What Grit Level Should I Use on my Concrete Floor?

How Does Grit Level Affect the Finish of a Concrete Floor?

The grit level used in concrete polishing determines how smooth and reflective the surface will be. Lower grits like 30 to 80 are rough and mainly used for grinding down the surface removing coatings or leveling out imperfections. These leave the concrete with a dull textured finish.

Moving up to medium grits like 100 to 400 starts refining the surface making it smoother while still keeping a bit of texture. A 400 grit finish gives a satin or low sheen look which is good for spaces that need a balance between smoothness and grip.

Higher grits like 800 and above bring out more shine. An 800 grit finish gives a soft reflective look while 1500 and 3000 grit produce a high gloss polished effect similar to a mirror. The higher the grit the more the concrete reflects light and the easier it is to clean.

What Grit Level is Best for a Matte, Satin, or Glossy Finish?

Does Higher Grit Mean a Stronger Floor?

No higher grit does not make the concrete itself stronger but it does make the surface more refined and easier to maintain. The strength of the floor comes from the concrete mix and how well it was poured and cured. Polishing with higher grits makes the surface denser and smoother but does not change the overall strength of the slab.

A properly densified floor that has been polished to a high grit level will resist stains and wear better than an unfinished slab because the surface is tighter and less porous. However, if the concrete was weak to begin with polishing will not fix that. The key to a strong polished floor is starting with good concrete using the right densifiers and then choosing the right grit level for the finish you want.

What is the Difference Between Metal Bond and Resin Bond Grits?

• ✔ Metal bond and resin bond grits are both used in concrete polishing but they serve different purposes.
• ✔ Metal bond grits are the first step in the process used for heavy grinding and removing coatings or rough spots.
• ✔ They have diamond particles embedded in a metal base which makes them tough and aggressive.
• ✔ These are used in the lower grit stages, usually between 30 and 150, to level the concrete and prepare it for finer polishing.
• ✔ Resin bond grits are used after metal bond grinding to refine the surface and bring out the shine.
• ✔ These have diamond particles held in a resin base which makes them smoother and more flexible.
• ✔ They start around 100 grit and go up to 3000 grit depending on how much gloss is wanted.
• ✔ Resin bond pads remove the scratches left by metal bond grinding and gradually polish the concrete to the desired finish.
• ✔ In short, metal bond grits are for cutting and shaping while resin bond grits are for polishing and refining.
• ✔ Both are needed to get a proper polished concrete floor.

How to Choose the Right Grit Level for Your Space

Choosing the right grit level for your space depends on how much shine you want and how the floor will be used. For areas that need more grip like garages or outdoor spaces a lower grit finish around 100 to 200 keeps some texture while still being smooth enough to clean easily.

For living spaces and commercial areas where a balance between durability and appearance is needed a satin finish around 400 to 800 grit works well. This gives a slight sheen without being overly reflective and is easy to maintain.

If a high gloss look is wanted such as in showrooms offices or modern homes going up to 1500 or 3000 grit creates a polished reflective surface. The higher the grit the shinier and smoother the floor becomes but also the more upkeep it may need to keep that finish looking fresh. The best grit level depends on the style of the space how much traffic it gets and how much maintenance you are willing to do.