Concrete Polishing Services

Concrete Polishing Services

As a leading flooring company operating in New York City, Company Floors Services is committed to offering concrete polishing and staining services for all types of clients. Thanks to some recent advances in technology and design choices, polished concrete has thrown its hat into the ring as a popular flooring option—it’s now used both commercially and residentially. With diamond polishing technology, plain surfaces can be brought to a high-gloss finish. Homeowners are starting to discover how cost-effective this type of flooring can be while still providing great benefits and design possibilities.
Polished concrete floors are an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for many households and businesses. The process involves sanding and buffing the existing concrete floor to give it a highly polished finish, often achieving a better quality than additional floor materials could offer. Therefore, this is an ideal choice for areas that are already laid with concrete.
Polishing machines and experienced technicians turn concrete surfaces into long-lasting, attractive floors. The multi-step process of hardening and densifying the concrete make it virtually permanent, eliminating the need for expensive floor replacements over time. Connect with professionals who offer this service, and see what kind of results you can get!
Polished concrete offers a wide range of design possibilities for homeowners and businesses. It can be dyed or stained with colors and patterns that replicate the look and feel of stone, marble, or tile – all while providing better cost-effectiveness. Additionally, decorative lines can be etched onto the surface for an added layer of beauty.

Our Polished Concrete Services

There are several types of services available for concrete floors:
  • Concrete polishing – concrete is mechanically ground, polished & hardened with a densifier product.
  • Concrete grinding – prepares concrete floor for installation of any other flooring material by leveling the floor & removing any existing surface coatings such as mortar, grout, thinset, glue, paint & epoxy.
  • Concrete design – coloring concrete with stains & dyes, adding decorative etching & cuts on the surface.
  • Grind & seal – a less expensive & popular method of polishing concrete. It involves less mechanical grinding & the polish is achieved by applying a topical sealer. It is not permanent like mechanically polished concrete & requires periodic resealing.
  • Maintenance buffing – occasional (like semi annually) buffing with a hair pad to maximize the shine of polished concrete.
  • Epoxy coatings (aka concrete overlays & micro toppings) – Highly durable coatings that provide a decrrative finish with reinforced strength can be applied to level and cracked concrete slabs. Color, pattern and imprint options can include borders, stencils and logos, making them an excellent alternative to polished concrete when the floor sustains too much wear or damage. That said, nearly any old or new concrete floor is still eligible for polishing.

Mechanical Concrete Polishing Process

Concrete grinding is the first step in identifying and fixing issues before floor polishing. We use a specialized heavy duty machine with diamond pads for this purpose; however, the method of choice is, almost exclusively, the dry polishing method. This process involves vacuuming all ground dust directly into the machine, thus reducing mess and environmental impact. Alternatively, we could employ wet polishing to minimize dust exposure; nevertheless, this requires more labor to clean up slurry waste as well as responsible disposal of it which may be difficult in some cases. Fortunately, modern equipment such as resin bonded discs allow us to complete the process without having to use water and problems related to it.
The problem areas, a two-step approach is recommended. First, decontamination processes are employed to get rid of any grease and stains on the surface. Second, epoxy filler is used to effectively seal joints and cracks.
Concrete grinding is the process of removing pits, blemishes, floor coatings like glue or thinset. The subsequent steps involve consecutively grinding and polishing in order to achieve a smooth, reflective sheen. The final finish can range from flat to satin to semi-gloss or high gloss depending on the number of times it has been polished.

Polished Concrete Topical Treatment Options

Penetrating concrete densifier products, also known as protectors and sealers, are employed throughout the polishing process and work to fortify and strengthen the surface. This step in the procedure utilizes chemicals to improve wear-resistance, reduce dusting issues, inhibit moisture penetration, and repel stains. When correctly utilized in combination with mechanical polishing of the surface, reliable protection is guaranteed.
When it comes to maintaining the shine and durability of polished concrete, there are a few optional treatments that can be applied. The application of polishing compound is one such option to further enhance the surface sheen if desired. A topical stain guard may also be used for added protection against harsh chemicals. For surfaces with added color through dyes or stains, a sealer can be used to lock it in. Further embellishments can also be made such as decorative lines or etchings. Finally, the finish is buffed using soft pads to a pristine condition that is ready for traffic.
* Note that if a concrete floor was tiled, even though it is ground & polished grout lines may remain visible.

