Exposed concrete floors are becoming more popular.
They are very easy to maintain and clean, and can look quite nice when properly maintained.
Before you worry about the maintenance of your flooring, it is important to prepare it.
Preparing it properly is a major part of the job.
Today, homeowners are choosing sanded concrete floors over exposed concrete floors. They’re both attractive and practical. The question is how to sand concrete floors so that they have this exposed look.
This topic is complex and there are many opinions. It is difficult to decide which one is best.
Let’s look at each of these options. We won’t make it complicated because sanding concrete floors are hard enough as they are.
Things You Might Need:
- Best Electric Sander: DEWALT Rotating Sander
- Diamond Sanding Pads
- Patching Slurry (must match the color of your concrete)
- Sponge
- Protective gear
How to create Sanding Concrete Floor
Sanding concrete has two main goals: to smoothen the surface and achieve a perfect finish. This objective can only be achieved by following the correct process. You want a smooth, even surface that doesn’t leave behind scratches.
These steps will help you achieve a flawless finish for your floor.
Lay the floor
First things first Preparing the floor is essential before you start sanding and grinding it. You should inspect the entire floor for any cracks or imperfections in concrete.
Remove concrete bumps first. Concrete bumps are common in corners and should be removed. Cold Chisels can be used to clean them. Corners are also fairly simple to clean.
You should remove concrete bumps as soon as possible. The more they stay on the floor, it is harder to get rid of them.
Hire a professional Sander to make sanding concrete floor
Sanding concrete is a skilled job that should be done by professionals. While it may seem easy to do this DIY, you could end up with a lot of problems.
Hire a professional sander to ensure your floor is smooth. Hiring a professional sander has many benefits. They are equipped with the necessary equipment and have the experience and expertise to complete the job properly and efficiently. Although it is an optional and more costly step, it can save you time and frustration.
If you have the necessary knowledge, you can purchase a grinder or sander at a DIY store and make the sanding concrete floor.
There are many types of concrete sanders. You can get the best concrete sanders with a water hose attached to them. This allows for a steady flow of water.
Use an orbital-sander
An orbital sander is best if your floor will be exposed completely after sanding. You can sand it with either wet or dry sandpaper but it will take too long and not give the best results.
You can find a grinder or sander at a DIY store if you have the necessary knowledge.
There are many types of concrete sanders. They are best equipped with a water hose that provides constant water flow. This keeps dust down. A dry polisher can be used to attach a vacuum. You can significantly reduce dust by using a vacuum.
Get the equipment you need
You will also need other equipment, apart from the concrete grinder and concrete-sander. You can ensure that the project is completed on time by having all the necessary equipment available beforehand. You should have concrete sealant, densifier, abrasive and densifying tools in your equipment collection.
Use the right grit
The amount of sanding required on the floor will determine the type of sandpaper that you use. Use sandpaper with a grit of 40-60 for basic sanding. To remove minor irregularities, use 80-120 grit sandpaper. Superfine sandpaper is recommended for smoothness and perfect finishing. It comes in grits ranging from 200-400.
You will need to use a special diamond disc or a floor grinder if there are any severe imperfections. Start with the coarsest disc, then move on to a finer-grit disc.
Work methodically to make concrete sander
Concrete floors can be sanded by professionals, but you should do it yourself. Always work towards the center, starting at the corners. Sand the entire area in a 4-foot square starting at one corner. You will need to work across the entire length and width of your room.
After you have sanded the floor, clean up the area and remove any dust. To smoothen the floor, you can use superfine sandpaper. Ensure that there are no concrete bumps or stains throughout the process.
Continue sanding until the floor is smooth. Clean up the area after sanding concrete and mop it well.
Protect your work by using a Finish Product
After all the hard work has been done, it is time to protect it. Concrete sander can be used to give your concrete surface a wet look. This sealer is most often used on concrete floors, driveways, or masonry blocks. It helps to make the surface look beautiful and protects it against wear and tear.
After the sanding is complete, you should apply one to 2 coats of concrete sealer. You will need to clean the concrete sanding surface year-round and apply sealer annually.
Sanding Concrete Floors – Maintenance
Here’s a quick overview of the steps you need to take to maintain concrete floors.
- Use a microfiber pad to clean the floor regularly. This will keep any potentially harmful dirt particles from getting on the surface.
- Use clean water and clean mop pads on the floors.
- Use neutral floor cleaner that is specially formulated for concrete floors with sand.
- You should clean up any coffee, tea, or soft drink spills quickly. They can leave a stain.
- Allow the cleaner to remove the grime and other harmful substances.
Wrap up
Sanding concrete floors is now a common practice. Concrete floors that are perfectly sanded look better than woodwork and fancy stones. Sanding concrete should be done professionally.
This write-up will help you to sand concrete floors. Follow the steps. This guide will help you achieve properly sanding concrete floors.
This article should have answered your question about how to sand concrete floors.