What Are Polished Concrete Floors In general, a concrete floor surface can be considered polished concrete after completing a minimum of 3 or 4 grinding and polishing steps.
Our polished concrete systems are typically conducted with considerably more steps to ensure our customers a long-term and sustainable floor.
What is Our Process To accomplish a guaranteed high level of results, our systems have a long list of steps and processes. This includes metal / resin bond diamond grinding, surface repair, the use of penetrating chemical sealers, hardeners and densifiers, and a specialized approach to refining the level of reflectivity in the finish.
It holds great importance to us that none of the details in these steps and processes are left out, and the proper steps are taken and applied to the project correctly.
We understand concrete is made of natural materials and is set by hand. We also understand that it may vary considerably in its prevailing conditions. Our abilities to work with, and offset the variations gives us and our customers a high level of satisfaction.
During these processes we ensures the execution of the project is EPA and OSHA compliant. This ensures proper waste disposal in accordance with government guidelines.
How to Understand the different levels of polished concrete When considering a polished concrete floor, there are two basic groups to consider. They are the “Grade of Finish” and “Level of Reflectivity”.
There are three different “Grade of Finish” classifications to choose from. How they look will differ depending on the amount of diamond grinding preparation.
There are also three different “Level of Reflectivity” classifications and the look of the floor will differ based on the level chosen.
Below is a summary of the different selections and the results that can achieved.
Grade of Finish
Grade 1 – Light Sand Finish Minimally or topically ground showing a light amount of sand exposure typically exposing only the sand particles in the concrete floor. Some laitance or “cream” may still reside.
Grade 2 – Salt & Pepper Finish The Salt & Pepper finish is a more aggressively ground floor, that will typically expose a spattering of aggregate/larger stones in the surface. This is typically the most popular based on its look and cost
Grade 3 – Aggregate Finish Aggregate exposure is the most aggressively ground surface, typically exposing the greatest amount of larger aggregate and stone. The Grade 3 finish is most often chosen when the concrete is placed and finished with greater quantities of aggregate. Some concrete floors may have limitations and may also be cost prohibitive to cut deep into the surface to achieve a grade 3 aggregate finish
Level of Reflectivity
Level 1 – Low Reflectivity, 400 grit polishing This finish results in a surface that exhibits a low level of specular reflectivity. Class 1 finish delivers a relatively low gloss and is the least “shiny” floor option.
Level 2 – Medium Reflectivity, 800 grit polishing This finish results in a surface that exhibits a moderate level of specular reflectivity, approaching a mirror-like surface. This finish delivers a medium level of gloss and shine but not a clear mirror-like reflection.
Level 3 – High Reflectivity, 1500 grit polishing
This finish results in a surface that exhibits a high level of specular reflectivity and the most mirror-like surface. This finish delivers the highest level of gloss.
It is our goal to deliver the highest level of quality polished concrete floors, based on customer goals and our expertise, passion, and innovation. Hence our motto “NexGen Concrete Floor Solutions”.
For more information or to discuss your projects and goals please contact us. Joe@GFOneCoatings.com or (612) 919-4414.
All polished concrete floor systems are a certified LEED green process.
With millions of square feet covered, GF-One Coatings has perfected the art of consistently providing you the best that the concrete flooring the industry has to offer. We provide a power packed combo of heavy industry experience and top-quality flooring systems that gives us the ability to deliver expert results.
Samples of Our Work
