Before you start your concrete grinding and polishing project, it’s important to choose the right discs. Discs are usually designated by numbers, with lower numbers being coarser and higher ones being finer. You will need to grind your concrete using several different discs, gradually progressing from coarse to fine. It may take several hours to grind a large concrete surface. Begin with 40-grit discs and proceed to 80-grit, then move on to 150-grit, then 200-grit, and so on until you get to 400-grit, which will leave a polished glass finish.
Wet grinding
There are several benefits of wet grinding and polishing concrete. Compared to dry grinding, wet grinding will eliminate unsightly scratches and leave the floor with a dull shine. The process will also reduce airborne dust, minimizing the need for respirators, vacuums, and dust collectors. Moreover, it will protect users from harmful dust particles made up of silicon. In addition, wet concrete grinding is more environmentally friendly, as it originated in areas where water supply is abundant.
Wet grinding and polishing concrete requires proper surface preparation and knowledge of materials. Before beginning this project, it is important to know what type of concrete you have. Some concrete is soft, while others are hard. You should be aware that different types of concrete require different equipment to achieve the desired finish. You can select a machine that features gear-operated heads, or a belt-driven machine. Depending on the material, you can also choose from rubber grommets, and the equipment that works best for you.
Densifier
When applying a densifier, the surface must be clean and free of contaminants. It should be thoroughly rinsed with a VOC-compliant cleaner and completely dried. To achieve the most uniform application, the densifier should be applied to the entire slab and must be thoroughly saturated before being burnished. Applying a densifier can be achieved by spraying, grooming, or squeegeeing the surface. Densifiers may need to be applied to the refusal of the concrete, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When applied to a concrete slab, a densifier can reduce dusting, improve gloss readings, and extend the life of the floor. Densifiers are soluble in water, and as they evaporate, they thicken. Then, adding more water allows them to return to solution and react with the concrete. Avoid using a densifier that you pick up at the store, as you will be under-densifying the concrete.
Dust control
A quality dust collection system is important to keep your jobsite safe and clean. The purpose of the dust-collection system is to prevent dangerous silica dust. A high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter should be used to collect the dust generated by concrete grinding and polishing. A dust-free site will not only be cleaner, but also safer for your employees and customers. It will also help you meet OSHA standards and minimize clean-up time.
Exposure to silica-rich concrete dust can be detrimental to your health. Overexposure to this dust can cause silicosis and other life-threatening conditions. While concrete grinding and polishing can produce dangerous levels of dust, there are ways to reduce your exposure to it. By using dust collection vacuums and dust-free power tools, you will be able to prevent exposure and minimize the risk of silicosis.
Cost
A small contractor specializes in highly decorative projects. This type of work typically requires a high degree of skill. In addition, high-end projects make great photos that are used by architects and manufacturers. If you are unsure of the cost of concrete grinding and polishing, it’s best to get several quotes from different contractors. Listed below are the major factors that affect cost. To find out how much your concrete grinding and polishing project will cost, read on.
Depending on the amount of surface to be polished, you can expect the cost to increase considerably. A standard concrete polishing job requires between two and three days to complete. The cost of polishing and grinding can depend on a variety of factors, including your location. You can expect to pay as much as $1,500 if you choose the dry process, while a wet grinding job requires no vacuum machine. However, be aware that dry concrete grinding requires careful planning and can be demanding.