What is Concrete Grinding and Polishing?
Concrete grinding and polishing are processes used to enhance the durability and aesthetic appeal of concrete floors. These techniques are commonly applied in industrial and commercial spaces, including factories, warehouses, showrooms, and parking garages. The process involves mechanical surface grinding using diamond tools to remove surface imperfections, followed by polishing with resin-bonded diamond pads to achieve the desired level of matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes. This method produces long-lasting, low-maintenance surfaces with dust-proof properties.
Advantages of Concrete Grinding & Polishing
- Surface Hardness & Durability: Enhances concrete strength by removing weak surface layers and applying lithium silicate densifiers, which react with calcium hydroxide in concrete to form calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), increasing surface hardness and strength.
- Smooth & Even Surface: Eliminates surface irregularities, creating a uniform and polished look.
- Abrasion & Scratch Resistance: The lithium silicate hardener and polishing process improve resistance to abrasion and scratches, ideal for high-traffic industrial environments.
- Dust-Free Surface: The application of lithium silicate densifiers prevents dust formation, ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic environment.
- Low Maintenance Requirements: Easily cleaned, requiring minimal maintenance, and does not need frequent refinishing.
- Chemical Resistance: The lithium silicate surface hardener and protective sealers increase resistance to chemicals and stains.
- High Light Reflection: Enhances energy efficiency by improving light reflectivity, reducing lighting costs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Available in matte, semi-gloss, and high-gloss finishes, revealing natural aggregate patterns for a premium look.
- Eco-Friendly: Low VOC emissions, making it compliant with LEED and BREEAM standards for sustainable construction.
Applications of Concrete Grinding & Polishing
- Industrial Facilities: Ideal for factories, warehouses, and forklift traffic areas due to durability and dust resistance.
- Parking Garages: Provides long-lasting, easy-to-clean, and dust-free surfaces.
- Hospitals & Food Processing Facilities: Creates hygienic, easy-to-maintain surfaces.
- Shopping Malls & Showrooms: Offers aesthetic appeal with minimal maintenance needs.
- Offices: Delivers modern, clean, and long-lasting flooring solutions.
- Logistics Centers & Warehouses: Ensures high abrasion resistance and dust-free floors.
- Schools & Public Buildings: Provides durable, easy-to-maintain, and high-traffic-resistant surfaces.
Polishing Levels & Processes
Matte Finish
- Grinding Tools: 16, 30, 60, 120-grit metal diamonds; 50, 100-grit resin diamonds
- Chemical Hardener: Lithium silicate-based surface densifier
- Features:
- Smooth, matte surface with increased durability
- Dust-free properties after lithium silicate treatment
- Improved flatness, reducing elevation differences
- Applications:
- Parking garages, factories, and production facilities
- Cost-effective and quick to apply
- Performance Enhancement:
- 10-15% increase in strength
- Surface hardness: 5-6 Mohs (C25/30), 6-7 Mohs (C30/37)
- Gloss Level: 10-30 GU (Gloss Units)
Semi-Gloss Finish
- Grinding Tools: 16, 30, 60, 120-grit metal diamonds; 50, 100, 200, 400-grit resin diamonds
- Chemical Hardener: Lithium silicate-based surface densifier (optional surface sealer)
- Features:
- Slip-resistant, durable surface
- Stain-resistant and easy to clean
- Reduces tire marks, improving chemical resistance
- Applications:
- Industrial floors, parking garages, factories, production plants
- Quick application with cost-effective maintenance
- Performance Enhancement:
- 15-20% increase in resistance to wear and scratches
- Surface hardness: 5-6 Mohs (C25/30), 6-7 Mohs (C30/37)
- Gloss Level: 40-60 GU (Gloss Units)
High-Gloss Finish
- Grinding Tools: 16, 30, 60, 120-grit metal diamonds; 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500-grit resin diamonds (optional 3000-grit, 8500-grit buffing pads)
- Chemical Hardener: Lithium silicate-based surface densifier (optional high-gloss protective sealer)
- Features:
- Mirror-like finish with maximum light reflectivity
- Non-dusting, slip-resistant, and stain-resistant
- Highly resistant to wear and chemicals
- Reveals natural concrete aggregates, enhancing aesthetics
- Applications:
- Prestigious commercial projects, industrial spaces, parking garages, and showrooms
- Quick application with a sleek and professional look
- Performance Enhancement:
- 20-25% increase in chemical and abrasion resistance
- Surface hardness: 5-6 Mohs (C25/30), 6-7 Mohs (C30/37)
- Gloss Level: 70-90 GU (Gloss Units)
