Concrete polishing / Refurbishment

Existing concrete
polishing.

Unlock the value of an existing slab through testing, repairs, controlled grinding and mechanical polishing.

The right system

Let the condition of the slab set the realistic options.

Polishing an existing floor can retain and improve the original slab rather than covering it. Its history matters: coatings, adhesives, oil ingress, repairs and uneven placement may become visible once the surface is opened.

An intrusive inspection or trial can reveal whether grinding will reach sound concrete and what level of visual consistency is achievable. Allow for repair decisions before committing to a full-area programme.

01

Best suited to

Refurbishments, change-of-use projects and operational facilities.

02

Primary outcome

A renewed floor that retains the honest character and history of the original slab.

03

Designed for

existing concrete with suitable strength and integrity.

Technical overview

What polishing existing concrete means in practice.

Polishing existing concrete is a refurbishment process, not simply a cosmetic treatment. Trial areas establish how historic repairs, contamination, coatings and aggregate respond before the full floor is specified.

01

Choose it when

retaining the existing slab can avoid unnecessary coverings and support a lower-intervention refurbishment.

02

Check before specifying

moisture, adhesive residues, oil ingress, cracks, weak surface zones, patch repairs and available floor depth.

03

Finish expectations

Aggregate exposure and sheen are separate choices. A mock-up should show likely tonal variation, repairs and edge treatment.

04

Cleaning + maintenance

Use neutral cleaning chemistry, suitable auto-scrubber pads and prompt spill removal. Periodic burnishing or guard renewal depends on traffic and the specified finish.

Diamond polished concrete floor in a large industrial building
System contextpolishing existing concrete

A bonded polished screed overlay can create a new finish where the old concrete is too inconsistent.

Specification framework

Decisions to fix before tender.

01Slab condition

Record strength, flatness, cracks, joints, historic coatings, contamination and repairs before selecting the cut.

02Visual standard

Agree aggregate exposure and sheen separately, with a representative trial including edges and repaired areas.

03Use + safety

Describe wheeled and pedestrian traffic, spill exposure, slip considerations and required cleaning methods.

04Programme

Allow for dust management, phased access, sample approval, protection and handover cleaning.

Delivery method

Surveyed, sampled and delivered in-house.

01

Site survey + substrate review

Condition, flatness, contamination, repairs, access and programme constraints are recorded.

02

Finish specification + sample

Appearance, performance and realistic slab variation are agreed before full installation.

03

Controlled installation

Our specialist team manages preparation, finishing, protection and handover.

Specification questions

Questions to settle early.

Can old adhesive or paint marks disappear?

Some residue can be removed, but staining or contamination may penetrate the slab. A sample area shows what is achievable without promising a uniform result.

Will it be completely stain-proof?

No. Densifiers and protective treatments can improve cleanability, but concrete remains a porous material. Spill response and maintenance still matter.

How should a polished floor be cleaned?

Use the cleaning method and chemistry agreed for the finish; avoid aggressive products and abrasive pads that can damage protection or reduce sheen.

Start a conversation

Discuss your existing concrete polishing project.

Send the location, approximate area, construction stage, intended use and programme. Include plans or photographs if available; we can then discuss the most suitable next step.