Bristol Concrete Polishing
The floor you deserve

Cracks in polished concrete floors can often be repaired. Small hairline cracks may be filled with a polymer-modified cementitious patching compound specifically formulated for use on cured, hardened concrete. The compound is forced into the crack under pressure, then smoothed and allowed to cure per manufacturer instructions. Larger cracks can be routed out into a V-shape, cleaned thoroughly, and filled with a two-part epoxy designed for concrete repair. Once the epoxy has cured fully, the repair can be sanded or ground flush with the surrounding concrete surface. After cleaning up dust and debris, the repaired area can then be polished again, using progressively finer grit diamond pads, to blend and restore the desired sheen. Proper repair procedures must be followed to achieve seamless, long-lasting results.

Removing stains from polished concrete floors starts with identifying the type of stain. Oil and grease stains can often be eliminated using a concentrated alkaline cleaner or degreaser. For food and beverage stains, a mildly acidic cleaning solution is typically most effective. Rust and hard water stains respond well to oxalic or phosphoric acid treatments. Organic stains like mold and mildew require disinfecting cleaners as well as abrasion. Always follow recommended PPE and safe handling procedures when using concrete cleaners and acids. Check results and repeat as needed. Seek professional advice for persistent concrete stains. Proper identification, cleaning methods and neutralising rinses are key to safely removing stains without damaging polished concrete surfaces.

Polished concrete floors are often perceived as feeling cold or clammy underfoot. However, the cold sensation is not inherently due to the concrete itself, but rather the temperature of the slab and finishes. Bare polished concrete does conduct heat and cold readily. But applying appropriate floor finishes can increase warmth and comfort. Penetrating concrete seals and waxes add a protective coating while limiting heat transfer. Underfloor heating systems transform the thermal profile of a polished concrete floor. And area rugs add effective insulation in frequently occupied spaces. With proper floor prep and finishes, polished concrete can feel as warm and inviting underfoot as other flooring options. The slab temperature, rather than the concrete material, determines the perceived warmth of a polished concrete floor. Simple upgrades like infloor radiant heat or area rugs are effective ways to manage and elevate the thermal comfort of concrete floors.

Polished concrete floors are often mistakenly assumed to be excessively slippery. However, when properly finished, polished concrete offers surprisingly good traction and slip resistance. The key is applying the appropriate concrete coatings and sealers for the service environment. Densifiers, guards, and wax coatings work together to harden and protect the concrete surface while maintaining texture and friction. The multi-step polishing process uniformly exposes the concrete's natural variances and pores rather than creating an overly smooth finish. With responsible finishing and care, polished concrete provides suitable traction for regular foot and vehicular traffic without being dangerously slippery.

Polished concrete can be an excellent flooring choice for outdoor spaces when properly installed and maintained. Many of the stunning polished concrete floors seen indoors can also be realised outside with careful attention to the concrete mixing, finishing, sealing and polishing. Sufficient slopes for drainage are also important to avoid standing water that could undermine the slab. Hardening solutions densify the concrete optimally for resilience against the elements. Penetrating sealers also prove critical, both before and after polishing, to protect against UV rays, road salts, and deicing chemicals while preserving vapor transmission ability. Multi-step mechanical polishing with fine grit diamonds brings out the floor’s luster and texture. Regular maintenance and resealing preserves the polish. With proper techniques and care, polished concrete can realise its full decorative potential outdoors just as effectively as indoor applications.