The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete
Polished concrete is a process of progressive mechanical grinding, honing, densifying and polishing a concrete surface. This is done to achieve an aesthetically pleasing, highly durable, light-reflective finish.
In management or leadership training classes worldwide, you can learn about the five Ps for success: “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” I think these Ps can apply to polished concrete projects as well. There are several specific planning items that can be addressed that will help any polish project be successful.
Imagine a $75,000 Maserati Ghibli on display on a cracked, chipped, unevenly colored concrete floor. Having trouble with the visual? The same can be said for Audis and Mini Coopers. They’re much more at home on a pristine, polished floor.
While dyes have experienced an increase in market share in the colored concrete industry over the past few years, it’s not unreasonable to say they’ve enjoyed an unmitigated bull market within the polished concrete arena.
One message comes through loud and clear in any discussion, debate or disagreement about the various types of densifiers used in concrete polishing.
Almost all of them work, with one exception…
Based in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, this father-and-son-led company takes on elaborate polished concrete surfaces as a labor of love.
According to the news, retail brick-and-mortar facilities are declining at a rapid rate. While I agree 100 percent that internet sales are impacting sales at traditional stores, this market segment is still relevant. And when it comes to polished concrete at retail establishments, business is still booming.
When polishing concrete using resin- or metal-bonded diamond abrasives, how do you know that the diamonds under your machine are functioning effectively?
All concrete polishers are aware of the many subpar polished floors out there that are giving polished concrete a bad name. I get several calls each week asking how to fix a bad floor, so I am sure that you are dealing with this as well.
Arenas and stadiums are a market that is gaining momentum in polished concrete. Between high schools, colleges and professional sports teams, there are a lot of these venues around the country. As they come up for remodel, polished concrete is a great option for the flooring on concourses and even under seats.
Lately, polished concrete floor care with the use of nonwoven diamond floor-pad technology (instead of bonded abrasives) has been promoted at conventions, conferences, and in concrete polishing articles everywhere we turn. Just how important are these pads to our polishing industry?
