Commercial and residential properties can benefit from adding a top layer to their concrete floors. With so many coating options, deciding the right choice for your space may be complicated and overwhelming. While polished concrete and grind and seal look similar, they have numerous differences.
Both polished concrete and grind and seal can transform your room from dull and dirty to bright and welcoming. Both methods are long-lasting, and strong, and offer many advantages for many types of residential or commercial properties, including:
- Warehouses
- Retail space
- Homes
- Restaurants
- Breweries
- Art galleries
- Schools
Let’s discuss the different benefits, affordability, and durability of polished concrete and grind and seal floors.
Polished Concrete Flooring
Polished concrete flooring is more labor-intensive and requires more steps. It involves a floor grinder fitted with industrial diamonds that polish the surface of existing concrete to enhance its appearance. Abrasive diamonds grind and polish the concrete to achieve the desired shine with finer diamond abrasives.
Individuals can choose from four different levels of shine with polished concrete.
Levels of Shine
The first level is a soft, matte finish. If choosing level one, you can expect a slightly cloudy finish with little reflection.
The second level of polished concrete is a low-sheen finish. Because of its minimal shine and reflection, you can start to see a slight glimmer about 100 feet away.
The third level is a medium gloss finish. Polished concrete with a third-level coating has excellent reflective properties, visible from about 30 to 50 feet away. It is a popular flooring option for restaurants, retail stores, and breweries.
Level four coating is a high gloss finish. Polished concrete flooring with a level-four coating has the greatest shine and light reflectivity. Its shine levels are so high that level-four floors may look wet from certain angles.
Grind and Seal Concrete Flooring
Grind and seal concrete flooring is much less labor-intensive. Grinding and sealing concrete flooring involves a technician grinding the concrete to remove all impurities. A technician will patch the cracks and dents, then apply a sealer to achieve a shiny concrete surface and added durability.
Depending on the durability and finish you are looking for, a technician may have to grind the concrete multiple times to achieve the desired smoothness. The floor’s porosity and dirt level can also affect the labor and time involved.
If you opt to add color to your coating, it is essential to choose a concrete sealer that suits your flooring needs. For example, residential spaces typically require more than one coat of sealer because the concrete is softer and more porous.
Polished Concrete vs. Grind and Seal
Grinding and sealing is a much simpler process than concrete polishing because it does not require as much grinding, honing, and polishing. Because sealed concrete is less labor-intensive, it is more affordable. Its main drawback is that it does not last as long as polished concrete.
Besides labor and costs, polished concrete and grinding and sealing come with various advantages and disadvantages.
Appearance
Polished concrete and grind and seal flooring can have similar finishes, such as satin, gloss, or matte. Technicians consider both flooring systems stained concrete because you can add color to them. However, each option’s application process is much different, with polished concrete offering a more consistent finish.
Polished concrete also lasts longer and is more durable, especially in high-traffic areas.
Durability
Polished concrete and grind and seal are both highly resilient. However, polished concrete is the more substantial, longer-lasting option. Many property owners prefer to use polished concrete in places with a lot of traffic because it is scratch-resistant and requires little maintenance.
If you choose sealed concrete, you may need to have it resealed yearly if it’s in a high-traffic area.
Contact the Professionals at BadAss Garage Floors
If you are looking for dependable and professional concrete coatings in Atlanta, GA, call the team at BadAss Garage Floors. Our technicians have the knowledge and skills to do each coating job right the first time. For over ten years, our company has used the latest technology and the best materials to create stunning and functional concrete floors.
For more information on polished concrete vs. grind and seal, call our friendly team today. We can also tell you about our generous lifetime warranties and military discount.
BadAss Garage Floors is your reliable concrete coating company serving Atlanta, GA. Contact us today at (678) 713-4348 to learn more about our services and to get a free quote.
