How to Polish Concrete
Estimated reading time 6 minutes
Polishing your concrete floor might not be something that you put at the top of your priorities once it’s been installed in a warehouse, a showroom, a car park, a sports hall, or anywhere else that’s suitable. However, due to constant use and heavy footfall, commercial concrete flooring serves you much better when polished.
Polished concrete is durable, easy to clean and maintain and looks much more presentable than an untreated surface.
In this blog, we look at how to polish a concrete floor, why you might need to do it, and the benefits it brings.
Does concrete need polishing?
Concrete doesn’t have to be polished; sealants can be used on your concrete surface for added protection. However, sealants can be prone to scratches and show signs of wear faster than polished concrete.
Whilst sealants can be the quick and affordable option for protecting your concrete, they need more regular maintenance, which tends to mean that polished industrial concrete flooring is your more cost-effective long-term solution. In fact, polished concrete surfaces could last 25 years or more.
Polished concrete vs sealed concrete
Unsure whether you should seal the concrete floor or polish it? Our table below compares them so you can see the difference.
| Polished Concrete | Sealed Concrete | |
| Lifespan | 25+ years with minimal upkeep | 5-10 years before resealing is needed |
| Upfront costs | Higher due to the equipment used | Low. Fast to apply and less equipment needed |
| Long-term cost | Low. Little maintenance is needed once complete | Higher. Regular maintenance and resealing are required |
| Durability | Very high | Moderate |
| Slip resistance | High | Low when wet |
| Stain resistance | Excellent. Densified surfaces are highly non-porous | Good initially, but degrades over time |
| Maintenance | Sweep and mop | Periodic recoating |
| Appearance | High-gloss finish that reflects light | Matt to semi-gloss. Can deteriorate over time |
| Best suited for | Warehouses, sports halls, showrooms, car parks | Low traffic areas, short-term use or low-budget projects |
Why would you polish concrete?
Polishing a concrete floor not only makes it look much more appealing, but it also increases its durability and makes the surface much safer.
A polished concrete surface will have reduced porosity, making it much harder for spillages to leave stains, and thanks to its extra strength, it can withstand varying levels of traffic for many years before it may need to be replaced.
It’s also easy to look after; there is no need for tough chemicals or aggressive cleaning routines to keep it looking its best. Perhaps one of its best-kept secrets is that a polished concrete floor is also safer than an unpolished one. The polishing process increases friction, leading to a more slip-resistant surface and therefore reducing slips, trips and falls.
What equipment do you need to polish a concrete floor?
Polishing a concrete floor is not a quick DIY task. You’ll need specialist machinery that you are unlikely to have on your premises. This means you may need to rent the equipment or hire a specialist surfacing contractor. For commercial properties and local authority facilities, utilising the skills of a surfacing contractor is often the recommended route.
The key equipment used in concrete polishing includes:
| Equipment | Purpose |
| Concrete floor grinder | A machine using rotating diamond-segmented discs to progressively smooth and refine the surface |
| Grinding discs (coarse, fine, extra fine) | Used in sequence to remove stains and surface imperfections, then refine the finish to a smooth, uniform surface |
| Densifier (chemical hardener) | Sprayed onto the surface to reduce porosity and increase hardness |
| Burnishing pad | Attached to the grinder in place of a grinding disc. Used in the final buffing stages to bring out surface sheen |
| Wet-dry vacuum | Removes dust and debris between grinding passes. |
| Concrete sealant | Applied by roller or sprayer to protect the finished surface |
| PPE | Dust masks, safety goggles, ear defenders and heavy-duty gloves to keep you safe during the process |
In large commercial spaces, such as warehouses or sports halls, the grinders are often walk-behind industrial machines rather than small handheld units often used in residential properties.
How to polish concrete floors?
Before you can have a concrete floor polished, it’s important to ensure the surface is prepared properly. This would include removing any remaining stains, sealant or polish. You’ll then be able to see whether any cracks or chips need sealing and any debris needs to be removed.
From here, the surface is checked for its hardness. This helps determine which grinding discs should be used to bring the surface up to the desired standard. Preparation is an essential step and should not be skipped.
One common mistake is that many property managers or facilities teams rush into polishing the surface straight after a concrete floor has been laid. This would be detrimental. Concrete needs to cure and should be left for approximately 28 days before polishing.
Polishing concrete step by step
- Start at one corner, working your way to the other, with a coarse-grit abrasive disc. This will remove any stains or rough areas. Work across the entire surface, ensuring nothing is missed.
- Using a fine-grit abrasive disc, go over the entire surface to enhance its overall appearance.
- Spray on a densifier to make the concrete less permeable.
- Use an extra-fine grit abrasive disc to remove any remaining blemishes and give the surface a sleek, smooth appearance.
- Go over the entire surface with a wet-dry vac to gather up any remaining dust and debris.
- Buff the surface by using a burnishing pad in place of the grinding disc. Work from corner to corner like you did when starting the polishing process.
- Apply sealer with a roller or sprayer and leave for around 2 to 4 hours. Once it is dry, apply a further coat. Ensure air temperature is above 10°C during this application and for at least 24 hours after.
- Once the sealer is completely dry, buff the surface once more for a fully polished and clean surface. For best results, you may need to wait for up to 72 hours before using the surface.
Can I polish my existing concrete floor?
Yes, whilst you could have the original surface replaced with a brand-new one if it is in bad condition, you can polish your existing concrete floor. You’ll need to make sure you prepare the surface before polishing for the best results.
How long does it take to polish a concrete floor?
It depends on the size of the floor and its original condition. A floor with many cracks and chips will take longer to polish due to the sealing required during the initial preparation stage. The desired finish will also determine how much time is spent on polishing the floor.
At Tidey & Webb, we specialise in surfacing solutions for residential and commercial properties in Sussex, Kent and Surrey. From the installation of concrete driveways to car park surfacing, playgrounds, race tracks, footpaths and more, we are the all-in-one surfacing contractor for the South. Contact us today to see how we can help or start the process with a free quote.
