Polished Concrete

What is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is a multi-step process where a concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed and polished with bonded abrasives in order to cut a concrete floors surface. It is then refined with each cut in order to achieve a specified level of appearance.

This process also includes the use of a penetrating chemical known as a densifier/hardener. The concrete densifier/hardener penetrates into the concrete and creates a chemical reaction to help harden and dust-proof the surface.

During concrete polishing, the surface is processed through a series of steps utilizing progressively finer grits, similar to sanding wood. Through that process the concrete itself transforms from a rough uneven surface to a level highly polished surface..

"Best investment for my flooring—Monster Flex is unmatched!"

Polished Concrete Design Process

Experience our simple design process to choose your perfect polished concrete floor. This is a simple 1-2-3 Step process that helps you to understand the aggregate expose, sheen, and color.

Step 1- Choose Your Agg. Size

Options

1. Cream Polish - Class A- ( fine aggregate exposed) this process includes only polishing the top level of the concrete " a.k.a cream"which leave the natural finish of the concrete while providing a smooth & polished finish

2. Salt & Pepper finish - Class A ( fine/small aggregate exposed) This process includes a light sanding which exposes small sand, then honing and polishing the floor leaving a smooth, and polished finish

3. Medium Aggregate Finish - Class B- by using more aggressive diamond blade, we grind deeper into the surface which exposes larger size of aggregate.

4. Heavy Aggregate finish - Using extremely coarse grinding diamond blade, we grind deep into the concrete surface which exposes the largest size of the aggregate which provide a "terrazzo Like " appearance

If you are unsure and need a accurate representation, we offer onsite custom mock-ups which will show you exactly what your floor can look like!

Step 2- Choose Your Sheen

Step 3- Choose Your Color

Options

1. Flat/Matte - Level 1- Hone concrete leaving no gloss, but providing a smooth and refined surface. this is typically achieved at a "100 grit finish"

2. Satin - Level 2- Satin Finish - Honed, & polished to a low shine which is popular for a refined, smooth, and low gloss finish. Great modern look! Typically achieved at a "200 grit finish"

3. Polished - Level 3 - Mid Gloss - Honed & polished concrete floor to a mid gloss shine achieving a beautiful and reflective finish. This is our most popular. Typically Achieved at a 400/800 grit finish ( depending on quality of the concrete)

4. Highly Polished - Level 4 - High Gloss - Honed & polished concrete floor achieving a mirror like finish with high reflectivity and best durability. Typically achieved at a 1500 Grit Finish.

Options

1. Natural - No Color Added - By using the natural color of the concrete, and natural inconsistencies and shading, we are able to polished the concrete to a beautiful finish. Concrete colors range from " beige/sand" "light Gray" & medium/Dark Gray" T figure out the natural color, simply splash some water on the floor which will give you an indication of the natural color of the concrete

2. Stained & Polished Concrete- By using Ameripolish Dye, we are able to create beautiful " faux" stained concrete finishes making your floor a unique piece of art! Visit our color charts page by Clicking HERE.

For Truly Brilliant, and show stopping floor, choose 2 more more colors. We are able to use our unique artistic abilities to "layer" the colors and create a work of art on your beautiful polished concrete floor!

Benefits of Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is a durable, high-gloss flooring option. Polished concrete is popular in both residential and commercial settings due to its sleek, modern appearance and low-maintenance characteristics.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Polished concrete floors are known for their amazing beauty and shine. Their ability to captivate those walking on them have made them a highly desirable, eco friendly, and modern floor for any home, office, commercial , or industrial floor

Low Maintenance

One of the greatest and most desired benefits of polished concrete is it's " easy to clean" and low maintenance features. A simple maintenance plan will keep your floors looking brand new for years to come. For more information, Click Here for a simple plan for maintaining polished concrete

One highly sought after benefit to polished concrete is its ability to resist scratching. Due to actual "wear surface" being actual concrete, and not sealer, polished concrete is the hardest wear surface on the market. What actually scratches is "sealer" However, with polished concrete, we use a "penetrating sealer" which physically soaks into the concrete and sealing the interior concrete with no top layer to scratch.

Scratch resistant

Aggregate Exposure Options for Polished Concrete

1. Cream Finish

   • Description: A smooth, uniform surface with minimal grinding that retains the topmost layer of the concrete.

   • Appearance: Soft, elegant, and clean look with no visible aggregate, emphasizing the natural tones of the cement.

   • Ideal For: Sleek and minimalist designs; when the concrete's natural appearance is preferred.

   • Note: Requires high-quality initial concrete placement for uniformity.

2. Salt-and-Pepper Finish

   • Description: Light grinding reveals fine sand and tiny aggregate particles just below the surface.

   • Appearance: A subtle speckled look that balances smoothness with a touch of texture.

   • Ideal For: Spaces wanting a modern or industrial aesthetic with some visual interest.

   • Note: Works best with consistent concrete mixes.

