What’s the difference?
Between a grind and seal and a mechanically polished concrete floor? It’s a fair question and one we will answer in this post – as they each have unique features, benefits and costs. This information will help you make the right decision when it comes to choosing the right finish for your concrete flooring project.
What is mechanically polished concrete?
Mechanically polished concrete (MPC) is the process of taking everyday concrete and refining the surface into a smooth marble-like finish. Many consider this to be the ultimate concrete flooring in terms of style, luxury and durability.
The product we often use is the Husqvarna HIPERFLOOR® Premium, which is a decorative, high-gloss finish for exposed aggregate floors. Typically applications are used in retail showrooms, warehouses and areas where aesthetic properties including flatness and reflectivity of the floor are top priority. The result is a surface that shines and offers exceptional durability. The equipment we use for MPC includes diamond tooling, liquid grouting and sealing chemicals – which all produce an exceptional surface and a floor that will last many years.
Mechanically polished concrete: the process
The typical process for a full exposure of aggregate in a concrete floor is as follows:
- Grind floor to expose the right amount of stones using 30 grit metal bond diamond tooling
- Grind floor to remove large scratches using 60 grit metal bond diamond tooling
- Grout floor using liquid grout while removing scratches using 120 grit metal bond diamond tooling (this process fills in an estimated 95% of small pin holes and cracks)
- Harden the floor using Husqvarna potassium densifier
- Hone the floor using both 50 and 100 grit resin bond diamond tooling
- Harden the floor again using Husqvarna lithium densifier
- Polish the floor to a desired sheen as per options below:
- Mat Finish 200 – 400 grit resin bond polishing pads
- Mid gloss finish 400-800 Grit resin bond polishing pads
- High gloss finish, 800 – 3000 grit resin bond polishing pads
- Apply 1-2 coats of Husqvarna Hiperguard premium penetrating sealer
- Give the floor a final buff
Mechanically polished concrete: features and benefits
- Higher abrasion resistance
- Low maintenance
- Smooth and luxurious feel underfoot
- Easy to clean
- Extremely durable
- Suitable for commercial and residential properties
- Environmentally friendly low VOC system
What is grind and seal concrete?
Grind and seal concrete is the process of taking everyday concrete and turning it into a smooth sealed floor that will give an attractive yet economically priced floor option.
The process we use for grind and seal includes equipment and diamond tooling from Husqvarna and sealers from Epimax Technologies. The typical process for a full exposure of aggregates is as follows:
- Grind the floor to expose the right amount of stones using 30 grit metal bond diamond tooling
- Grind the floor to remove large scratches using 60 grit metal bond diamond tooling
- Patch minor holes and cracks using anchor patch filler
- Remove scratches using 120 grit metal bond diamond tooling or 50 grit transition pads
- Apply two coats of Epimax 999WB water base epoxy sealer
- Apply one coat of Epimax 777 water based Polyurethane sealer in either a matt or gloss finish
Grind and seal concrete: Features and benefits
- Being more cost effective than MPC
- Your choice of either a smooth or anti-slip finish
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to abrasions and scratches
- Extremely durable
- Can be used in homes, commercial and industrial facilities
- Environmentally friendly low VOC system
Mechanically polished concrete: cost
The typical price range per m2 for MPC is:
- Nil exposure of aggregates (surface polish): $55-$75 +Gst per m2
- Semi exposure of aggregates: $75-$105+Gst per m2
- Full exposure of aggregates: $90- $130+Gst per m2
*Please note these prices are only a guide as every job is different and needs to be individually quoted.
Grind and seal concrete: cost
The typical price range per m2 for a grind and seal concrete finish are:
- Nil exposure of aggregates (surface hone then seal): $35 – $55 +Gst per m2
- Semi exposure of aggregates: $50 – $70 +Gst per m2
- Full exposure of aggregates: $60 – $85 +Gst per m2
