How do I Polish Indoor Concrete Floors?
- 1). Remove high spots, indentations and blemishes from the floor using a rented heavy-duty concrete polishing machine fitted with the coarsest diamond-impregnated pads available. These pads consist of relatively large industrial diamond chips set in a metallic matrix. Change to progressively smother pads containing smaller diamond chips as you progress. Work in a one direction and then in the other until the floor is smooth enough for finish polishing. This is normally a three- to four-step process involving multiple passes in alternate directions.
- 2). Equip the polishing machine with resin-backed disks impregnated with diamond abrasives. Remove the swirl marks and deeper scratches from the floor by working in stages and in alternative directions. Use progressively finer diamond abrasives until discs of 1500-grit or higher are fitted. Use the fine-grit discs to lap the surface to the smoothest finish possible.
- 3). Use a rented concrete floor buffer for this operation. Spread commercial polishing compound onto the floor and work in small sections at a time. Work your way across the floor, moving the machine in a semi-circular, side-to-side motion to embed the polishing compound into the surface. Continue with overlapping passes until you attain an even high gloss finish over the entire floor. The finishing compound will seal the surface and make it resistant to scuffing and stains.
- 4). Consult a flooring contractor to select a neutral cleaner that places a dirt-resistant film onto the floor without buffing. Maintain your floor by sweeping and dusting daily. Use the cleaner and damp mop two or three times a week to remove surface dust and grit.