Stains and dyes are by far the most popular applications for enhancing already existing polished concrete. Other options include scoring and/or creating radial lines, grids, bands and borders, and other designs.

If the decision is made to polish concrete in advance of the concrete being poured, there is a stunning array of available options:

• Colored aggregate can be applied to the concrete mix or seeded into the top layer of the mix. The polishing process will reveal these aggregate.
• Integrally colored concrete can be used.
• Glass can be seeded into the mix. The polishing process will reveal the glass pieces.
• Nails, bolts, computer chips, or any other objects can be seeded into the mix and then polished smooth.
• Of course, any of these options can be combined together or into a pattern.

Not Polished, but Still Awesome

Polishing concrete requires a series of polishing steps culminating with the use of 1800-3500 grit diamonds. Each step in the process increases the shine and reflectivity of the concrete. There are other options, which though they stop short of 1800-3500 grit diamonds, are still beautiful.

Two steps of grinding to expose the aggregate, then applying a topical sealer, might be called the exposed aggregate, sealed look. While still taking on a polished look, the polish is a result of a topical coating (still beautiful, but requiring more maintenance).

Polished Concrete, Inc. can produce a finish we call a simple polish where we stop between 220 and 400 grit diamonds. This simple polish finish has some surface shine, but it's still smooth and easy to clean.

Polished Concrete, Inc. will let our customers review the floor between the 400-800 and 1800 grit diamond level of shine if they are unsure about having a fully polished look (most clients do want the floor fully polished).

Clearly, there are many levels of floors that stop short of truly being polished concrete, but are beautiful in their own right.