Industrial concrete polishing can seem daunting at first glance, but the proper tools and knowledge can lessen the intimidation factor considerably.

Check out the five steps below to get a sense of what it takes to successfully complete a typical concrete polishing job.

First: Removing the Topmost Layer

Many concrete floors will feature a top layer of epoxy, or adhesive resin, that can be removed by attaching two directional-specific discs to a dual-head floor grinder. Discs made of synthetic polycrystalline diamond, or PCD, will remove the epoxy quickly, but will most likely leave significant scratches.

Second: Massaging the Scratches Away

Beveled Edge Discs will help to remove some of the initial scratches left by the PCD discs. It is advisable to begin with a disc that has a fairly soft bond and approximately 40 Grit. For each row or section of concrete that is polished, make two passes across the concrete in different directions. In the course of each pass, begin by walking very slowly in a straight line behind the floor grinder while constantly releasing water from it.

Third: Retracing Your Steps

At the end of each pass, begin walking backward to the starting point of the pass while waffling the floor grinder--that is, turning it slowly leftwards at a 30 degree angle, and then to the right at the same angle, all while maintaining a backwards direction. Begin the next pass by overlapping about half of the previous one. Repeat this process with another pair of Beveled Edge Discs of similar bond strength, but 80 Grit. During this pass, remove any excess water or slurry as necessary.

Fourth: Using Resin Pads

Resin pads attach to driver shoes on the bottom of a floor grinder. The first resin pads used should be approximately 30 Grit. Repeat the pattern of passes previously completed with the Beveled Edge Discs, again ensuring that any scratches are completely removed. Then repeat the process with 50 Grit, 100 Grit, and 200 Grit, consecutively. During each of these stages, water should be consistently released from the floor grinder.

Fifth: Clean-up and Final Inspection

Clean the floor and continue to inspect for scratches. Blend the edges of the floor with a polishing pad on a side-angled grinder, and then make a final series of passes using the floor grinder with 400 Grit resin pads, but without any water. Clean the floor a final time and make sure no scratches remain.