Polished and Decorative Concrete
What Polished Concrete Is
Polished concrete is not simply concrete with shine. A properly developed polished concrete system is a mechanical refinement process designed to strengthen, densify and enhance the concrete surface itself through controlled grinding, densification and polishing procedures. Unlike topical coatings that sit above the slab, polished concrete becomes part of the concrete structure. The process mechanically refines the substrate using industrial diamond tooling while increasing surface density, abrasion resistance and long-term durability through chemical densification technologies.
How Epoxy Boss Approaches It
At Epoxy Boss, polished concrete begins with substrate evaluation, concrete analysis and surface preparation long before polishing stages begin. Every slab behaves differently depending on aggregate composition, curing history, moisture movement, previous contamination, structural wear and environmental exposure. The final appearance and performance of polished concrete are directly influenced by the condition of the existing substrate beneath the surface. Proper preparation remains critical to polished concrete performance. Surface defects, coatings, adhesives, structural cracking, uneven sections and contamination may require correction before polishing can begin.
Finishes we offer
- Concrete polishing: multi-step diamond grinding and honing with a densifier, to the level of sheen and aggregate exposure selected.
- Salt and pepper and satin finishes: light aggregate exposure and lower sheen for a more natural look.
- Grind and seal and industrial grind and seal: a ground slab protected with a penetrating or topical sealer, often for warehouses and back-of-house areas.
- Concrete staining: colour added to ground or polished concrete.
Common questions
Can any slab be polished?
Not always. Very soft, heavily patched or badly cracked slabs, or slabs with thin toppings, may not polish evenly. The slab is assessed before a polished finish is recommended.
Is polished concrete slippery?
Polished concrete is usually not more slippery than other hard floors when clean and dry. Spills and dust reduce traction, so cleaning and the level of polish are chosen for the use of the space.
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