Grind & Seal / Topically Polished Concrete

The second option for polishing concrete is grind & seal or topically polished concrete. Though this method is quicker and less expensive than mechanically polished concrete, it also requires more maintenance. The surface is polished by applying a topical sealer rather than using the grinding/polishing machine multiple times, but the sealer needs to be re-applied periodically.
Topically polished concrete is available in two different methods. For new or well-maintained concrete, a simple acid wash, water-based staining, and water-based or solvent sealant are all that’s needed for a glossy finish. Other surfaces may require more extensive refinement before polishing can be completed.
Two techniques exist for polishing concrete surfaces. For new or well-maintained concrete, the process consists of an acid wash, coloring with water-based stain or dye, and sealing with a water- or solvent-based sealer. This technique can create a durable, beautiful finish with minimal effort.
*Note that new concrete should not be polished or sealed for at least 30-60 days to ensure that the concrete is fully cured and moisture is not trapped under the surface. We test new floors with a moisture meter before beginning.

Polished Concrete Floor Finishes & Design Options

1. Polish GRADE – the aggregate (rock) exposure level: Depending on how heavily the surface is ground varying degrees of aggregate can be exposed, each level having it’s own design characteristics.
GRADE 1 (CREAM) – The most polular grade for commercial & industrial, requires the least amount of grinding & results in a creamy look by only exposing fine sand particles at the surface.
GRADE 2 (FINE/SALT & PEPPER) – concrete is ground 1/16″ exposing sand & fine rock particles resulting in a salt & pepper look.
GRADE 3 (MEDIUM) – concrete is ground 1/8″ exposing small to mid size aggregate.
GRADE 4 (LARGE) – concrete is ground 1/4″ exposing large aggregate, comparable to the look of terrazo.

2. Color – Dyes and stains are available in a variety of different hues, or you can opt for an industrial look without additional color. Solid colors can be applied individually, while mixtures of several shades may be used to emulate the aesthetic of stone or marble patterns and marbling.

3. Finish – the sheen level: choose how shiny & reflective the surface is. This depends on how many times the surfaced is polished with progressively finer diamond grit.
CLASS 1 – (FLAT/MATTE) 100 grit finish, little to no reflectivity, minimum 4 abrasive passes
CLASS 2 – (SATIN) 200-400 grit finish, low gloss & reflectivity, minimum 5 abrasive passes
CLASS 3 – (SEMI GLOSS) 800 grit finish, medium gloss & reflectivity, minimum 6 abrasive passes
CLASS 4 – (HIGH GLOSS) 1500 grit finish, high gloss & mirror like reflectivity, minimum 7 abrasive passes

4. Decorative cuts – a touch of realism to your floor design with lines that replicate tiling andstone. For new concrete floors and concrete coatings with epoxy, you can stamp or etch decorative patterns, logos, and more. Not only does this enhance the look of your space, but it also adds functionality.

