WHAT IS POLISHED CONCRETE?
Polished concrete is a multi-step process where a concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed and polished with bonded abrasives in order to cut a concrete floor's surface. It is then refined with each cut in order to achieve a specified level of appearance.
This process also includes the use of a penetrating chemical known as a densifier/hardener. The concrete densifier/hardener penetrates into the concrete and creates a chemical reaction to help harden and dust-proof the surface.
During concrete polishing, the surface is processed through a series of steps utilizing progressively finer grits, similar to sanding wood. Through that process the concrete itself transforms from a rough uneven surface to a level highly polished surface.
WHY POLISHED CONCRETE?
Beautiful Results
A transformation from old and damaged concrete to a shiny and colorful work of art.
CUSTOMIZABLE
Available in wide variety of colors and designs.
Longer life-cycle
Maintains shine and luster for many years.
Cost Savings
In some cases, less expensive then traditional flooring.
Moisture Resistant
Allows the floor to breathe while resisting stains
Easy to clean
Resist dust, dirt and allergens. Cleans easy with a microfiber wand, and no grout lines.
OUR DESIGN PROCESS
Through years of experience, research & development, TCCP has developed a "STEP 1-5" method to provide our customers with a " care free" design process. This design process eliminate all the guess work and headaches that come with contracting, and provides a means to a "seamless" and enjoyable encounter. For more information on our design process, please contact us and one of our knowledgeable experts can explain the process in detail.
STEP 1- POLISHED CONCRETE OPTIONS
MECHANICAL POLISH
A full Mechanical polish begins with 30-70 grit metal bond diamond abrasive, which cuts the "cream" off the top of the concrete. This method exposes the aggregate and provides a "salt & pepper" to "heavy aggregate" finish. Our full mechanical polish also includes a high solids concrete hardener/densifier, then finished with a concrete guard which helps resistant stains. This finish is typical with any floor that has existing coatings, and requires heavy grinding. Please refer to the aggregate and shine chart to decide if this option is right for you.
CREAM POLISH
A cream polished concrete floor begins with 100-200 grit resin bond diamond abrasive, which exposes little to NO aggregate. We only concentrate polishing the top layer of the concrete which is refered to as the "cream". This option is only available on new concrete, or concrete slabs that do not have existing coatings or flooring. Please refer to our aggregate exposure and gloss charts to determine if this option is right for you.
STEP 2- AGGREGATE
AGGREGATE SIZE
The class grade indicates the density, size, and distribution of the aggregates (elements within the concrete that give it a dimensional, textured look) at the surface. Each class is customized within an indicated range to meet your design style. The chart on the right indicates the vary degree of manipulation for each class.
SELECT YOUR CLASS GRADE
STEP 3- GLOSS OPTIONS
SELECT YOUR GLOSS LEVEL
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4
GLOSS LEVEL
When selecting to polish your concrete, determining the level of gloss for your project is critical to the overall design aesthetic. At tccp, we have 4 levels of gloss to consider, each with their own unique benefits.
STEP 4- CONCRETE STAIN OPTIONS
SELECT YOUR COLOR
TCCP offers 24 different color options that can be applied to give your polished concrete floor a vibrant and unique look. We also offer several different "signature" color combinations that we have created that our customers love.
STEP 5- POLISHED CONCRETE SEALER OPTIONS
SELECT YOUR SEALER
Once the concrete staining and polishing process is complete, the concrete must be sealed. The type of sealer is determined by the clients needs. Here is a description of our 2 most proven sealers which offer the most amount of gloss and protection.
GUARD
Guard is a semi topical polished concrete sealer that is applied to a finished concrete floor. We apply guard as a standard sealer to all of our polished concrete floors
IMPREGNATING
Impregnating sealer is polished concrete sealer that soaks in to the concrete and seals the concrete from the inside out. This sealer can be chosen as an upgrade, and adds greater protection against stains and tire marks.
EXPLANATION OF HARDENER/DENSIFIER
A concrete densifier is a liquid chemical spread evenly across the floor that penetrates the top surface layer of concrete. Its purpose is to fill the porous holes formed from water evaporation during the curing process, similar to how water fills the pores of a sponge.
A densifier works by penetrating into the surface of the concrete and fusing the inert compounds and sand particles into a crystalline bond. By bonding these loose and weak materials more tightly together, the surface density and abrasion resistance of the concrete surface is greatly increased.
Chemical densifiers may need to be applied more often depending on the hardness or porosity of the concrete. This is typical of Florida soft concrete.
POLISHED CONCRETE EXAMPLES
CREAM POLISH
MECHANICAL POLISH
PROUD MEMBERS OF
PREVIOUS CLIENTS
As industry leaders and professionals in our trade, we are often recognized and sought after to participate in projects that require a specific skill set. Here are some of our clients who have benefited from our knowledge and expertise in polished concrete, and epoxy coatings.
