Refreshing your Concrete Floor

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Take care of the basics first

To make your concrete floor look like new again, start by giving it a thorough cleaning. Sweep up any debris and use a concrete cleaner or a mixture of mild detergent and water to scrub away dirt and stains. For tougher stains, you might need a more potent cleaner or a degreaser. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water and let it dry completely.

Once the floor is clean, inspect it for any cracks or chips. Use a concrete patching compound to fill in these imperfections, smoothing them out to ensure a level surface. After the repairs are done and the compound has cured, consider grinding or sanding the floor to remove any surface imperfections and to create a smooth base for any additional treatments.

Refresh your concrete floor with a dye

Applying a concrete stain or dye is an excellent option, concrete stains and dyes penetrate the surface of the concrete, infusing it with rich, long lasting colour that can dramatically enhance its appearance. Concrete stains are available in two main types: acid based and water based. Acid based stains react with the minerals in the concrete to create unique, variegated colour effects that mimic natural stone. They are known for their durability and longevity, but the colour options are typically limited to earth tones. Water based stains, on the other hand, offer a broader range of colours and are easier to apply. They do not react chemically with the concrete but rather penetrate the surface to impart colour.

Concrete dyes provide even more vibrant colour options and are available in both solvent based and water based formulations. Dyes are typically used for interior applications as they can fade under UV exposure unless protected by a high quality sealer.

A concrete floor which has been dyed with acid.
A concrete floor which has been dyed with acid.

Get your concrete floor polished to give it the ultimate renewal

Polishing concrete involves using specialised machines equipped with diamond embedded grinding discs. The process starts with a coarse grit disc to grind down the surface and remove any imperfections or old coatings. This initial grinding phase helps to level the floor and expose a fresh layer of concrete. After the initial grind, progressively finer grits are used to smooth the surface further. Each pass with a finer grit disc refines the floor, gradually transforming it into a smoother, more polished surface.

As the grinding process continues, the floor starts to take on a natural shine. At this stage, a densifier is often applied to the concrete. The densifier reacts with the concrete to fill in any pores, making the surface harder and more durable. This step is needed for making sure that the polished floor can withstand heavy traffic and wear.

After the densifier has been applied and allowed to cure, the final polishing stages begin. Using very fine grit discs, the surface is polished to achieve the desired level of shine. This can range from a low sheen matte finish to a high gloss mirror like surface, depending on your preference. The polishing process enhances the natural beauty of the concrete, highlighting any unique patterns and textures.

An old concrete floor which has been polished to give it a new lease on life.
An old concrete floor which has been polished to give it a new lease on life.

Seal the finished concrete floor to top it off

There are several options available, each offering different benefits. Penetrating sealers, such as silanes, siloxanes, and siliconates, penetrate deep into the concrete, providing long lasting protection from within. They are particularly effective for exterior surfaces as they help to repel water and resist freeze thaw damage.

Film forming sealers, such as acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes, create a protective layer on the surface of the concrete. These sealers enhance the color and add a glossy or matte finish, making the floor look fresh and new. They are ideal for interior surfaces, offering excellent protection against stains and spills.

For enhanced durability and aesthetics you should consider applying a concrete coating. Coatings like epoxy or polyurethane, offer better resistance to busy areas, chemicals, and abrasion. They come in various colors and finishes, allowing you to customise the look of your floor. Epoxy coatings, in particular, are known for their durability and ability to create a seamless, high gloss finish that is easy to clean and maintain.

Get in touch for more information on concrete flooring

Our team of experts is ready to transform your floors with precision and craftsmanship. Don't settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional. Contact us now by emailing us at info@britishconcretepolishing.co.uk or by filling in the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.