Can a Painted Concrete Floor Be Polished?

Definition

• Polishing floors is the process of grinding them down with a heavy-duty floor polisher. Similar to sanding wood floors, this technique uses progressively finer sanding materials until the floor achieves a smooth glossiness.

Painted Floors

• Before painted floors can be polished, older chipping paint must be removed and the floors must be cleaned thoroughly to remove dust and grime. Patch any holes and ensure that the floor is level. The condition of the cement is the determining factor in choosing to polish or not. Paint can be removed, but a severely damaged floor is probably not a good candidate for polishing.

Maintenance

• Once a floor is polished, it requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning with a damp mop. The contractor may apply a sealant to the cement and recommend that you re-apply it annually. If you choose to leave the floor painted, seal it yearly with a cement sealer to prevent stains, moisture and wear.

Alternatives

• When people talk about polishing concrete floors, they are usually talking about the process of sanding a floor down. However, you can also add shine to a painted concrete floor by applying a polish for hard surfaces. These polishes are usually urethane or acrylic-based and add a shiny, hard coating. Read package labels to ensure the product is safe for concrete and apply it to an inconspicuous area first.