Concrete floors are a popular choice for home and workplace because of their durability, strength, and low maintenance requirements. Polished concrete is ideal for high-traffic areas since it can withstand foot traffic without cracking or breaking. However, decorative techniques can be used to give this versatile material additional flair and style. In this article we'll discuss some of the ways you can enhance polished concrete floors with decorative techniques including staining, engraving and embedding aggregate shapes such as stone chips or marbles into the surface.
1. Staining
You could choose to add a stain to your polished concrete floor. It's a great way to enhance the look of a space and make your space unique. The stain is added to the concrete surface during the process and prior to the actual "polishing" stage, and is therefore permanent. There's also the option to create patterns or designs on the surface with the stain as well, which may complement other elements of such as walkways, furniture, or lighting.
2 . Polishing Gloss Levels
Polished concrete floors can be polished to different gloss levels, which is basically densifying the surface tighter and tighter which reflects light more and more until you get the mirror look you may have seen. The gloss level depends on the amount of time spent polishing and is measured in a unit called the gloss meter reading, but this device is rarely used in actual practice. A higher gloss level will create a more reflective floor, while a lower gloss level leaves more texture intact but still gives you some shine. See C*Rock Finishing webpage on Concrete Polishing about the different types of finishes which ultimately provides higher and higher gloss levels.
3. Engraving
Engraving is a great way to personalize polished concrete floors. It can be used to create logos and other designs, or simply as a decorative element in your flooring. Engraving is done by using a diamond-tipped engraver, which is guided across the surface of the concrete while it's still wet. This creates grooves that are typically between 1/8" and 1/4", depending on the depth of your first polish pass (the deeper you go with your first polish pass, the more ability you'll have to engrave).
Engraving doesn't need to be done before installation if you're using a thin-set mix for installation purposes; however, if you are going for an extra-polished look as well as adding some textural interest through engraving, then we recommend doing this process directly on top of your existing polished surface. This allows for better quality results!
4. Embedding decorative aggregates
Embedding is a great way to add more unique elements to the flooring. Ideally the aggregates are incorporated into the concrete prior to curing, but it's also possible to place them throughout after the concrete has cured as well, just not as much of course. Aggregates like colored stones, glass, and mirrors, all add really cool visual effects to the surface which gives more of a terrazzo look and similar.
5. Densifying and hardening
Densifying and hardening is the process of adding polymer to concrete surface, usually after opening up the concrete through grinding. This process helps to protect the surface of your polished concrete floor from scratches and scuffs.
Conclusion
Polished concrete floors are a beautiful and durable way to add character to your home. They are easy to maintain and can be decorated in several ways. Please contact us at C*Rock Finishing to find the best designs to meet your needs today!
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