Polished Concrete Floors: Do’s & Don’ts for Contractors

Polished Concrete Floors

Polished concrete might look simple—shiny floor, happy client, right? But behind that glassy finish is a highly technical process that rewards precision and punishes shortcuts.

Whether you’re polishing a warehouse, office lobby, or brewery floor, these do’s and don’ts will help you avoid callbacks, swirl marks, and underwhelming results.

DO: Start With the Right Grit Sequence for Polished Concrete Floors

Polishing is all about progression. Skipping grits or jumping too far ahead is a recipe for ghost scratches and dull spots.

Standard sequence:

1. 30/40 metal bond

2. 70/80 metal bond

3. 120 metal bond or transitional

4. 200 resin

5. 400 resin

6. 800 resin (optional)

7. 1500+ resin (for gloss)

🎯 Rule of thumb: Don’t jump more than 2 grit levels at a time.

DON’T: Skip the Densifier

Densifier isn’t optional—it’s what gives the floor its hardness and long-term clarity.

• Apply after your metal passes (usually before 200 resin)

• Use lithium or sodium silicate formulas depending on slab condition

• Let it fully soak and react before continuing to polish

🧪 No densifier = soft slab = worn-out shine in a few months.

DO: Match the Pad to the Job

Not all tooling is created equal. Use the right diamonds for the slab’s hardness and your desired finish.

• Hard slab? Use softer bond diamonds.

• Soft slab? Use harder bond to prevent glazing.

• Polishing decorative or integrally colored floors? Use non-marking resin pads to avoid tinting.

DON’T: Forget to Control Dust

Dust control is key—not just for safety, but for finish quality.

• Use a high-CFM vacuum and pre-separator

• Clean between every pass

• Replace filters regularly

• Keep slurry under control if doing wet polish stages

💡 Dust left on the slab = scratches that show up in the final gloss.

DO: Manage Edge Work Strategically

Nothing ruins a job like a beautiful main floor and jagged, dull edges. Be consistent:

• Use edge grinders with the same grit progression

• Feather into the main floor passes

• Don’t wait until the end—blend edges at every stage

📏 Clients will notice edge quality before they notice gloss depth.

DON’T: Overpromise Sheen Levels

Some slabs just won’t polish to a mirror. Factors that impact final gloss:

• Concrete age and mix design

• Aggregate density and exposure

• Application of densifier and burnishing speed

• Polishing equipment weight and pad quality

🔍 Set realistic expectations. Show clients polished samples or test sections first.

Bonus Pro Tips

• Burnish between steps if you want extra pop without climbing the grit ladder

• Avoid polishing near open doorways during windy or dusty conditions

• Always do a walk-around after 800 grit to touch up swirl or shadowing

Conclusion

Polished concrete may look effortless—but the truth is, great results come from tight technique, proper tooling, and disciplined workflow.

When done right, you’ll deliver floors that are beautiful, durable, and easier to maintain than almost any other finish out there.

At PNW ECS, we’ve got everything you need: from grinders and vacs to densifiers, pads, and pro-level advice.

📍 Fife & Sandy Locations

Stop in and we’ll help you dial in your grit sequence, find the right tooling for your machine, and avoid the most common polishing pitfalls.