Polishing concrete floors is a popular choice for our commercial clients, not just because of how aesthetically pleasing they are, but also because of their durability. However, while a polished concrete floor is durable, it isn’t invincible. If not properly cared for, polished floors can get scratched and stained, but thankfully there are ways to repair them if that happens.
Polishing concrete is an art. When improperly installed, or done so with the wrong tools, it can result in unpleasant scratches. This is why it is crucial to hire professionals that have the experience and skills needed to deliver a flawless flooring.
Aside from the polishing process itself, if large pieces of debris get left behind on your floor and are then kicked, driven on, or rolled, a scratch could be made.
One of the best ways to try to remove a scratch on your polished floor is to use a diamond pad. Choosing the right kind is the important part. Always start with the least aggressive grit, and work your way up. Here are a few types of diamond pad grits to choose from:
800 grit pad - Use on small scratches or to prepare the surface for application of larger grits.
1,500 grit pad - This pad is designed specifically for preparing floors for a high polishing. This size pad can rid your floor of tiny scratches. Great for giving your floor a shiny finish.
3,000 grit pad - This grit is used to give your polished floor that beautiful, shiny look.
400 grit pad - For polished concrete floors that are severely damaged, this pad is ideal. For deep scratches and discoloration, grab a 400 grit pad and get to work.
One of the great things about concrete floor finishes is that they're low maintenance. Rather than spend extra time and money to repair scratches on stained concrete floors or polished floors, focus your attention on preventing stains and scratches by properly maintaining your floors, to begin with. Preventing stains and scratches is much easier and more cost-effective than repairing the damage. Here are a few simple ways to keep your floors looking great and lasting for the long haul:
Clean daily; wipe up spills to prevent etching and stains, sweep regularly, and remove large pieces of debris to prevent scratches.
Use a polish designed for polished concrete, polish after heavy traffic, or exposure to abrasive substances like sand.
Once a week, do a deep clean. Mop the floor with a mix of warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or any other acidic cleaners.
Installing polished concrete flooring is not an easy job, and when choosing a team to take on the project, you need the best of the best. Whether you’re an industrial facility, a retail store, or a commercial space, we know accidents happen. So, when scratches or stains do appear, we’ll be here, ready to help repair your flooring. If you’re in the Greater Philadelphia and Main Line area, Maryland, Delaware, and Northern Virginia, PAINTech is here to give you the best results you can find. Contact us today for your commercial flooring services estimate.