What is a Mechanical Polish and How Does it Differ from Grind and Seal?

Mechanical Polishing A mechanically polished concrete floor is an extremely durable and luxurious finish. Unlike other concrete finishes, mechanical polishing is a complex, multi-step process that involves grinding down the concrete and polishing it to achieve the desired look, whether it be a matt, satin, or full gloss finish. This process does not involve applying a topical coating over the surface. Instead, heavy-duty concrete polishers use different grits during polishing to make the concrete itself shine. The Polishing Process Concrete is not considered polished before achieving a 400-grit finish. Typically, it is finished to either 800, 1500, or 3000 grit. The polishing process involves between 15 and 17+ separate steps, ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting finish. Grind and Seal In contrast, a grind and seal finish involves grinding the concrete to a certain level and then applying a topical coating over the surface. This coating can be made of various materials, such as epoxy, polyurethane, or acrylic, and provides a protective layer that sits on top of the concrete. A grind and seal is quite a basic finish, and due to the thousands of micropores that appear after the grinding process, the topical sealer will find its way into these pores and, like grout, trap dirt, which is very difficult to clean. We generally don’t recommend a grind and seal for residential homes for this reason. Key Differences - Durability: Mechanical polishing creates a more durable surface as it is the concrete itself that is polished and strengthened. - Finish: Mechanical polishing achieves a natural shine from the concrete, whereas grind and seal relies on a topical coating to provide sheen. - Maintenance: Mechanically polished floors generally require less maintenance as there is no topical layer that can wear down over time. In contrast, a grind and seal, due to the basic nature of the process, can get dirty easily and be difficult to clean. - Steps Involved: Mechanical polishing is a more intensive process involving multiple steps and different grit levels to achieve the desired finish.

Polished Concrete aka 'Mechanical Polish'

Polished Concrete aka 'Mechanical Polish'
Decorative Overlay 'Polished Pewter'

Are you after an aggregate or stone look for your floor finishes? If so, polished concrete is the way to go. For something more seamless and consistent, a decorative overlay might be your ideal choice.

Discover more about these options below.

Polished Concrete aka 'Mechanical Polish'

Exposes and Enhances the Natural Concrete - The process involves grinding, honing, and polishing the actual concrete slab to reveal the embedded stones (aggregate) for a unique, high-end finish.
Long-Lasting & Low Maintenance – With no topical coatings, a mechanically polished floor is highly resistant to wear and does not require resealing.
Customisable Gloss Levels – Available in matte, satin, or high-gloss finishes depending on your preference.
Best for New Slabs or Well-Poured Existing Concrete – As the concrete itself is polished, the quality and composition of the slab play a major role in the final aesthetic. It's important to plan ahead with a supplier like Vic Mix Concrete to select the desired finish before pouring your slab.
Builders and Concrete Pourers - Be sure to select a builder and concrete pourer who understands the difference between polished concrete and grind and seal.

Decorative Overlays

Completely Customisable Look – Applied over an existing substrate, overlays can mimic polished concrete, natural stone, or other bespoke finishes.
Suitable for Imperfect or Tiled Substrates – Ideal for covering older concrete, where a mechanical polish is not an option.
Handcrafted & Unique – Each finish is hand-applied using trowelling and layering techniques, ensuring a one-of-a-kind result.
Available in a Variety of Colours & Textures – Decorative overlays allow for greater creative flexibility to match your desired aesthetic.

Thinking of a Grind and Seal? We don’t recommend this finish for residential projects. Our grind and seal Urban Warehouse finish is ideal for industrial spaces, offering a rustic look that’s best suited for warehouses. For a more polished, residential-friendly option, explore our decorative overlays.

Did you know?

Hey there, concrete flooring enthusiasts! Ever stopped to wonder how we ended up with the sleek and shiny marvel that is ‘polished concrete’? keep reading, for a quick trip through time and discover the surprising twists and turns in the history of this versatile flooring option!

