A new piece of concrete takes a lot of time and effort. To make it look its best, smooth and shiny is the way to go. Lots of clients ask us how to make concrete smooth and shiny – so let’s take a closer look at what that requires.
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First Things First – Achieve a Smooth and Level Concrete Surface
Before you can make a concrete floor shiny, it must first be smooth. And regardless of what your desired final look may be – a smooth surface makes all the difference.
To get the best quality surface to work with, you must level, float, and trowel the surface before it cures. Only when you’ve got a smooth surface and it has fully cured can you move on to the polishing methods necessary to achieve the glass-like sheen.
Make Sure the Concrete Floor is Level
If the concrete floor is sloped, self leveling cement can be applied to make the surface even. Ardex or other similar self leveling cementitous mixes can be applied and poured on to the surface and then ground afterwords just like regular concrete to get a smooth shine.
Polishing for a Glass-Like Shine
After the concrete is completely cured and dry, it’s time to get the finish exactly how you want it. Most of the time, getting the shine just right isn’t the result of a sealer. It’s the sealer, along with a quality polish.
When it comes to polishing finished concrete, generally there are two options: mechanical or chemical.
If you want to get the shinest surface with the least amount of effort, opt for mechanical polishing.
Diamond polishing is one of the most common methods used to get a shiny glass-like surface. It uses industrial diamonds to smooth, grind, and ultimately polish the surface.
The grit you use determines the level of sheen you’ll get on your floors. The finer the abrasive grit, the better. The higher grit you use the finer the finish will be. Common choices are 800, 1,500, and 3,000.
Want Smooth and Shiny Concrete in Florida Without DIY?
DIY concrete finishing is not possible. The machinery required and level of expertise to hone the concrete the right way takes years to learn and hundreds of thousands of dollars in machine costs. Remember, the finish affects both the texture and durability of your concrete. Polished concrete is our specialty and we’re happy to help you with your next flooring project.
If you’re located anywhere within the state of Florida, let the team at Paradigm Concrete help you achieve the smooth and shiny appearance you’ve been looking for. Get in touch for your free consultation and design evaluation today.
