After you’ve polished a concrete floor up to 800, 1500, or even 3000 grit, burnishing can add the final boost. Done with a high-speed burnisher and the right pad, it tightens the surface, increases clarity, and enhances any sealer or guard you've applied. But it’s not just about running a machine — burnishing must be done with the right heat, timing, and technique to get that crisp, glassy reflection.
Burnishing is the final stage — not a replacement for polishing. Complete your polishing sequence (e.g. up to 800 or 1500 grit) and make sure the surface is clean, dry, and defect-free. If you’re using a guard product, it should be fully dry or cured before burnishing to avoid smearing or streaking.
A high-speed burnisher (1,500–3,000 RPM) is required to generate the friction and heat needed to tighten the surface. Propane or electric models are both suitable, depending on site access. Low-speed floor machines won't produce the same results. Check your equipment is balanced and clean before use.
White or natural hog’s hair pads are the most common for burnishing. Some contractors also use thermal pads designed for use with guard products. Avoid aggressive pads — you’re not cutting the surface, just polishing it. Make sure pads are clean, flat, and not worn down from previous jobs.
Burnishing is always done dry. Work in manageable areas using smooth, overlapping passes. Don’t stop or hover in one place — this generates too much heat and can scorch the slab or guard. Keep the burnisher moving at a steady pace and overlap each row by 30–50% to ensure uniform shine.
After a pass, inspect the surface in raking light. You should see a noticeable lift in clarity and reflectivity. If you still see haze or dull zones, re-burnish that section. Burnishing should produce a clean, glass-like reflection without streaking or residue. If it doesn’t — check your pad and adjust speed or pressure.
Use a hand-held burnisher or edge machine with a compatible pad to match perimeter zones, corners, or under shelving. Feather 150mm into the main field and blend the finish. Skipping the edges or using an unmatched gloss level makes the burnish look incomplete.
In some cases, high heat may soften or partially remove the guard layer. If this happens, lightly reapply and re-burnish. Use minimal product — too much can cloud the gloss. Guard products should always be burnished into the slab, not left as a surface film.
Burnished floors stay glossy longer when maintained properly. Clean using pH-neutral cleaners and microfiber pads. Avoid acidic chemicals, which dull the finish. On commercial floors, consider monthly light burnish passes to refresh high-traffic areas without needing a full re-polish.
If you'd rather skip the stress and get a flawless concrete floor polished by professionals, we’ve got you covered. From precision prep to polished perfection — we handle it all.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote on polished concrete flooring:
Or fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you with honest advice and a competitive quote.