What Are the 3 Stages of Polished Floor Maintenance and Why is it So Important?

Due to its durability and great look, polished concrete is very popular among flooring contractors. Though people think otherwise, polished concrete is not totally "maintenance free". Regular, low-maintenance measures must be taken to make sure a polished floor keeps its finished look. If you don't do this, stains, salt etching and regular wear-and-tear from foot traffic can dull the shine and diminish floor quality.

The Three Stages of Polished Floor Maintenance

Stage 1: Restore

Any spill left on polished concrete can stain the surface. A properly applied stain protector can remedy this. If a citric, acidic or caustic liquid is allowed to sit on polished concrete, it can etch the surface, and the answer for etching is restoration.

Stage 2: Protect

Before the actual polishing process is complete, contractors will apply a crucial step for effective protection: a stain protector or resister, guard protector, densifiers or sealer product that sits on top of the floor surface, formulated to:

• protect polished, dyed concrete from oil and water-based stains and acidic etching agents

• deliver exceptional shine

• improve surface performance

• resist the effects of traffic wear and weathering

Stage 3: Maintain

Polished concrete floors are inherently sustainable and very durable. They clean easily and have low-impact maintenance requirements, eliminating the need for waxing or stripping chemicals, which is also easy on the environment. The frequency of maintenance depends on the amount and type of traffic the floor must sustain over time.