Concrete Finishing Methods for a Polished Look

Honing

• Honing is a method of polishing concrete that involves the use of multiple grade grinding grits. Honing uses a commercial grade concrete grinder beginning with a course grit. The grit pads are subsequently changed to a finer grain multiple times until the concrete begins to shine. This method may used for regular concrete, but it more appropriate for blended aggregates. This is one of the most durable methods for polishing concrete.

Troweling

• A simpler method of concrete polishing involves the use of a power trowel. Hand troweling allows you to smooth the concrete immediately after pouring. With power troweling, not only will the concrete be smooth, but with continued use the concrete becomes shiny. Power trowels come in ride-on or push-behind models. When using a model that requires you to push from behind, the motor moves the circulating blades on the concrete. The user moves the trowel back and forth across the floor. With a ride-on model, the power trowel is driven back and forth across the floor. The process may be time-consuming. After the initial troweling, several passes may be necessary to remove marks and lines left by the edge of the trowel.

Burnished

• A burnished finish leaves concrete with a very smooth, shiny appearance. This method involves multiple passes with a power trowel followed by buffing and polishing. Repeated troweling of the concrete creates a smooth, shiny surface. Once this is achieved, a concrete polisher is used to heighten the shine. Liquid wax or resin is added to the floor and buffed.

Diamond Grinding

• A less common method of concrete polishing involves the use of diamond grinding pads. Used on a concrete grinder, the strong grit of the diamond dust pad removes several layers of the concrete and produces a polished, shiny appearance. With this type of grinding, concrete with a high level of aggregates is desirable.