What is Mechanically polished concrete ?
Mechanically polished concrete (MPC) is a type of concrete finish that involves a multi-step process to grind, hone, and polish the concrete surface to achieve a highly reflective and smooth finish. This method enhances both the aesthetic appeal and durability of the concrete floor. Here are the key aspects of mechanically polished concrete:
Process
Surface Preparation:
Initial Grinding: The surface is ground using coarse diamond abrasives to remove any existing coatings, adhesives, or surface imperfections.
Repair: Cracks and holes are filled and repaired to create a uniform surface.
Honing:
Intermediate Grinding: The surface is further smoothed using finer diamond abrasives. This stage removes the scratches left by the initial grinding.
Densifying: A concrete densifier is applied, which reacts with the concrete to fill pores and increase surface hardness.
Polishing:
Fine Grinding: The surface is polished with progressively finer diamond abrasives, resulting in a smooth, reflective finish.
Polishing to Desired Gloss: The process continues until the desired level of gloss is achieved, ranging from a matte finish to a high-gloss mirror-like shine.
Sealing (optional):
Although the densifier significantly hardens the surface, an additional sealant can be applied for extra protection against stains and spills.
Features
High Gloss Finish: The final product is a highly reflective, glossy surface that enhances the visual appeal of the space.
Smooth Texture: The surface is exceptionally smooth to the touch.
Enhanced Durability: The densifier increases the concrete’s hardness and resistance to wear and tear.
Low Maintenance: The polished surface is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only periodic cleaning to retain its shine.
Benefits
Aesthetic Appeal: Provides a sleek, modern look suitable for a variety of settings.
Longevity: The hardened surface is highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic and machinery.
Cost-Effective: Though the initial cost may be higher, the long lifespan and low maintenance requirements make it cost-effective over time.
Eco-Friendly: Utilizes existing concrete floors, reducing the need for additional materials.
Improved Lighting: The reflective surface enhances ambient lighting, potentially reducing energy costs.
Applications
Residential: Ideal for kitchens, living rooms, basements, and garages.
Commercial: Common in retail stores, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings.
Industrial: Suitable for warehouses, manufacturing plants, and other industrial settings due to its durability.
Public Spaces: Used in schools, hospitals, airports, and other high-traffic public areas.
Mechanically polished concrete is a premium flooring option that involves grinding, honing, and polishing concrete to achieve a highly reflective and smooth finish. It offers exceptional durability, low maintenance, and a sleek aesthetic, making it suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and public applications.
Inorganic Creations Grouting System
Inorganic Creations' Grouting System provides a superior solution to the common problems of traditional methods, which often require multiple applications, leave unfilled pinholes and voids, and cause cement staining. Our system ensures every hole is perfectly filled, with no missed spots or discoloration, delivering a flawless and precise finish. Unlike other systems that demand extensive clean-up, ours is designed to be completely mess-free from start to finish, staying true to our motto: "Leave No Mess Behind."
LIFETIME WARRANTY
We guarantee our coating are so strong they will not delaminate (peel off) or discolor over time.
HOW WE WORK
Onsite Visit
First up, we swing by to check out your space. It's all about getting the full picture so we can nail the quote.
Receive Quote
Within a day, you'll get the quote from us. It's detailed, clear, and fair—no surprises here.
Accept Quote
If it looks good to you, just give us the nod (aka sign the agreement), and we're all set to roll.
Commencement
This is where we gear up—getting materials, scheduling, all that prep stuff. We keep you in the loop, always.
Construction
And we're off! Our team gets down to business, keeping things tidy and on track. You'll hear from us with updates, so you're never out of the loop.
Completion
The big reveal! We do a final walkthrough together, making sure everything's spot on. Then, it's time to celebrate—your new space is ready to rock!
Our journey start from completion
Our goal is to provide a seamless, transparent, and hassle-free experience from start to finish, ensuring your project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
And performance over time.
FAQs
What is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is a type of flooring created by grinding and polishing the surface of concrete to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. It’s both modern and highly durable, making it suitable for residential and commercial spaces.
What are the benefits of polished concrete?
Key benefits of polished concrete include:
Durability: Extremely hard-wearing and resistant to heavy foot traffic and everyday wear.
Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, keeping its shine for a long time.
Eco-friendly: Uses the existing concrete slab, reducing the need for additional materials.
Aesthetic Appeal: Smooth surface with high reflectivity, perfect for modern or industrial designs.
How is polished concrete different from other flooring options?
Unlike traditional flooring that requires additional materials like tiles or carpets, polished concrete enhances the existing concrete floor. It's more durable and easier to maintain than wood or carpet, and more visually appealing than standard concrete.
Is polished concrete prone to cracking?
Like any concrete, polished concrete can crack under certain environmental conditions. However, proper installation and joint treatments can help minimize cracking, and it typically doesn’t affect the functionality of the floor.
What levels of gloss can polished concrete have?
Polished concrete can be customized to different levels of gloss, from matte to high gloss. A lower gloss finish provides a more natural, subtle look, while high gloss offers a mirror-like, highly reflective surface.
Where is polished concrete commonly used?
Polished concrete is widely used in both commercial and residential settings, including malls, offices, showrooms, garages, as well as kitchens and living rooms. It’s particularly suited for high-traffic areas due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Is polished concrete slippery?
Although polished concrete has a smooth surface, it isn’t necessarily slippery. With proper treatment, it can maintain a slip-resistant finish, especially in wet areas by applying anti-slip coatings or controlling the gloss level.
Is polished concrete expensive to maintain?
Polished concrete is very low-maintenance, requiring just regular sweeping and damp mopping. Compared to other flooring materials like carpets or wood, it has lower maintenance costs and is resistant to scratches and stains.
How long does it take to install polished concrete?
The installation time depends on the size and complexity of the project. For commercial projects, it might take a few days to a week, while smaller residential projects can often be completed in just a few days.
Can polished concrete be applied to existing concrete floors?
Yes, polished concrete is ideal for refurbishing existing concrete floors, giving them a new lease on life. However, the current floor needs to be assessed to ensure it’s suitable for polishing.