Polished Concrete Equipment
What equipment is needed for Concrete Polishing?
Let's start with a worse case scenario and go from there.
Coatings Removal: If the concrete has old coatings such as grouts, thin sets, glues, mastic, membranes etc. It all has to be removed before starting the polishing process, this may require specialty grinders and wheels specifically designed for coatings removal.
Edges: To make the job look finished, an edge grinder either hand held or walk behind will be needed at every step of the process from coating removal to final polishing.
Grinders-Polishers: These come in many sizes up to
36" (or more), the size of the polisher will depend on how much
area the contractor wishes to finish in a certain time. Most small jobs
can be handled by 18" polishers where bigger jobs use the big machines.
When choosing equipment the contractor also has to take into account
the power requirements for the equipment. While the smaller polishers
can be plugged into a regular 110 outlet, the bigger machines may need
three phase-460 power, so in addition to the polisher and the vacuum
system the contractor will also need a generator powerful enough to
provide enough energy to run all the equipment at the same time.
Diamond Pads, Metal & Resin: There are many kinds of pads, some are better for softer concrete, some better for harder concrete, Metal Bond (aggressive), resin type (less aggressive, used for polishing not grinding). The contractor will use his experience and consult with the equipment manufacturer to determine which type of pad will be better for the job.
Vacuum Systems: Now that most contractors are using the dry polishing system, dust collection and vacuum systems are extremely important. There are many environmental and health issues with dust particles in the air so the contractor should look for a system capable of filtering and extracting more than 99% of dust in the air.
Concrete Hardeners & Densifiers: These products are used in virtually 100% of all polishing concrete projects. Their job is to harden, densify and dust proof the concrete. Their function during the polishing process is to harden the concrete to make it easier to polish, after the process is finished their function is to prevent water penetration, staining and maintaining the shine. Hardeners and Densifiers work by reacting with the cement particles in the concrete and crystallizing, this crystallization makes the concrete denser and limits the passage of water but still allows for vapor transmission.
Coloring Agents, Concrete Stains & Dyes: As the process of concrete polishing has progressed and evolve, there is more and more demand for color thus Concrete Dyes and Stains are used to enhance the floors. Most dyes and stains will be added at about 400 to 800 grit and then the polishing process continues all the way up to 3000 grit. If the project had not being poured yet, integral color, glass beads, metal pieces, colored aggregate and many other products may be used to enhance the final look.
"Request a Bid Form"