Concrete Stains & Dyes

Stains and dyes allow concrete surfaces to have color while preserving the aggregate and reflective features. By combining them, an almost infinite variety of colors and patterns can be created. This includes replicating the look of stone, marble, or wood on polished concrete, concrete overlays, or new concrete structures. Achieving such a result requires faux finishing and pattern stamping techniques.
Concrete staining is an effective way to create an aesthetically pleasing, natural finish to concrete, with a mottled appearance resembling stone or marble. Stains are applied with an acidic solution, which produces a chemical reaction with the lime in concrete. However it’s important to note that stains are only available in select colors (mainly earth tones) and the final result can vary due to unpredictable coloring and a delayed reaction time of some hours.
Staining concrete requires more time than other coating types and multiple coats, each with at least a five-hour dry time. Depending on the desired result, a sealer may be applied first, which usually necessitates a neutralizing and washing process. Suitable gear is also needed when working with acid stains because they are corrosive. A key benefit of staining concrete is that it produces highly UV-resistant results that last longer and fade less easily than those created using dyes.
Concrete Dyes
Concrete dyes are a great option for those seeking precise colors and patterns. They’re easy to use, quick drying, and come in a range of colors. Solvent based dyes are ideal for creating bolder colors, while water based dyes make it possible to achieve lighter pastels with stained-like effects. For even more versatility, you can mix similar dyes together to create multi-color marbled effects or combine them to get your perfect shade.
Concrete Stain & Dye Color Samples
Water-based dyes are a favorable option for being eco-friendly and low in VOC’s, not to mention effortless and safe to work with. By contrast, solvent-based dyes require the use of chemicals, feature high inflammability, and should be handled with caution by experienced professionals. Additionally, color fading is common when dyeing is done outdoors because most dyes are not UV stable – making them best suited for indoor projects only. To maintain color saturation over an extended period of time, it is recommended to apply a clear sealer on the surface that’s been dyed. Keep in mind that it is always possible to redye or alter colors at any given moment down the line.
Selecting concrete stains and dyes is an important decision-making process, with the manufacturer’s color chart likely being a useful yet general guide. However, individual slabs may vary in both makeup properties and finish as well as how they appear online via photography or monitor settings. As such, it is wise to request seeing job site samples to ensure that you are satisfied with your choice. Companies like Ameripolish can arrange for you to see these samples when needed.

Benefits of Polished Concrete

  • Many design options (grade level, finish level, colors, patterns, engraving)
  • Can replicate stone & marble at a lower cost
  • Cost effective:
  • Great value & affordability-can cost less up front & to maintain than other types of flooring
  • Cost efficient & sustainable-makes use of existing floor material without adding additional materials
  • Lower cost over life of floor compared to other types of flooring
  • A great alternative to all types of flooring
  • Highly reflective, can brighten the area & reduce lighting requirements
  • Can be completed with less downtime than other types of flooring, space can be occupied immediately after work is complete
  • Low Maintenance:
  • Never needs replacing
  • Never needs waxing (sealers or other types of coatings are optional)
  • Only required maintenance is a weekly sweep & damp wiping, semi annual hair pad buffing to maximize shine (if floor is regularly exposed to harsh chemicals you may apply stain guard every 6-12 months)
  • A seamless finish that won’t hide dust, dirt, & allergens
  • Hypoallergenic, resists mold, mildew & bacteria
  • Highly Durable:
  • Lasts a lifetime
  • Stands up to high foot traffic, heavy equipment, tire wear, high impacts & loads
  • Extreme abrasion resistance
  • Repels moisture & resists stains from water, oil & chemicals
  • Efficient & Eco Friendly:
  • No toxic emissions
  • Non-slip, not slippier than normal concrete when kept clean and dry. Can be less slippery than tile or marble. Anti slip additives can be added during routine cleaning to add additional traction if desired.
  • Same acoustic qualities as wood, stone and tile

Where To Use Polished Concrete Flooring

Polished concrete and epoxy coated concrete flooring can be installed in any public or private area with a cement slab, from garages to hospitals. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial buildings such as warehouses, retail shops, offices, clubs, hotels, restaurants, manufacturing plants, showrooms and museums.

Polished Concrete Cost

Project size, complexity, and the amount of prep work required can affect the total cost for concrete polishing. On average, commercial spaces are between $3 and $12 per square foot, while residential areas tend to range from $6 to $12 per square foot. Due to their smaller area and unique challenges posed by working with them, residential polished concrete floors usually have a higher price tag; however, this price is still around 1/2 to 1/3 less than that of tile or hardwood flooring installation.