds. For shallow or minor flaws, you can use skim-coat material.
Cleaning and Filling Joints
Cleaning and filling joints are necessary to reduce the chance of the joint edges spalling and chipping. It also keeps the surface aesthetically pleasing while preventing dirt from accumulating in the gaps and making it easier to clean. This process is best done at the beginning stages of the concrete polishing project.
Concrete floor preparation is a whole process in itself. When the preparation work is done, the concrete surface should be clean and even. It will be smooth but lacking any sheen.
Benefits of Professional Concrete Polishers Over DIY Projects
When you need to get something done in your facility, you usually hire an expert to handle the process. But in case you’re contemplating choosing the DIY path instead, you must first consider the benefits of leaving the task to professional concrete polishers.
Access to Specialized Equipment
Concrete polishing requires the use of many kinds of specialized equipment, such as huge grinders that weigh upwards of a thousand pounds. These pieces of equipment are expensive, hard to transport, and need a specialized power supply. It also comes with having to train your team to operate the equipment properly and safely. But with polished concrete flooring contractors, you don’t need to worry about all that because they are well-equipped with all the necessary concrete polishing machinery, tools, and knowledge.
Efficient Processes
Of course, you would want a concrete polishing project done fast without compromising quality. The more time polishers spend on the process, the longer the downtime in your facility. With a professional concrete polishing contractor, it’s possible to complete the project in a timely manner. People who polish concrete for a living know the proper techniques to finish each step quickly.
Guarantee Quality Results
As previously mentioned, proper preparation is the key to achieving quality polished concrete. Without sufficient knowledge and experience, it is easy to miss crucial steps before polishing, such as identifying damage that needs to be fixed. Professional concrete polishers understand what must be done before they start polishing the concrete and know what it takes to achieve the best result.
Post-Polishing Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Floors Looking Great Longer
Once concrete polishing is done, here are a few things you should do to keep the polished floor in its best shape for longer:
Clean spills immediately
Use pH-neutral cleaning solutions
Avoid using wax to keep the floor’s sheen
Schedule professional cleaning and maintenance regularly
Wrapping Up With a Final Look at the Benefits of Concrete Polishing
Polished concrete floors are a popular flooring option for a reason. It’s durable, aesthetically pleasing, resistant to stain and slip, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. It also offers a variety of color and texture effects to simulate the look of many different materials and match your building’s interior. If properly polished, the floor can last for several decades in even the harshest environment.
If you’re ready to get your concrete floor polished, you can count on Kaloutas. Our team provides concrete flooring installation for facilities in various industries, and our concrete flooring installers are certified in all phases of concrete preparation and repairs. We also equip them with the latest tools and installation techniques, so you can be sure to get quality results every time.
Let Kaloutas take care of all your facility’s flooring needs with one point of contact and one agreement.
Concrete Polishing FAQs
Is polished concrete expensive?
All the benefits of polished concrete come with a cost. Polishing concrete floors can cost thousands of dollars, depending on where you live, the design you want, the type of polish, and where to install the flooring. Nevertheless, it is still cheaper than marble.
Polished concrete is a highly durable and shiny flooring material. Heavy-duty machines are used to grind down a concrete surface to the preferred level of glow and smoothness.
How long does it take to polish concrete?
It can take a few days to weeks, depending on many factors, like the condition and size of the concrete surface, the desired level of sheen, and the skill of your contractor.
