Concrete Coatings

Polished concrete is a specialized type of flooring created by mechanically grinding, honing, and polishing a concrete surface to achieve a smooth, reflective, and highly durable finish. The process often involves multiple steps, starting with coarse grinding to remove imperfections, followed by finer grinding to achieve the desired level of smoothness. A chemical densifier is applied to the concrete during the process, which reacts with the concrete to harden and seal the surface.

Unlike regular concrete, which is usually left unfinished or covered with other materials like carpet, tile, or epoxy, polished concrete becomes a finished floor on its own. Its glossy or matte appearance gives it a more refined and decorative look. Additionally, polished concrete is easier to maintain and has a longer lifespan compared to coatings or other floor coverings. This makes it popular in commercial, industrial, and residential settings where aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness are priorities.

Polished concrete is often perceived as slippery because of its smooth and shiny appearance, but in reality, it is not inherently more slippery than other types of hard flooring. The slip resistance of polished concrete largely depends on its finish and the environment in which it is used. For instance, a high-gloss finish might appear slick, but its surface still offers sufficient grip under normal conditions.

To address specific concerns, anti-slip additives or surface treatments can be applied to polished concrete during or after the polishing process. For areas prone to water exposure, such as bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces, these treatments can significantly improve traction. Additionally, the texture of the concrete can be adjusted during the grinding process to make the surface more slip-resistant.

In commercial or industrial environments where safety is a concern, polished concrete often exceeds safety standards when combined with these treatments. Regular cleaning and maintenance also help ensure the floor remains safe, as accumulated dust or liquids can increase the risk of slipping. 

Polished concrete is one of the most durable flooring options available. Its strength comes from the natural properties of concrete combined with the densification and polishing process. The densifier used during polishing fills the pores of the concrete, making it harder and more resistant to wear and tear. This enhanced durability allows polished concrete to withstand heavy foot traffic, heavy equipment, and impacts without cracking or chipping easily.

In commercial and industrial settings, polished concrete can handle the weight of forklifts, machinery, and heavy loads, making it ideal for warehouses, factories, and retail stores. In residential settings, polished concrete is resistant to scratches and stains, making it perfect for kitchens, living areas, and garages. Its durability also makes it a long-term investment, as it can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Furthermore, polished concrete is resistant to moisture and chemicals when sealed correctly. This makes it less prone to damage from spills, making it a practical choice for both interior and exterior spaces. Periodic cleaning and occasional re-polishing (in high-traffic areas) can keep the floor looking like new for many years.

The cost of polished concrete varies depending on several factors, including the condition of the existing concrete, the size of the area, the desired level of polish, and any additional customization. On average, the cost ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot.

• Basic Finish: For a simple, smooth finish with minimal grinding and polishing, the cost is usually at the lower end, around $3 to $5 per square foot. This is ideal for industrial settings or areas where aesthetics are not the primary concern.
• Mid-Range Finish: A more refined finish, including light staining or moderate polishing, can cost between $5 and $8 per square foot. This is common in residential and commercial applications where aesthetics and functionality are both important.
• High-End Finish: For a premium polished concrete floor with intricate designs, custom stains, or decorative patterns, costs can go up to $12 or more per square foot. High-gloss finishes with extensive grinding and polishing fall into this category.

The condition of the existing concrete can also affect the price. If the concrete requires significant repair or preparation, such as filling cracks, leveling, or removing existing flooring, the overall cost will be higher. Despite the upfront expense, polished concrete is cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and low maintenance requirements.

Polished concrete floors are known for being low-maintenance, but they still require proper care to preserve their shine and longevity. Regular maintenance includes sweeping or vacuuming to remove dust and dirt, which can act as abrasives and dull the surface over time. For deeper cleaning, damp mopping with a neutral pH cleaner is recommended, as harsh or acidic chemicals can damage the polished surface.

To maintain the floor’s gloss, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or harsh scrub brushes. Instead, use microfiber mops or soft bristle brooms. Spills should be cleaned promptly to prevent stains, although polished concrete is highly resistant to staining compared to untreated concrete or other flooring types.

In high-traffic areas, occasional re-polishing or burnishing may be needed to restore the floor’s shine. This process involves using a special polishing pad and a burnishing machine to buff the surface back to its original state. While this isn’t required frequently, it helps extend the life of the polished finish.

For businesses or industrial settings, implementing a routine maintenance plan with professional cleaners can ensure the floor remains in top condition. With proper care, polished concrete floors can last decades while retaining their aesthetic appeal.

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage.  We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame.  Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses.  We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains. 

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges.  It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

They sure can!  We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool.  Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat. 

You can!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours!  However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at ESR Decorative Concrete Experts is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

It is!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties.  If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent.  Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating