If you have a beautifully polished concrete surface, you want to keep that glossy, smooth sheen for as long as possible. In order to get that finish, diamond-impregnated or diamond-sprayed pads were originally used during the polishing process, so, in theory, diamond pads should be used to maintain polished concrete. Right?
Yes, but not always. To help you take proper care of your concrete, we’re walking you through when you should or should not use diamonds in maintenance as well as how you should care for your polished concrete.
The Number One Rule for Maintaining Polished Concrete
The number one thing you have to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining your polished concrete is to follow the guidelines set by the manufacturer of the pads (this rule is basically true for anything – follow the manufacturing guidelines you’ll generally be okay). If you overuse them you’ll erode the shine and leave behind a spotty, “orange peel” finish.
For example, our CASH diamond pads are designed for light-use polishing maintenance for concrete, terrazzo, and marble. Substrate Technology, Inc., the manufacturer, recommends using them every 60 to 90 days with a chemical conditioner to mechanically and chemically maintain the polish. It’s simple to learn and is an affordable method of maintenance.
We do want to let you know that if you have a guard-covered floor, you should never use a diamond pad with it. Diamonds will remove the guard and you should follow the guard manufacturer’s recommendation.
Daily Maintenance of Polished Concrete
While a maintenance polish with a chemical conditioner or diamond pad every two to three months is important, daily maintenance will actually go much further to keeping it looking great. Daily cleaning means using a dry dustmop or an auto-scrubber on the floor at least daily, though often, in the case of high-traffic buildings, continually. If you’ve been to a big box store like Costco, Lowe’s, or Sam’s Club, you may have seen the auto-scrubber working it’s way across the sales floor. It cleans away dirt, minimizes wear from foot traffic, and keeps the shine lasting longer.
Having mats at the entrance of the store is also key to keeping your polish looking good. They prevent dirt, debris, and rocks on shoes and shopping cart wheels from grinding into the concrete and causing scratches and gouges that will grow over time.
Find the Diamond Pads That Are Right for Your Concrete
Before choosing a maintenance system, it’s important to consult the contractor for information on how to care for it properly. If you need diamond pads, maintenance chemicals, or other materials to keep your concrete looking good, we can help. Call us today at (815) 278-1308 or fill out our contact form to speak with a representative and get started.