Yes, you can polish concrete yourself with the right tools and knowledge. The process of polishing concrete involves grinding down the surface, applying an abrasive material to grind the surface down to reveal a smooth finish, then buffing the surface to a high shine.
To do this yourself, you will need to rent concrete grinding and polishing machines, as well as the necessary abrasive pads to grind and polish the concrete. You will also need to have some knowledge of concrete mixing and mixing ratios to achieve the right results.
Once you have the proper tools and knowledge, the process of polishing concrete is relatively simple and can be done in a few hours. It is important to wear protective eye-wear and a dust mask while working with concrete grinding and polishing machines, to protect against flying concrete and dust particles.
What tool do you use to polish concrete?
To polish concrete, you will need a few different tools. The primary tool for polishing concrete is a concrete grinder. This is a heavy-duty power tool with a rotating abrasive disc which is used to grind and smooth down rough concrete surfaces.
You will need different grits of diamond grinding discs to progressively smooth the concrete surface and bring out a high shine. During the polishing process, a concrete densifier is applied to the surface to help strengthen the concrete, reduce dusting, and protect the floor from wear and tear.
Additionally, an orbital sander may be used to smooth down and remove ridges, bumps, and other imperfections on the concrete surface. Finally, a burnishing pad with a high-speed flame is used to bring out a matte or glossy shine and create a smooth and attractive finish on the concrete.
Can you polish concrete with sandpaper?
Yes, it is possible to polish concrete with sandpaper, although it will take a bit more effort than using an electric grinder or polishing machine. Sandpaper is an abrasive material, and when used to rub against the concrete surface, it can produce a nice polished finish.
In general, you will want to start with a more coarse sandpaper and work your way up to a finer grit to achieve the polished look. Depending on the size and scope of the project, you can use hand-held sanding blocks or even a belt or disc sander.
You’ll want to be sure to use a dust mask and safety equipment when sanding concrete, and always keep the sandpaper damp to avoid breathing in excess dust. Once the polishing is complete, it is recommended to seal the concrete to protect it from staining or wear over time.
Do you need to seal concrete before polishing?
Yes, it is generally advisable to seal concrete before polishing. Sealing is an important step that helps protect the surface and ensures that the polishing process goes smoothly. Sealing can also help to reduce porosity and prevent moisture, dust, dirt, and other contaminants from penetrating the concrete’s surface.
The sealer should be selected to match the particular project, as there are many sealers available, with variations in types, performance characteristics, and strengths. Applying a sealer before polishing also helps to maintain the polished surface for longer, and can make for an easier process throughout the entire project, so it is usually a recommended step in any concrete polishing process.
Does sanding concrete make it smooth?
Yes, sanding concrete can make the surface smooth. It is common to use either a drum sander or rotary sander to achieve a smooth finish. The sandpaper will cut away the top layer of concrete and make the surface even.
Depending on the level of smoothness desired, you may want to start with a coarser grain of sandpaper and then move up to a finer grain. After the sanding is complete, you may want to also seal the concrete for a more polished look.
However, it is important to note that if the concrete is more than a few years old, sanding may not be a viable option as the surface may be too scaly for sanding to be effective.
Does polish concrete crack?
Yes, concrete in general is a porous material which means that it can and will crack over its lifetime. Concrete that has been polished is no exception to this; however, the chances of cracking can be significantly reduced by using a higher quality concrete and proper installation techniques.
Polished concrete should be covered with waterproof sealants, or membranes to seal the surface from moisture and other environmental hazards, as this will promote the concrete’s longevity. Additionally, the use of reinforcement such as steel fibers or polypropylene fibers helps to minimize cracking and will also reduce the occurrence and severity of cracking.
Furthermore, using a densifier prior to polishing can help to increase the concrete’s strength, making it markedly less likely to crack. If a crack occurs, it can be treated depending on the severity and extent of the damage.
Minor cracks can usually be successfully filled in, while more extreme cracks may require complete removal and replacement.
Can concrete be polished by hand?
Yes, concrete can be polished by hand. Depending on the finish you desire and the amount of work you are willing to put in, polishing concrete by hand can be done in three simple steps: removing the surface, grinding and polishing.
In the removing the surface step, you will use a concrete grinder to remove the top layer of the concrete and any patch or repair areas. In the grinding step, you’ll need to begin the process of grinding the surface of the concrete with a concrete grinder.
This will involve the use of various concrete grinding discs and diamond abrasives with different grits. Once the grinding process is completed you can move onto the polishing step which will involve the use of polishing pads and a concrete polishing machine.
Once the process is completed you will have a beautiful polished look to your concrete.
How do you make old concrete smooth and shiny?
To make old concrete smooth and shiny, you will need to use a specialized polishing tool that is designed for concrete surfaces. After the surface is prepped, use an industrial diamond impregnated grinding tool to smooth out any rough or uneven surfaces and help create a flat and even surface.
As the grinding progresses, transition to a finer grit stone and progressively add more diamonds to the grain. Use water to cool the surface and the tool and to help keep the concrete lubricated.
Once the desired level of smoothness and shine has been achieved, apply a specialized sealer to the surface. This will help protect the concrete surface and make the polished surface more resistant to staining and abrasion.
Finally, wax the polished surface to help it keep its shine and luster.
What can I use to grind concrete smoothly?
To grind concrete smoothly, you will need a floor grinder with a diamond grinding wheel or disc. You can also use a power drill with a diamond-tipped bit designed for grinding concrete. Make sure to wear safety gear such as eye and ear protection, gloves, and a face mask when you’re working with concrete dust.
It is important to know the correct technique for grinding concrete. Start by taking off the top layer of concrete with a shallower pass, then progress to a deeper pass for the final finish. Make sure the grinder has a constant speed and wet grind with a light to medium pressure, applying more pressure as required.
Work in a systematic grinding pattern across the floor, checking the surface periodically. Finally, sweep the surface clean and vacuum it thoroughly.