Concrete Polishing, Grinding, Sealing & Epoxy Floor FAQs
We have answered some of the common question you may have about Concrete Polishing, Grinding, Sealing and Epoxy Floors.
Can you have coloured polished concrete floor?
Yes! If you are laying a new slab, there is different cement colour to choose from, which you will need to discuss with your concrete supplier.
Can I choose the aggregate for a new concrete slab?
Yes! If you are laying a new concrete slab, you can select different cement colours in the concrete, there are also various aggregate colours, types, sizes and minerals to choose for the topping mix. You will need to discuss these options with your concrete supplier.
Is there an alternative to the exposed aggregate look?
Yes! The depth of the grind can give different levels of stone/aggregate exposure showing in the final finish. A non-exposed aggregate finish can be achieved.
Can you polish an existing concrete slab?
Yes, if you are tired of the old look of carpet and floor boards and you want a fresh new look we can polish the concrete underneath providing a new, contemporary, low maintenance floor. The overall look will depend upon the type of concrete MPA of the slab, the aggregate density and the state and level of damage to the concrete floor.
What about 75-year-old concrete that is pitted, well-worn or has had coatings applied?
No problem. When we’re finished, your floor will look like a marble finish.
When should I liaise with a concrete polisher?
At the very earliest planning stage is best and can provide cost benefits to the client
Are there any harmful VOC’s?
No. This process is completed eco-friendly and perfect for green construction projects.
Is a polished concrete floor slippery for outdoors?
No, the surface can be made non slip, e.g. pool and outdoor entertaining areas.
Do forklift tires mess it up?
No. Marks wipe off easily.
How is it done?
Diamond discs are mounted to a 200+ kilo grinder. These rough grits remove imperfections while flattening the floor. Then finer grits are used to create a marble like shine. The process is usually a 14-step process beginning with 30 grit diamond shoes and ending with 3000 grit resin diamonds pads.
How long will it last?
This is a permanent process. There’s no wax, epoxy, acrylic, or any other shiny coverings applied that will eventually fail. When our company is finished the result is a bare concrete floor that has been permanently polished. In heavy industrial, commercial or institutional use, an inexpensive re-polish may be needed years down the road (depending on your maintenance).
Can the shine be destroyed?
Yes, but it’s not easy. If you pour muriatic acid on the floor, it will etch. Strong acids will destroy the shine. Etched areas are easily repaired.
Is the process dusty or messy?
No. Our state of the art equipment makes the process almost dust free.
Where is Polished Concrete found?
Warehouses, Restaurants, Schools, Retail Stores, Manufacturing, Residential, Showrooms and many more.
Is there an alternative to the exposed aggregate look?
Yes! The depth of the grind can give different levels of stone/aggregate exposure showing in the final finish. A non-exposed aggregate finish can be achieved.
Can you apply a Grind and Seal to an existing concrete slab?
Yes, if you are tired of the old look of carpet and floor boards and you want a fresh new look we can seal the concrete underneath providing a new, contemporary, low maintenance floor. The overall look will depend upon the type of concrete MPA of the slab, the aggregate density and the state and level of damage to the concrete floor.
What about 75-year-old concrete that is pitted, well-worn or has had coatings applied?
No problem. When we’re finished you will have a sleek new concrete surface.
Are there any harmful VOC’s?
Polyurethane/ Water Base Epoxy floors are extremely low in VOC’s once cured.
Is a Grind and Seal floor slippery for outdoors?
No, a non-slip additive can be added to provide a non-slip surface. But without the ant-slip when wet it can be.
How is it done?
Diamond discs are mounted to a 400+ kilo grinder. These rough grits remove imperfections while flattening the floor. Once the desired exposure is received the floor is sealed with a high grade Coating. UV and non-slip additives can be added where required.
How long will it last?
Grind and Seal floors are extremely durable and will last for up to 5+ years depending on traffic conditions however they can be re-sealed at a minimum cost ensuring the life of the floor.
