What does it take to make a spotless concrete floor?
Photo by Mitch Harris on Unsplash
Concrete floors are popular among property owners since they consist of sturdy material and are ideal for indoor and outdoor purposes. They are durable and easy to clean, but these types of floors can absorb substances.
If you want to make life easy when cleaning your concrete floor, it’s appropriate to design it using the best method. Keep on reading to learn what it takes to make a spotless concrete floor.
Acid etching
To make a spotless concrete floor, it’s imperative to clean all unwanted particles on the concrete. Acid etching is a cost-effective chemical method you can use to remove a milky deposit often found on the surface of new concrete. You can also apply this method to create a profile for your floor. Essentially, acid etching is specifically meant for dissolving the top surface known as laitance to create pores that will allow the sealer coat to penetrate the surface.
When you apply the etching solution to the surface, wait for a bubbling reaction and leave it for about three minutes. Once the etching process is complete, rinse the surface thoroughly with fresh water to remove all the residues that can impact your floor. The concrete surface must be hard but porous to indicate that it is properly etched. Water can easily penetrate, and you may need more than one etching solution to get a spotless surface that resembles fine sandpaper.
Use appropriate tools
Your concrete floor may be uneven, and you can address this problem by using a high-speed diamond grinder. The advantage of using diamond grinders is that they are powerful, and they can be used for different applications like smoothing uneven surfaces, removing weak laitance, and existing paint. You can achieve the best surface preparation by using diamond tools that have been extensively tested and proven to be suitable for different tasks. Diamond grinding will help you smooth your concrete floor to a laser finish level.
Diamond grinders are also designed to remove high spots, pits, and roughness on the slab. You can connect your equipment to dust recovery units to keep your concrete floor clean. This process will help remove all unwanted coatings on the surface.
Polish your concrete floor
Polishing is the process of grinding the surface of your concrete floor to a smooth and scratch-free finish that doesn’t dent or chip. Polishing your floor is an intensive process that hardens the surface and helps reduce dust build-up and staining.
A polished floor is easy to clean and maintain. You can polish your concrete floor using a grinder with a special disc without scouring the surface; once polished, the floor doesn’t need a seal. If you prefer, you can apply a wax solution on the surface of the floor for some form of grip and extra protection.
Shot blasting
Shot blasting is another method you can use to prepare your concrete floor. You can achieve this by using a vacuum-assisted blaster to get the same results as the ones you get from acid etching. The blast removes weak laitance, concrete, dirt, and contamination. More than 95% of the dust from the floor is contained by the vacuum which leaves your floor spotlessly clean.
Apply a sealer
Applying a sealer is another method you can consider to create a floor that can resist stains. You must first clean the surface of the concrete and use a paint roller to apply a sealer to the primed surface. You must start applying the sealant from the center and then spread it to the edges. Your floors must be resealed after every two or three years. Cleaning your floors regularly will help keep your home in good condition.
Paint your floor
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash
Painting your concrete floor can make it appear like polished timber or tiles. However, you should first seal the floor and then paint it to improve its appearance.
Before you apply paint to your floor, make sure it is free of oils, grease, and fats. You can use a multipurpose cleaner or degreaser to clean the surface. Avoid heavy scrubbing as it can cause scratches to the surface. Make sure the floor is thoroughly clean and dry before priming it. Apply your paint on top of the primer and leave it to dry.
Concrete flooring is durable, and also offers several advantages. However, you need to construct it right to enjoy the numerous benefits of installing it on your property. It is essential to leave the base concrete to set, then take different measures to make your floor spotless. By following these tips, you can make your life simple since your floor becomes easier to clean.
