Polishing Concrete Patios

Concrete patios are a popular choice for homeowners. You can achieve whatever style and design you choose with concrete. Stains and dyes also give you a wide color choice for your patio. Concrete is one of the most resilient and durable materials for patio needs. Although it may be a costly installation, the results are well worth it. Some regular maintenance work will keep your concrete surface in good condition for several years. You need to polish your patio occasionally to maintain its fine appearance. Polishing also adds to the life span of concrete.

Step 1 – Wear Protective Clothing

It is a good idea to cover as much of your skin as possible. Wear clothes that will fully cover your hands and legs. Safety goggles and a respirator will protect you from much of the dust generated during the grinding process.

Step 2 – Grind Surface with 32-Grit

You can rent equipment from an equipment rental or home improvement store. Use a 32-grit diamond concrete pad to run over the entire concrete surface. It is best to work in small circles for an effective job. Begin at one end and work your way across and upwards till you cover the entire patio surface. This process will level off the entire surface.

Step 3 – Spray Adhesive

Spay a thin layer of adhesive onto the patio surface. This will hold the dust together. It will also fill in the tiny air holes on the concrete surface. Allow a couple of hours for the adhesive to set.

Step 4 – Switch to 60-Grit

Place a 60-grit diamond pad for a more thorough grinding process. This will level the surface better and remove imperfections. Spray some reactive concrete hardener onto the concrete to encourage a shiny look.

Step 5 – Switch to 120-Grit

Place a 120-grit pad onto the concrete machine for a thorough grinding process. This should level off the surface completely.

Begin at one end of the patio and carefully spray some stain over the entire surface to color the concrete. One coating will suffice. However, if you desire a deeper color, you’ll need to apply a couple of coats. Allow each coat to dry well before you apply another.

Step 6 – Apply Sealant

Wait one day after placing the stain. Apply non-stick concrete sealant and allow it to dry. Use a 60-grit resin pad to polish the patio surface. Successively switch to finer grit pads to achieve a shine. Apply polishing compound onto the entire patio surface.

Step 7 – Fine Polish

Switch to a 2500-grit pad and polish to a fine finish. Use a nap roller to apply some epoxy concrete coating. This will keep the shine for a longer time. It also protects the patio surface.