Grind & Polishing Of Concrete
Casting and grinding in polishing
Casting and grinding in polishing refer to the process of pouring a self-leveling concrete overlay over an existing concrete surface to create an even and level substrate for polishing.
The casting helps to fill in defects and provides a raw canvas for the polishing process. Grinding involves using specialized equipment such as diamond abrasive tools to remove the top layer of the concrete surface in which exposing the desired level of aggregate and achieving the desired level of sheen/gloss.
This process is commonly used in concrete polishing to transform tedious concrete floors into aesthetically satisfying and long-lasting polished surfaces suitable for various residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
What does casting consist of:
1. Pouring: Fresh concrete is poured onto a surface, typically a subbase or a previously prepared concrete slab.
2. Finishing: The concrete is leveled, smoothed, and compacted using tools like trowels, and floats to remove air pockets and excess water.
3. Setting: The concrete is allowed to set and harden, which can take several hours or days, depending on the mix and environmental conditions.
What does Grinding & polishing consist of:
1. Grinding: Once the concrete is set, a grinder (a specialized machine with diamond pads) is used to remove any imperfections, such as bumps or unevenness, and to even start the surface.
2. Honing: The grinder is used with progressively finer abrasives to hone the surface, removing small imperfections and scratches.
3. Polishing: A polishing machine with high-gloss polishing diamond pads are used to further refine the surface, creating a high-shine finish.
4. Sealing: A concrete sealer can be applied to protect the polished surface from stains and make maintenance easier.
The resulting polished concrete surface is:
– Highly durable
– Easy to clean and maintain
– Aesthetically pleasing, with a high-gloss finish
– Can be customized with various colors, aggregates, or designs
Polished concrete is popular for flooring in commercial and industrial settings – warehouses, showrooms, retail stores, garages and factories due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.