Can the shine be destroyed?
Yes, but it’s not easy. If you pour muriatic acid on the floor, it will etch. Strong acids will destroy the shine. Etched areas are easily repaired.
Is the process dusty or messy?
No. Our state of the art equipment makes the process almost dust free.
Where are Grind and Seal floors found?
Warehouses, Restaurants, Retail Stores, Residential, Showrooms, Outside Concrete and many more.
Why do I need an epoxy sealer on my garage floor?
Unprotected concrete floors will wear, be stained by oils, fluids, and be damaged by the corrosive effects of snow and ice-melting chemicals such as rock salt. Epoxy floor coating systems protect concrete from wear because it is actually harder and more durable than the concrete itself. Epoxy Floors provide a hard durable finish that is so dense that oils and fluids cannot penetrate its surface to soak in and cause staining.
What is Epoxy and why is it better than other floor sealing products?
Epoxy is a two-component product that when mixed together forms a high performance 100% solids epoxy floor sealer. Epoxy is superior to paints and other coatings because epoxies form a harder, denser, more durable film than paints.
What do 100% solids mean, anyway?
100% solids epoxy refers to the volume and the total percentage of solids in your coating. Epoxy is not diluted with water or a solvent base, it is 100% solids. This gives you a very durable coating, because unlike a water base product, here there is no product shrinkage. You are getting the best in terms of adhesion and durability with the Epoxy Flooring system.
Why should I apply Epoxy?
Epoxy is a two-component product that when mixed together forms a 100% solids epoxy floor sealer, which is more durable and longer lasting than a water-based or solvent-based epoxy. Epoxy is chemically resistant, easy to maintain, and an extremely durable coating for any application.
How does Epoxy work?
Epoxy has two components, when mixed together they start a chemical reaction (polymerization) changing the liquid mixture into the hard, durable, dense, chemically-resistant epoxy film that remains.
Does Epoxy give off any harmful vapors or odors and is it safe for indoor use?
Our Epoxy Flooring System has virtually no V.O.C.s (Volatile Organic Compounds) or other harmful odors. It is very safe to use in any indoor application such as garages, wine cellars, laundry rooms, etc.
Can you fix cracks and holes in the concrete surface with Epoxy?
Our product is self-levelling however we always fill major cracks and holes with an epoxy resin paste which makes it the most durable patching system available for concrete.
Can I put Epoxy over pre-existing paints or other coatings?
Epoxy is not recommended for application over existing coatings because the existing coating will inhibit bonding of the Epoxy coating to the concrete floor. We strip and clean any existing coatings using state the art grinders.
Does temperature affect the application of Epoxy?
Yes, extreme heat or cold can affect Epoxy during application. Epoxy’s polymeric chemical reaction will be accelerated by temperatures above 29°C, causing the curing process to speed up and making the Epoxy coating tacky and difficult to apply. Temperatures below 13°C will cause the reaction to slow down, thereby increasing the cure time.
Can you apply a non-slip finish to Epoxy Floors?
Yes, we can apply an optional non-slip finish to Epoxy Floors; this is usually applied only to floors that see a lot of water due to rain. It will make the floor surface rough and will be rougher on mops and squeegees during cleanup however will produce an extremely high non-slip finish.
Will Epoxy Floors scratch?
Yes, Epoxy can be scratched if extremely heavy objects are dragged across its surface, however, under normal conditions Epoxy should not scratch.
What will hot tires do to Epoxy?
Tires heated from normal driving will not affect the Epoxy Flooring.
Do I have to recoat with Epoxy Floor every year?
No, our Epoxy Floors are hard durable surface that will last for many years under normal circumstances.
What will sunlight do to Epoxy Floors?
Ultraviolet radiation (a component of sunlight) will cause most paints and coatings to blush or fade however we apply a UV (ultraviolet) protector to all Epoxy Floors that reduces the damaging effects of sunlight to the finish.
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