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Marvin Chew
Member
Username: bigmac

Post Number: 13
Registered: 03-2001
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 02:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

A number of Architects have been wanting to install polished concrete floors, both for new and existing concrete slabs at interior and exterior locations. We may need to have polished cement paste and polished cement paste with exposed aggregate.

I can see using a floor polisher with an abrasive pad such as used primarily for waxing or stripping resilent floors. This process would polish what is there but would it also remove the cement paste and polish the exposed aggregate?

Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 24
Registered: 03-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 02:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Marvin:

We use a lot of polished concrete, which, typically for us, has a ground surface that has a terrazzo-like appearance. However, the sealers and floor finish materials that we use can be used for any of the floor finishes you mentioned. I have a specification for the ground concrete finish if you're interested. Send me an email.
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: bunzick

Post Number: 193
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 03:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Ronald,
Is this essentially the use of terrazzo grinding equipment on concrete without the marble aggregate in the matrix?
David Cline
Senior Member
Username: dcline

Post Number: 12
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 03:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

You might want to contact Bomanite Corporation regarding polishing systems. Albeit is not on the website yet, they have architectural polished concrete systems. (Really not product selling here Colin).

You could try reaching them for specifications and/or technical information at:

Bomanite Corporation
232 S. Schnoor Ave.
Madera, CA 93637

Phone: (559) 673-2411
Fax: (559) 673-8246
Email: info@bomanite.com
Ronald L. Geren, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: specman

Post Number: 25
Registered: 03-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 03:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

John:

Yes. The person who helped me develop the ground concrete finish specification is a well-known terrazzo contractor here in the Phoenix area. Since there's no marble chips, we get a little specific about the aggregate we use in those areas where the concrete will be ground. This requirement is specified in the CIP concrete section.
Todd Guntner, CSI (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, March 04, 2004 - 12:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

There any many things to consider when actually polishing concrete. The diamond set-up and selection sometime requires the use of both metal and resin coated diamonds, various diamond sizes and multiple grinds depending on the condition of the concrete, all on the same application. Depending on whether the concrete is soft or hard will determine the type and size of diamond to use and the amount of grinds necessary for obtaining the desired results. Also, the type of equipment is a very important consideration. Systems like "Retro Plate" require plantitary head type, that grind either wet or dry. The plantitary head cut's flat and evenly. The next thing to consider is treatment of the concrete. It is very important to stablize harden, dust proof and seal the concrete. This is called chemical densification. Select only chemical densifier that permanently, harden, dust proof and seal the concrete type of densification. There are some materials in the market that increase hardness of the concrete, create temporary dust proofing, and over time may or may not seal the concrete. These products rely only on a chemical reaction. The Retro Plate Patented system both chemically and mechanically react with the concrete creating a permanent solution, and thus reduce the long-term mantenance cost and problems associated with concrete floors. The final consideration is the level of sheen or gloss. This is regulated by the diamond size and amount of diamond polishing steps incorporated in the process. If you are interested in obtaining a guide specification, please contact me at 410-576-1010. Also, I suggest contracting the Iron Pony c/o Kerry Pauley for cost information.

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