Glossy concrete is an objectively gorgeous flooring look. Timeless, sophisticated, and easy to maintain, it's just a spectacular thing to behold. You might have your heart set on this look yet be unsure about what flooring option you should select to achieve this glorious surface. You might have heard of grind and seal concrete and grind and shine concrete, also known as polished concrete. These two concrete treatments are the major methods used to achieve glossed concrete. But what's the difference between the two? Which is more affordable? How long do they each last?
Keep reading for more information about the difference between grind and seal and grind and shine.
Policrete supplies a wide range of concrete floor grinding services using advanced tools and decades of experience. Discover how we can help with your concrete grind and seal.
What's the difference?
Grind and seal concrete and grind and shine concrete result in looks that are so similar it can be hard to tell the difference. Both are shiny, with that famously lovely glossy quality. Both are in vogue, beloved by interior designers and devotees of the beautiful. However, there are significant differences between the two concrete types that may affect the option you select.
Look
Despite the fact that they can appear virtually identical, on closer inspection there is a subtle differences between grind and seal and grind and shine concrete. Grind and seal concrete has a more consistent appearance over multiple spaces. Grind and shine concrete relies on mechanical erosion and buffering which in turn depends on the quality of the particular concrete slab. Grind and seal concrete, on the other hand, derives its look largely from the sealant applied. Since this is an industrial applicant, you can achieve a uniform look across multiple concrete floors easily.
Durability
Both flooring types are easy to maintain and protected from spills and mishaps: grind and seal through the use of a seal coating, while grind and shine concrete, also known as polished concrete, is mechanically impacted to achieve its look. This results in a hardier and longer lasting effect than grind and seal concrete. Sealed concrete will need to be resealed periodically, depending on the level of traffic that the surface experiences.
Price
Grind and shine is a much more intense process than grind and seal, one that requires considerable labour and time. Economics being economics, this results in a much higher cost than the less labour-intensive grind and seal. Of course, as mentioned above, this process does result in a flooring outcome with greater longevity.
Flexibility
A large proportion of existing concrete slabs are not able to be polished using the grind and shine method. Many lack the strength or structural integrity to be treated in such a way. Conversely, grind and seal concrete can be used for essentially any concrete flooring, making it a much more flexible option.
Need more information about the difference between grind and seal and grind and shine? Reach out to our lovely team today. They can help with all your questions about concrete grinding and more.