3. Medium Aggregate Exposure

   • Description: Moderate grinding reveals more aggregate, with a mix of larger and smaller stones visible.

   • Appearance: A dynamic and textured look with a balanced distribution of aggregates.

   • Ideal For: Commercial and residential spaces seeking a more detailed and vibrant floor.

   • Note: Can add durability and hide wear better over time.

4. Full Aggregate Exposure

   • Description: Extensive grinding and polishing expose the maximum amount of aggregate within the concrete slab.

   • Appearance: Dramatic and visually striking, with bold patterns created by large aggregate stones.

   • Ideal For: High-traffic areas, luxury finishes, or spaces that want a standout design element.

   • Note: Requires a deeper grind and higher-quality concrete placement for optimal results.

• Each option offers unique aesthetics and benefits, making it essential to match the exposure level to your design goals, budget, and floor usage.

Aggregate Options For Polished Concrete

Gloss Options for Polished Concrete

1. Matte Finish (No Gloss) - 100 grit Finish

   • Description: A subtle, understated finish with minimal reflection, offering a soft, natural look.

   • Appearance: Smooth and muted, resembling the texture of honed stone or natural concrete.

   • Ideal For: Industrial spaces, contemporary designs, or areas where reduced glare is preferred.

   • Benefits: Hides dust and imperfections well, low maintenance, and slip-resistant.

2. Satin Finish (Low Sheen) - 200 Grit finish

   • Description: A moderate sheen that provides a balanced look with a slight reflective quality.

   • Appearance: A polished look with more vibrancy than matte but without the high reflectivity of a glossy finish.

   • Ideal For: Residential and commercial spaces looking for an elegant yet subtle shine.

   • Benefits: Aesthetic versatility, enhances color depth, and maintains durability.

3. Mid Gloss Finish (High Sheen) 800 grit finish

   • Description: A mirror-beautiful shiny like finish that increase light reflectivity and showcases the concrete’s detail.

   • Appearance: Bright and vibrant, with a polished, gloss -like surface that makes a gorgeous statement.

   • Ideal For: Showrooms, upscale commercial spaces, and modern interiors aiming for a luxurious look.

   Benefits: Enhances visual appeal, increases light diffusion, and is easy to clean.

4. High Gloss Finish (Highly Reflective Shine) 1500 grit finish

   • Description: A striking, mirror-like finish that maximizes light reflectivity and showcases the concrete’s detail.

   • Appearance: Bright and vibrant, with a polished, glass-like surface that makes a bold statement.

   • Ideal For: Showrooms, upscale commercial spaces, and modern interiors aiming for a luxurious look.

   • Benefits: Enhances visual appeal, increases light diffusion, and is easy to clean.

Each gloss level is customizable to meet the functional and aesthetic needs of your space, ensuring your polished concrete floors align perfectly with your design goals.

Gloss Options For Polished Concrete

What Is Concrete Densifier? How how does it help in the Polished Concrete Process?

A concrete densifier is a liquid chemical hardener applied to concrete surfaces to improve their durability, strength, and overall performance during and after the polishing process. The most common types of densifiers are made from sodium silicate, potassium silicate, lithium silicate, or other silicate-based compounds.

How a Concrete Densifier Works

1. Chemical Reaction with Concrete:

   • When applied to the concrete surface, the densifier penetrates the porous material and reacts with calcium hydroxide (free lime) present in the concrete.

   • This reaction forms calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), a gel-like compound that fills the pores and strengthens the concrete matrix.

2. Pore Filling:

   • The densifier fills microscopic pores and voids in the concrete, reducing porosity and increasing density.

3. Hardening:

   • The surface becomes harder, less prone to damage, and better prepared for polishing.

How a Concrete Densifier Helps the Polishing Process

1. Improves Surface Hardness:

   • Harder concrete is easier to grind and polish, as the polishing pads can achieve a better shine without wearing out prematurely.

2. Enhances Reflectivity:

   • Densifiers improve the surface’s ability to achieve a glossy, mirror-like finish by making the surface denser and smoother.

3. Dust-Proofing:

   • The chemical reaction reduces the release of dust from the surface, creating a cleaner and more durable finish.

4. Increases Durability:

   • A densified surface resists scratches, stains, and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

5. Extends Lifespan of the Floor:

   • By strengthening the surface, densifiers contribute to the long-term durability of polished concrete.

When to Apply a Concrete Densifier

• After Initial Grinding: Typically applied after the first few grinding passes (usually around 80-grit or 100-grit) to harden the surface before finer polishing.

• As Needed: In cases of softer concrete, densifiers may be applied multiple times during the polishing process.

  Types of Concrete Densifiers

• Sodium Silicate:

  • Cost-effective but may require more applications and longer cure times.

• Potassium Silicate:

  • Similar to sodium silicate but with faster penetration and slightly higher reactivity.

• Lithium Silicate:

  • Fast-reacting, penetrates deeper, and is less prone to surface blooming or whitening, making it ideal for high-performance polished concrete.

