Concrete Grinding and Sealing in Denver

Concrete grinding and sealing are not the same as polished floors.

Denver, Colorado Springs and the Front Range

Concrete grinding and sealing advantages

Concrete grinding and sealing are not the same as polished floors. It is a prepared concrete slab that is coated with 2-3 very thin mil layers of epoxy and/or urethane coatings. Depending on how the floor will be used, the level of grinding and the level of finish can be adjusted. With the use of acrylic, water-based epoxies, water-based urethanes and/or high traffic urethanes, concrete grinding and sealing applications can be customized to fit very specific situations.

Usually costs less than polishing
Faster turnaround
Clear or solid color finish
Gloss, semi-gloss, satin or matte
Takes dyes and stains
Works on distressed and soft slabs

Grind and seal concrete floor uses

Where it fits and finish options

Concrete grinding and sealing is typically used on floors in some of the exact same environments as polishing, but is usually a little more cost friendly and can decrease job turnaround times. Grind and seal concrete floors are frequently used with concrete dyes and stains for a decorative look. They can also be finished with a natural concrete finish in every level of sheen: gloss, semi-gloss, satin and matte. The level of sheen can really alter the final appearance. Reflection from different types of lighting or light fixtures, natural light from windows and especially low mood lighting should be considered when choosing a grind and seal finish.

Distressed and problem slabs

Preparing “problem” slabs of concrete for a grind and seal application can take a little extra diligence. Floors that have received carpet, have had the carpet removed and then received tile, then have had the tile removed to receive industrial carpet tiles, only to have that removed for VCT installation can have a lot of damage, stains, and repairs over the course of many years. These are considered distressed concrete floors.

Concrete grinding and sealing these “problem” floors is a great alternative on highly distressed concrete floors that may be difficult to polish. This has become a very popular way to create a floor finish with a rustic and decorative appearance, establish durability and keep flooring costs down. These distressed floors will show tile patterns, glues and adhesive patterns, a variation of patch and repair colors, old wall scars and every bit of damage and abuse that the concrete has endured over many years. It’s a very popular look for a very friendly cost.

Soft and lightweight concrete

“Soft” and lightweight concrete can also be difficult to polish, but the ability to provide a concrete grinding and sealing option can get your customer a very similar look to polishing, with very similar durability and might even provide some cost savings. Elevated poured in place concrete, or old and damaged concrete can become soft and “dusty.” These are words that no one wants to be told about their high traffic area concrete. Once initial prep and patching is completed on soft concrete, most grind and seal concrete floors will receive a coat of water-based epoxy. These epoxies can be applied at many different spread rates. Soft concrete can receive very generous amounts of water-based sealer. This sealer will penetrate into soft concrete, stabilize the concrete and prevent further dusting.

Using water-based epoxy primers, water-based urethane top coats or even high traffic urethane (HTU) top coats make grind and seal concrete floors possible. Breathable, ultra durable and highly compatible thin mil coatings will keep costs down and aesthetics high.

Clear coat or solid color finish

These concrete coatings can be installed as a clear coat for a natural concrete finish or can be installed using pigments to provide a solid color finish. Concrete grinding and sealing a floor may solve the problem of expense or time. These floors also provide an original appearance, nothing that can be replicated on any other slab of concrete. The best way to describe a grind and seal concrete floor is simple, durable, and affordable with many options.