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A quality polished concrete floor invlolves more than just
creating a smooth shiny finish. If a concrete floor is
professionally polished it should have increased durablity
as well as beauty. In order to take a slab from a troweled
finish to a high sheen polished finish the concrete must be
ground with varying grits of diamond resin pads. This is
normally acheived with a a floor grinding machine know as a
planetary grinder. This is a grinder with multiple heads
spinning in different directions to aid the contractor in
controlling the machine and creating an even finish.
If a more decorative finish is desired the concrete can be
dyed as part of the grinding process. Decorative patterns
can also be cut into the surface to create tile effects.
Another popular and beautiful look is that of exposed
aggregate. If the concrete is ground more aggressively the
aggregate stone in the concrete can be exposed. This is a
look similar to terrazzo. One of the best features of any of
these decorative finishes is that they are not coatings.
Coatings have significant limitations and are prone to
failure.
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