In summary, a concrete densifier is an essential component of the polishing process that strengthens and prepares the concrete surface for a smooth, durable, and visually appealing finish.

Monster Flex uses a wide range of concrete densifiers based on the contractor or architect specifications. We also apply different densifiers based on the current condition of the concrete. Due to our Certifications with various manufacturers, i.e Retroplate- our training allows us to apply virtually any type of densifier necessary for the application. If you have a project that requires a specific densifyer application or system, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you.

Before Densifier ( w/ small pin holes)

After Densifier (pin holes filled)

Polished Concrete Densifying Process

What Is polished concrete penetrating sealer? How does it help in the Polished Concrete Process?

A polished concrete penetrating sealer ( a.k.a "Guard") is a type of sealant designed to soak into the concrete surface rather than form a film on top. These sealers penetrate deep into the concrete pores, creating a protective barrier from within, while preserving the natural look and feel of the polished surface. They are often made from silicates, silanes, or siloxanes and are specifically engineered for polished concrete finishes.

What is a Polished Concrete Penetrating Sealer?

A polished concrete penetrating sealer ( a.k.a "Guard") is a type of sealant designed to soak into the concrete surface rather than form a film on top. These sealers penetrate deep into the concrete pores, creating a protective barrier from within, while preserving the natural look and feel of the polished surface. They are often made from silicates, silanes, or siloxanes and are specifically engineered for polished concrete finishes.

How Does a Penetrating Sealer Work?

1. Absorption into Concrete:

   • The sealer is applied to the surface and absorbed into the microscopic pores of the concrete.

2. Chemical Reaction:

   • Many penetrating sealers chemically react with the concrete, forming insoluble bonds within the pores and capillaries.

3. Barrier Formation:

   • This reaction creates a hydrophobic (water-repellent) or oleophobic (oil-repellent) barrier within the concrete, protecting it from moisture, stains, and other contaminants.

Benefits of Polished Concrete Penetrating Sealers

1. Preserves the Polished Look:

   • Unlike topical sealers, penetrating sealers don’t add a glossy or plastic-like finish, maintaining the natural, sophisticated appearance of polished concrete.

2. Improves Stain Resistance:

   • Protects the floor from spills, stains, and moisture intrusion without forming a visible layer.

3. Durability:

   • Resistant to peeling, flaking, or wear since it works below the surface.

4. Low Maintenance:

   • No need for frequent reapplication as long as the sealer has penetrated adequately during the initial application.

5. Eco-Friendly Options:

   • Many penetrating sealers are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), making them environmentally friendly.

Differences Between Polished Concrete Penetrating Sealers and Topical Sealers

• Application:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Absorbs into the concrete pores and forms a protective barrier from within.

  • Topical Sealer: Sits on the surface of the concrete, creating a film or coating.

• Appearance:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Maintains the natural look and texture of polished concrete.

  • Topical Sealer: Adds a visible sheen or gloss, altering the surface appearance.

• Durability:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Long-lasting; doesn't wear away since it's embedded in the concrete.

  • Topical Sealer: Wears off over time, especially in high-traffic areas, requiring reapplication.

• Slip Resistance:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Retains the natural grip of the concrete.

  • Topical Sealer: Can make the surface slippery, particularly when wet.

• Maintenance:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Low maintenance; no risk of peeling or flaking.

  • Topical Sealer: Requires periodic reapplication and can peel, flake, or scratch.

• Protection:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Protects against moisture, stains, and contaminants from within the concrete.

  • Topical Sealer: Provides surface-level protection but is vulnerable to scratches and damage.

• Compatibility with Polished Concrete:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Designed to work with polished concrete, enhancing durability without affecting its finish.

  • Topical Sealer: May diminish the polished appearance or create uneven gloss.

• Environmental Impact:

  • Penetrating Sealer: Often low-VOC and eco-friendly.

  • Topical Sealer: May contain more VOCs and require more frequent applications.

Why Choose a Penetrating Sealer for Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete relies on its smooth, reflective surface for its aesthetic appeal and durability. A topical sealer can detract from this by adding an artificial sheen and creating a maintenance burden. A penetrating sealer enhances the natural properties of polished concrete, providing long-term protection without compromising its polished beauty.

1500 Grit Polished Concrete with Burnt Sienna Dye

800 Grit Polished Concrete with Gray Dye

Polished Concrete Penetrating Sealer

Get in touch

• Expertise That Counts: With over 15 years of experience, Monster Flex delivers amazing polished concrete floors tailored to your needs.

• Customized Designs: From vibrant colors to unique aggregate exposure and gloss levels, we create personalized floors that match your vision.

• Durability You Can Trust: Our polished concrete floors are built to withstand heavy traffic, stains, and wear, ensuring long-lasting performance.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: We use advanced equipment and techniques for precision, efficiency, and superior results every time.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Committed to sustainability, we prioritize environmentally friendly materials and processes for a greener tomorrow.

Transform your Concrete Floor with Monster Flex

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