Concrete’s Ancient Beginnings Believe it or not, concrete has been gracing our world since 6500 B.C. Archaeologists have found evidence of concrete floors in Syria that…

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Hey there, concrete flooring enthusiasts! Ever stopped to wonder how we ended up with the sleek and shiny marvel that is ‘polished concrete’? keep reading, for a quick trip through time and discover the surprising twists and turns in the history of this versatile flooring option!

Concrete’s Ancient Beginnings Believe it or not, concrete has been gracing our world since 6500 B.C. Archaeologists have found evidence of concrete floors in Syria that date back to the dawn of civilization. Fast forward to the Roman Republic era, and the Romans were already mixing up a concoction of lime, sand, volcanic ash, milk, and even animal fat to create a cementitious substance as hard as the modern-day unreinforced cement concrete we know and love.

The Game-Changing Invention – the real game-changer came in 1824. An English bricklayer named Joseph Aspdin revolutionized the concrete world by inventing Portland cement. By finely grinding chalk, mixing it with clay, and burning it in a limekiln, he created the strongest form of cement in history. Thanks to this innovation, concrete production soared, and its applications expanded to bridges, streets, rural roads, and even high-rise buildings, thanks to Thomas Edison’s advancements in rotary kiln technology.

The Birth of Decorative Polished Concrete While ancient concrete floors were often covered with hardwood or paint for aesthetic appeal, the 1950s saw a decorative revolution. Contractors began stamping patterns into concrete, transforming it from a utilitarian material into a design feature. Imagine wood-grain textures and intricate patterns created with latex and plastic stamps!

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting: In the 1990s, a happy accident in Tunisia led to the discovery of polished concrete. Workers accidentally polished a concrete floor dry, unveiling a stunning finish that took the world by storm. This serendipitous discovery marked the beginning of a new era for polished concrete, with techniques evolving and improving every year since.

The Future is Bright (and Shiny!) Fast forward to the 2000s, and polished concrete floors have become works of art, with new techniques and materials constantly being developed to create floors of unimaginable beauty. In recent years, the industry has introduced various cementitious materials that can emulate the look of polished concrete, offering durable and seamless flooring solutions as alternatives to traditional concrete.

So, the next time you walk on a polished concrete floor, remember the quirky and fascinating journey that brought this versatile material into our homes, businesses, and hearts!

Mechanical polish vs Grind and seal

Key Differences: Polished Concrete vs. Decorative Overlay

Durability: Polished Concrete creates an exceptionally durable surface as it involves grinding, honing, and polishing the actual concrete slab. In contrast, a Decorative Overlay is a high-quality cementitious coating applied over an existing surface, making it strong but not as inherently robust as a mechanically polished slab.

Finish: Polished Concrete enhances the natural beauty of concrete and exposes the embedded aggregate (stones) for a premium look, available in matte, satin, or high-gloss finishes. A Decorative Overlay provides a fully customisable aesthetic, replicating polished concrete, natural stone, or other textures with hand-applied layering techniques.

Substrate Requirements: Polished Concrete requires a well-poured, structurally sound concrete slab to achieve the best results. A Decorative Overlay, however, can be applied over various existing substrates, including concrete, tiles, and timber with AC sheeting, making it an excellent option for renovations.

Maintenance: Polished Concrete floors require minimal maintenance, as there is no topical coating that can wear away over time. In contrast, Decorative Overlays may need occasional resealing, depending on the level of foot traffic and the environment.

Making the Right Choice

If you’re deciding between polished concrete and a decorative overlay, it’s important to assess your project’s requirements.

If you want a natural concrete look, long-term durability, and the ability to expose the aggregate in your slab, polished concrete is the ideal choice. However, this finish requires pre-planning before pouring the concrete to ensure the best outcome.
If your existing substrate is not suitable for polishing, or you prefer a fully customisable, hand-crafted finish in a wider range of colours and textures, a decorative overlay is a great solution.

Comprehensive Concrete Solutions

At Urban Concrete Floors, we offer a full spectrum of decorative and polished concrete flooring finishes. Whether you’re after a high-end, durable polished concrete or a unique, seamless decorative overlay, our team can guide you through the process and help you achieve the perfect finish for your space.

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