What is POLISHED CONCRETE?

HTC Superfloor™ is a complete concept for polishing concrete. The method mechanically refines the concrete surface by removing the top cement paste and exposing the underlying, stronger concrete. The existing concrete is grinded and polished according to a dependable and thoroughly tested method with HTC’s effective machines and diamond tools. The result is a floor with a completely even surface of a high quality, both functionally and esthetically. To achieve all technical benefits demanded for calling the surface a HTC Superfloor™, the grinding sequence must be performed according to the prescribed method, with polishing steps to a minimum of 3000 grit, FP 60 green polishing step in the HTC Grinding Guide.

What will effect the final appearance of POLISHED floors?

Several factors will affect the final appearance.

* The stone quality and color. In Sweden the ballast material mainly consists of granite in different fraction sizes.
* The color of the cement (the cement can be pigmented).
* The concrete quality. The strength is measured in Mpa (megapascal) 1Mpa=10kp/cm².
* Grinding depth: With different grit sizes and bonding matrix in the diamond segments you can somewhat control how deep you grind into the concrete surface. The grinding depth will affect how much of the stones that is exposed and also in turn the aestehetical appearance of the polished surface.

How to maintain POLISHED CONCRETE floors.

Maintenance

With HTC Superfloor™ every premise can be kept tidy with minimal amounts of work. The floor is easy to clean and environment friendly cleaning compounds are used. All you need for the daily cleaning is HTC Cleaner, a soft soap that is kind to the floor, the environment and, most important, the staff. By following the recommended maintenance instructions you lower the costs for cleaning compounds and articles of consumption and you are guaranteed a floor that keeps its shine and finish. Besides, the wrong cleaning compounds can cause damage to the floor.

Can ALL concrete floors be polished?

Almost any structurally sound concrete floor, whether new or old, can be polished. But there are some exceptions. Floors that are wavy, need extensive patching, or are extremely porous may not be good candidates for polishing. An experienced contractor can usually determine a floors suitability.

What options are available with POLISHED CONCRETE?

There are numerous options available with polished concrete, including:

* Colored aggregate can be applied to the concrete mix or seeded into the top layer of the mix. The polishing process will reveal these aggregate.
* Integrally colored concrete can be used.
* Glass can be seeded into the mix. The polishing process will reveal the glass pieces.
* Nails, bolts, computer chips, or any other objects can be seeded into the mix and polished smooth.

Of course, any of these options can be combined together or into a pattern.

CONCRETE OVERLAYS

Types of concrete overlays.

Stampable overlays
A stamped overlay offers all the aesthetic benefits of conventional stamped concrete but is less time- and labor-intensive to install. The overlay mix is usually applied by a gauge rake (a tool with an adjustable depth gauge for achieving a uniform topping thickness) and then imprinted with stamping mats or texturing skins. These semi-flexible stamping tools are available in dozens of patterns, allowing overlay installers to duplicate the beauty and texture of natural stone, brick, slate, wood planking, and other materials. Overlay thicknesses range from 1/4 to 3/4 inch, depending on the depth of the imprint.

Microtoppings and skim coats
These ultra-thin decorative toppings are applied by a trowel or squeegee in layers as thin as 20 mils, or a mere 0.02 inch. They can go on silky smooth and taken down to a featheredge. Or you can apply several coats to create a textured broomed or troweled finish. Some systems come pretinted in a wide range of colors while others can be custom tinted by mixing in the desired amount of liquid coloring agent. Interesting color variations can be achieved by applying layers of different hues.

Spray-down systems
These versatile systems offer a wide array of finish options. Usually they are sprayed evenly onto concrete with an air-powered hopper gun, but they can also be applied as a splatter coat to create a textured, slip-resistant surface or “knocked down” with a trowel to create a smoother finish. A popular decorative technique is to use paper or adhesive stencils to produce designs ranging from decorative borders and medallions to tile patterns to embossed or inlaid motifs.

Self-leveling overlays
These flowable polymer-modified toppings have the ability to self level without troweling, making them ideal for smoothing nd leveling worn or uneven concrete surfaces. Installers simply pour or pump the material onto the surface and then use a spreader to distribute it evenly. The overlay can be left seamless (except at control joints) or used as a canvas for sawcut or engraved designs. Or you can incorporate decorative inlays, such as strips of wood or metal, by adhering them to the base concrete and then pouring the overlay to the level of the inlay. Self-leveling overlays can also be enhanced by staining or dying. In some applications, they serve a purely utilitarian purpose as an underlayment for tile, carpet, or other floor coverings.

What is ACID STAINED CONCRETE?

Most acid stains are a mixture of water, hydrochloric acid, and acid-soluble metallic salts. They work by penetrating the surface and reacting chemically with the hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in the concrete. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface, allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily. Once the stain reacts, it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won’t fade, chip off, or peel away. Like stains for wood, acid-based stains are translucent and the color they produce will vary depending on the color and condition of the substrate they are applied to. Each concrete slab will accept the stain in varying degrees of intensity, creating natural color variations that bring character and distinction to each project. What acid stains don’t offer is a broad color selection. You’ll mostly find them in a limited array of subtle earth tones, such as tans, browns, terra cottas, and soft blue-greens.