Polished Concrete

Burnished and polished are both types of finishes that result in a smooth surface with some glaze or shine. They are similar but have specific characteristics that make them distinct from each other and other finishes. With burnishing, a smoothed and hardened surface is produced. While polishing the surface results in a shiny finish, it would be dull without the burnishing process.

Burnishers heat, melt, and rub a topical coating or a wax-based product into the new surface. A densifier product may be used, as well. Burnishing is often done after pouring, and polishing is performed after curing.

It’s essential to do everything correctly from start to finish. The concrete slab should be poured perfectly. It must be clean and with the right finish before the burnishing process. Before burnishing, a power trowel may be used to achieve a sheen that’s almost the same as other types of concrete. This procedure is necessary to remove blemishes like footprints right before concrete sets.

After pouring and processing, a sealer will be applied to protect the new floor. This step is required to ensure the floor will not be vulnerable to spills, sawdust, and stains. No grinding is involved, so floor protection may be needed to protect the surface against damage.

If the burnished concrete is structurally sound, it can be polished just like any other concrete. There are a few exceptions, however. For instance, if you have a newly burnished floor, you may not want to polish it right away. It’s always a good idea to wait at least 28 days before you start polishing the surface. That ensures that the floor has cured adequately.

Polishing after placement is not a bad thing, but it’s important to make sure the concrete surface is smooth and has no flaws. Otherwise, the polishing process will be much more demanding and will take a longer time to finish.

Polished and burnished concrete can serve many generations. It comes with several years’ warranty and even a lifetime guarantee. If taken care of properly, the concrete floor can stay functional and in perfect condition for more than 100 years. Of course, it’s only possible if you follow the guidelines in maintaining the flooring, especially in sealing the concrete.

So, if you need a long-term flooring solution, pick burnished and polished concrete.

Everyone nowadays wants a waterproof flooring solution. Burnished and polished concrete will give you precisely what you’re looking for, provided that they are sealed properly. It is one reason why households love burnished, polished concrete, even for wet areas, such as bathrooms. These concrete options are known for their high resistance to liquid spills and moisture.

Make sure that the concreter that you have hired knows how important it is for you to ensure that the surface is waterproof. The sealing process guarantees that the concrete underneath will not come in contact with water.

Maintenance is absolutely low stress with polished and burnished concrete floors. However, it does not mean you should not clean the flooring on a daily basis. You will need a dust mop, and it’s highly recommended that you dry mop the surface every day. It helps remove dust and debris, which can cause any abrasions on the decorative concrete.

Every six months or whatever is advised by the contractor, you will need to reseal the polished surface. It ensures that the shiny floor maintains its sheen, strength, and other properties like water resistance. Read our concrete cleaning guide to learn more.

Commercial and retail spaces require hard-wearing flooring. They should also be nonslip and water-resistant with minimal maintenance needs. These qualities define burnished and polished concrete floors. Polishing concrete gives a protective and reflective flooring that can make the facility stand out from the crowd. It’s safe, too, which is a huge concern if there are people walking around every day. A wet surface is easy to clean – just wipe to remove the liquid spill. Daily cleaning is required, but you can simply use a dry mop or broom.

Aside from slip and water resistance, the surface does not leave a chemical residue. Still, the shine remains for several years.