The process begins with thorough surface preparation to remove any existing coatings, adhesives, or contaminants from the concrete surface. This may involve shot blasting, grinding, or chemical stripping to ensure a clean and uniform substrate for polishing.
Once the surface is prepared, coarse grinding is performed using diamond-impregnated grinding discs or tools. This step removes surface irregularities, imperfections, and blemishes while also leveling the concrete slab. Successive passes with finer grits of diamond abrasives gradually refine the surface and achieve the desired level of smoothness.
After the initial grinding stage, honing is carried out to further refine the surface and enhance its appearance. Honing involves using progressively finer grits of diamond abrasives to achieve a smoother texture and uniformity in the concrete surface. This step helps to remove any remaining scratches or marks from the grinding process.
The final step in the process is polishing, which involves using progressively finer grits of diamond abrasives to achieve a high-gloss finish on the concrete surface. Polishing enhances the natural beauty of the concrete while also increasing its resistance to stains, wear, and abrasion. Depending on the desired level of sheen, the polishing process may include multiple polishing steps, typically ranging from 400 to 3000 grit.