How do you polish concrete?

Concrete has come a long way from being just a structural material. With the right tools and expertise, it can become a sleek, glossy surface that elevates the look of residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. Whether you’re aiming for a high-end showroom look or a modern, minimalist aesthetic in your home, polished concrete is a durable and visually striking solution. At Floor-Care LLC, we specialize in concrete polishing that brings out the natural beauty of your slab while delivering long-lasting performance.

In this post, we’ll break down the concrete polishing process and explain the difference between a cream finish (typically for new concrete) and a salt and pepper finish (common with older concrete). We'll also share why choosing a professional team like Floor-Care LLC ensures a flawless, enduring result.

Polished concrete is created by mechanically grinding and honing the surface of the concrete using industrial diamond pads and specialized equipment. The process not only smooths the surface but also strengthens it and adds a beautiful reflective finish. The level of sheen can vary depending on your preferences—from satin to high gloss.

The final look of polished concrete depends largely on the age and condition of the slab. Here are the two main finishes we offer:

A cream finish is the most visually consistent and smoothest option. It preserves the very top layer of the concrete—known as the "cream"—and offers a clean, almost buttery surface. This finish is ideal for newly poured and properly finished concrete slabs.

Pros:

• Uniform, elegant appearance
• Minimal aggregate exposure
• Best for modern, upscale interiors

Key Requirement:

The concrete must be poured and finished with polishing in mind. Poor finishing can cause inconsistencies.

A salt and pepper finish reveals fine aggregate just beneath the surface, producing a speckled pattern of small stones. This finish is common when polishing older slabs or concrete that wasn’t initially intended for polishing.

Pros:

• Hides small imperfections or repairs
• Adds natural texture and interest
• Still achieves a smooth, glossy finish with proper polishing

Here’s a simplified overview of how the concrete polishing process works:

Step 1: Evaluation & Preparation

Our team begins with a thorough evaluation of your concrete slab. We identify cracks, stains, or irregularities and determine whether a cream or salt and pepper finish is feasible. Any surface adhesives, coatings, or residues are removed using a grinder.

Step 2: Grinding

This step involves the use of coarse diamond tooling to level the surface and begin exposing the desired layer (cream or salt and pepper). For older concrete, this usually means removing the top few millimeters to reach the aggregate layer.

Step 3: Honing

Finer diamond pads are used to smooth the surface and prepare it for polishing. During this stage, we can also apply densifiers—a chemical hardener that penetrates the concrete and improves its strength and resistance to abrasion.

Step 4: Polishing

The polishing stage brings out the final sheen. Depending on your preferences, we may use up to 3000-grit pads for a mirror-like finish, or stop at a lower grit for a more matte or satin appearance.

Step 5: Sealing or Burnishing

Although polished concrete is naturally durable, we often apply a guard or sealant to enhance stain resistance. In some cases, we use high-speed burnishers to heat and melt the sealer into the surface for even more protection.

Polishing concrete isn’t just about running a grinder over the floor—it’s a technical process that requires skill, precision, and experience. Here’s why Floor-Care LLC is the right choice:

We’ve polished thousands of square feet of concrete across commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Our team knows how to assess and treat each slab individually to achieve the best possible finish.

We invest in the best concrete polishing machines and diamond tooling to ensure clean cuts, smooth finishes, and efficient timelines.

Whether you want a high-gloss cream finish for your new showroom or a durable salt and pepper look for your warehouse, we tailor the process to your aesthetic and functional needs.

Polished concrete is one of the most sustainable flooring options available. It doesn’t require harsh chemicals or frequent waxing and is easy to maintain with just routine cleaning.

Floor-Care LLC is proud to serve our local community with honesty, transparency, and integrity. We stand behind our work and are always happy to answer questions before, during, and after your project.

If you’re tired of dull, stained concrete or want a flooring solution that’s both beautiful and functional, polished concrete might be the perfect fit. It's ideal for:

• Retail stores and showrooms
• Restaurants and cafes
• Industrial facilities
• Residential interiors
• Garages and basements

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Floor-Care LLC today to schedule a consultation. Whether you’re starting from a new slab or revitalizing an old one, we’ll walk you through the options and deliver a polished concrete floor that you’ll love for years to come.