Concrete is fast becoming a floor solution for a variety of different interiors.
Concrete is not the brutally raw flooring option that it used to be. Concrete polish finishes have instead led to a plethora of other options, both functionally and aesthetically, affecting durability, colour, and texture.
Functionally, polished concrete floors are desirable because they do not require maintenance (such as waxing) in contrast to wooden floors. After polishing, a finish can be added to the surface. Finished concrete floors do not develop a layer of dust, and are resistant to abrasion from foot traffic. They extend the life of the concrete.
Some terms should be defined in order to simplify the process of deciding between concrete polish finishes.
Acrylic sealers are thin and consequently wear at a faster rate than other finishes – however, they provide an attractive touch with an easy application process. Solvent based acrylic sealers have stronger odours on application but last longer than water-based acrylic sealers. Using an acrylic sealer requires re-application and so defeats one of the purposes of concrete surfaces (no required maintenance).
Epoxy finishes provide many superior qualities – for example, they are durable, abrasion resistant, and long-lasting. They can be tinted or transparent and are often used to impart a metallic sheen to concrete. Unfortunately, they yellow with UV exposure, unlike acrylic sealers (and for this reason are mostly used indoors.) 
Finally, polyethurane finishes are often applied on top of epoxy finishes, or simply straight to the concrete if no additional stylisation is required. They provide a thick, transparent, reflective, durable, scuff-resistant surface that truly ‘finishes’ the surface design.
There are some prerequisite conditions for concrete polish finishes to be applied. A minority of floors will not make the cut – for example, floors that are unusually porous, or that need patching. However, an inspection will quickly determine whether or not a floor is suitable. Hardeners or densifyers may need to be applied, and a floor can then be polished with diamond-embedded machines. The finishing process can then begin, and this is where concrete can cover its dull grey with colour and luminosity.
For your next polished concrete floor service, contact us at EcoGrind today.