Mechanical Polishing vs.Topical Polishing

2019-01-15

Polished concrete is a process that takes abrasives (diamonds) and mechanically places scratches in the concrete. This scratching process continues, using a finer grit abrasives to remove and replace the scratches with a smaller and smaller micro scratches.

Mechanical polishing includes the process of grinding, buffing and polishing which will improve the surface conditions of a concrete for decorative or functional purposes.

The result of mechanical polishing is to achieve a reflection in the floor by refine the floor and take away the small scratches. Please note that not to grinding too quickly during the process of grinding. Because grinding quickly can leave an uneven surface, making further polishing extremely difficult. When the concrete floor at its maximum refinement, the scratches become smaller and smaller until they don’t appear visible to the naked eye.  

The mechanical method is not completely free of chemical help. It is also used with a chemical that helps densify the floor to its maximum hardness. A densifying chemical only makes mechanical grinding easier and more effective.

Mechanical polishing is considered to be the maximum refinement method and is the best long-term solution of polished concrete.

Topical polishing is relatively the same as the mechanically polished floor, but the course of action is shorter and it leaves the floor at less than maximum refinement. The big difference is that grinding ends much earlier and at a much more coarse grit level. Most of the time the topically processed progression ends at 200 or 400 grit step.  

At this stage, a chemical sealer is added into the large scratches and gaps in the surface of the concrete. As the sealer settles and dries, it gives the appearance of a full process slab and creates a glossy finish.

However, the concrete floor becomes worn with ages. When surface breakage occurs, the gloss is compromised and allows dirt or moisture to seep in. At this time, the floor has to be recoated with a sealer, which results in build coats along edges and a distortion in shine, due to the different levels and angles of reflection. 

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