McLeod Road, Te Atatu South

On old abused floor that needed stripping back to a clean canvas ready for a new tenent.

Wide-angle view of a large industrial space with newly finished concrete flooring.
Graphic design of a grid that resembles grids of polished concrete
Client

The Toy Shop

Location

Te Atatu South

Surface Area

850m2

Date

October 2024

The Challenge

For many years, this expansive commercial building served as a facility for the production of plastic bin bags. Over time, the concrete flooring endured significant wear and tear from the harsh chemicals and processes involved in the manufacturing operations. With a shift in market demand leading to the departure of the original tenants, the concrete was left in a deteriorated state. The new tenants sought our expertise to rejuvenate the flooring, preparing it for the application of a robust epoxy paint for their automotive garage, where vintage cars would be restored. Tasked with grinding an area exceeding 800 square meters, we meticulously worked the surface four times to achieve a balance between smoothness and adhesion for the paint. Despite the considerable scope, meticulous preparation, and utilization of appropriate equipment ensured completion in a mere 2.5 days, including the removal of over 2 tonnes of old concrete. Both the new tenants and the landlord were exceptionally pleased and impressed with the results of our work.

Job Process

What we did

Commencing with a meticulous PCD (polycrystalline diamond) grind, our process is designed to effectively pulverize and remove stubborn substances such as glue, resins, and other contaminants from the surface of the concrete. This initial step ensures a clean, debris-free base for subsequent treatments. Following the PCD grind, we progressed to a coarse 30 grit diamond grind, refining the surface further to eliminate any remaining imperfections and prepare it for optimal bonding. Subsequently, a 50 grit grind was applied to enhance the surface's smoothness and uniformity. To complete the process, we finished with an 80 grit grind, which not only eliminated any residual grind marks but also ensured the concrete retained sufficient abrasion for the epoxy paint to adhere effectively. This meticulous approach results in a flawlessly prepared surface, ready to receive the desired coating, and guarantees a durable, long-lasting finish that meets our exacting standards.

Standard pump mix concrete surface with natural texture.

Standard pump mix

Standard pump mix in concrete grinding refers to a concrete mixture that is designed for ease of pumping and placement using concrete pumps. This mix typically has a specified design strength and consistency that allows it to be efficiently pumped to the desired location for grinding and other finishing processes. The aggregate is typically between 10-19mm and the cement is a standard light grey colour.
Concrete surface undergoing PCD preparation grinding.

PCD prep grind

A PCD (polycrystalline diamond) grind in concrete grinding is a specialized process that uses PCD tools with diamond segments to aggressively remove coatings, adhesives, and other surface materials. This method is highly effective for preparing the concrete surface for further treatments or to restore it to a clean, bare state.
Concrete surface undergoing PCD preparation grinding.

PCD prep grind

A PCD (polycrystalline diamond) grind in concrete grinding is a specialized process that uses PCD tools with diamond segments to aggressively remove coatings, adhesives, and other surface materials. This method is highly effective for preparing the concrete surface for further treatments or to restore it to a clean, bare state.
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Still got questions? Find quick answers to common questions about our polished concrete services.

Can any concrete be polished?

In general, most concrete can be polished. However, the quality of the final result can depend on factors such as the quality of the concrete mix, the level of aggregate exposure desired, and the condition of the existing concrete surface.

How is polished concrete different from regular concrete?

Polished concrete undergoes a grinding and polishing process that regular concrete does not. This process enhances the appearance, durability, and stain resistance of the concrete surface.

What is polished concrete?

Polished concrete is a process that involves grinding and polishing a concrete surface to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. It is commonly used as a flooring option in both residential and commercial spaces.

What are the benefits of polished concrete?

Some benefits of polished concrete include its durability, low maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. It is also environmentally friendly and can help improve indoor air quality.