A grind and seal is exactly what the name implies – the slab is ground back, normally between 200-400 grit level) and then a topical concrete coating is applied. This finish is less labour intensive than a mechanical polish, and therefore cheaper and can be used effectively where a rustic, warehouse type look is required. The overall finish is very dependent on the age, quality and pour of the original slab.
Polished Concrete is a completely different process, and the slab must be poured by an experienced concreter, to specific strength and specification. Polished concrete is concrete that has been hardened with a chemical densifier and ground with progressively finer diamond tools. It is best to make your decision and do your research prior to your slab being poured to ensure you are making an informed decision. The level of aggregate that you would like to expose will determine how much grinding needs to be done and will also change the M2 price. You can also choose the level of gloss, it matt, satin or high gloss.
Providing your tiles are sound, we can install most of our products on top and can and do, create finishes over timber which is quite unique in our industry.
A burnished floor is not a polished concrete floor. A burnished floor is one that is cleaned and then sealed and often the finished result is not up to expectation. It does not have the benefits of a polished concrete floor or the durability. A specific process is required for a burnished finish and if this is the finish that you want, you should discuss with your builder and ensure that your slab will be poured with this in mind. We are often, called to install one of our finishes over a ‘burnished floor’ that didn’t work. A burnished finish can be successfully achieved, and a large portion of the cost comes from the slab contractor as a significant portion of the work is done by them.
Depending on the quality of the slab and the look and feel you want, we can either install a decorative coating over the top of your slab or we can enhance the existing character with a grind and seal.
Generally your floor can be repaired, however it is important to note that the overall seamless affect may not be completely seamless and the repair may show. It really depends on the finish, and the repair required.
No! Our finishes involve multiple processes to achieve the end result. Many of our finishes are hand troweled, some are self levelling. Depending on the total M2 and the complexity of the job, we can take 1-2 days in preparation, and depending on the finish, 2-3 days in applying the various layers to achieve the end result.
There are many variables in concrete finishes including the actual slab colour, helicopter and screed marks, stains and marks from trades, and as many of our finishes are hand troweled, your floor will be unique. Many variables affect the colour, and the amount of light in your room can play a big part in colour variation.
A. It does depend on which finish you select, and the ambient weather conditions. Usually, you can walk, in socks, on your floor the next day, with light traffic and move furniture in after 3 days. Our care guide provides further information.
This depends on the size of the floor, the finish selected, complexity of the install, and our ability to install the floor to our required conditions. On average, (based on 100M2) the finishes take between 3-5 days.
So as we can minimize other trades stomping all over your lovely new floor, we typically come in at the last stage of your project, before the skirts have been installed and any cabinetry. The timing differs if you are having a mechanical polish. Each project is unique and this timing can vary.
Typically, your slab should have been installed 30 days before we come in and that is because a slab will normally do most of its cracking/movement within that time.
Yes, we can install our finishes over slab heating. You need to inform your builder and heating installer that you intend having one of our finishes.
We do travel interstate for jobs, and obviously, as we have travel expenses, the job must meet be a minimum size for us to achieve economies of scale. Please call us to discuss.
We do travel, regularly, throughout Victoria on projects and obviously, as there are usually additional travel expenses, the job must meet be a minimum size for us to achieve economies of scale. Please call us to discuss.
There are a couple of products that we suggest, and this information will be provided as part of the process.
There can be issues involved with installing our finishes in shower bases, and we therefore prefer not to install in these areas.
We have some general tips for care and maintenance on our website and a Care & Maintenance Guide is provided to our customers at the completion and handover of each project.
We can pour your slab for you and we regularly work with contractors that are experienced and knowledgeable on the requirements for a slab that is going to be polished.
Unlike applying paint, epoxy overlays need to penetrate and bond mechanically to concrete in order for them to adhere properly.
Often, concrete for a garage is not finished to provide a smooth and even surface. This finishing process reduces the porosity of the concrete. As a result, the thick and viscous nature of coatings cannot penetrate and soak into the surface very well.
Grinding to create a mechanical bond, exposes the pores in concrete so that the epoxy coating can penetrate the surface in order to get the best bond. It also creates a rougher surface for the coating to adhere to. If your concrete is not ground properly, it is often the reason why floor coatings fail and peel, or delaminate.
