WALTER SCARBOROUGH CSI CCS CCCA SCIP AIA D+D Specifiers Series Sponsored by Polished Concrete
What is Polished Concrete
Polished concrete… …is not terrazzo
Result of processing a concrete floor surface with bonded abrasives until the desired class of aggregate exposure and the desired level of glossy finish are achieved Bonded Abrasive Polished Concrete Defined
Permanence Low maintenance Reflective surface reduces need for lighting Dusting and particulate debris elimination Benefits
Abrasion resistance Stain resistance Slip resistance Cost-effective lifecycle Benefits
Art and Science of Polishing Concrete
Skill of polishing contractor to “read” concrete and “listen” to equipment Experienced to deliver finish that meets desired design intent Art
Specifications Concrete quality Polishing equipment Chemicals Quality of surface finish Science
Polishing Process
Multi-step sequence of grinding, honing, and polishing a concrete floor slab with weighted grinding and polishing machines with rotating abrasives using various grits Polishing process
Various stages of grinding, honing, and polishing
Initial Grinding
Coarse abrasives used to establish aggregate exposure class Initial Grinding