The basic process for polished stained concrete has three aspects to it.

          1) Diamond polishing the surface, starting with large grit diamonds in a metal matrix and ending with very fine diamonds in a resin based matrix.

          2) Staining the floor with one or more applications of a chemically reactive stain.

          3) Densifying the surface with a chemical hardener. Unlike traditional stained concrete that requires a clear finish to protect the surface. Polished concrete, if hardened properly, will never need a topical coating.

      There are two basic methods on the market. The first method calls for partially grinding the concrete, applying the stain, applying the densifier, and then re-grinding the floor to achieve a polished look. There are some logical drawbacks to system one. First of all, stain and chemical densifiers are not cheap. So grinding them off the floor seems like a waste of time and money. Secondly, if you grind on a stained floor you tend to lose the mottling effect of the stain. Thirdly, chemical densifiers do not penetrate deeply into the concrete and take time (days, or weeks) to harden the surface. Removing even the smallest amount of concrete in the re-grinding process takes away a good amount of the densifier. The end result is a floor that will probably lose its stain and require a re-polish in the near future.

       The second system calls for fully polishing the concrete, staining, and applying the densifier at the end of the whole process. The advantage of this system is all the effects of the stain are retained. The densifier is left in the floor to actually do what it was intended for, hardening the near wear surface.

     We have tried many different products and systems; to date the second method has by far been the best. It does however; require a great deal of patience and experience. It also requires specially formulated stains that will not etch the finished floor. A polished stained floor is not a DIY project. It is also important to find certified experienced applicators for the densifier. Hardening the floor is not difficult but if not done properly it will result in ugly white stains that will not go away for a long time.

     At Concrete Visions we continually educate ourselves on the products and systems available for your surfaces. It is our desire to provide the absolute best for our valued customers. Should you have any questions please go to the contact page and we will do our best to answer them.