Concrete polishing can be a highly personalised process, especially if you know you needs and wants.

 

One can start off with the choice of diamond abrasive. Even though different diamond grits are being used in different stages of concrete polishing, metal bond diamond grit is best for levelling and removal of pre-layered coat. This is because the metal aids in the hastening of diamond action and aggressive grinding. It is also common to find such coarse abrasive to be employed at the initial stage of polishing. On the other hand, there is the option of resin bond diamond whereby it works best on softer or fresher concrete surface and they are often seen in the final process of polishing for final touch up.

 

Next, one can have a say in the colour of concrete they wish to add on top of polishing. Colour coat is apply at the end of the polishing process for those who wish that their concrete floor can go beyond the usual grey. Despite of the choice, beware that the colour reflected on the selection board may not match exactly to the colour of the final product on the floor. Hence, always ask for a representative test section for each individual concrete surface before applying it generally.

 

The third personalised options concerns the surface’s exposure and reflectivity level. Commonly three exposure levels are available for selection; from the lowest Grade 1 to the highest Grade 3. Similarly, for reflectivity whereby Class 1 reflects the least but Class 3 reflects the most. Different diamond abrasive is required for each level or class to be achieved hence prices of carrying the process out also differs as a result.

 

Recently, it is also getting more common for users to elaborate the personalisation by adding different features into the polished concrete floors. One of the examples is staining. Staining can be achieved via two ways. One of which is literally stained the surface with drops of water, creating splashing or spilling effects, while leaving the rest of the floor intact. The other way of staining is to use flexible piping or metal templates to cut out patterns of swirls and shapes.

 

Moreover, some users also turned their floor into a gigantic canvas in which they paint, draw, or even go 3D with it. Beginning on the real canvas with preliminary ideas before transferring over to the polished concrete floor, such way of personalisation often brings out the taste and style of the owners, thus making it growing in demand and popularity.

 

Regardless of which form of personalisation, it is best to consult an expert before each concrete polishing so that one has a good idea of their floor condition before making a more informed choice of their final furnish.