Stained and polished concrete are often spoken as though the concrete treatments were the same. While some steps are similar, the end product is completely different.
Staining concrete involves preparing the concrete surface with mechanical abrasion (grinding) to remove contaminants and imperfections and to improve the porosity of the concrete. Chemical stains, not dyes, are then used to impart a chemical reaction with the components of the slab. Depending upon the desired look, the stain is allowed to dwell and then sealed. Various other surface treatments can then be applied depending upon the desired look.
Polishing concrete often involves staining, but staining is a small part of the process. Grinding is applied to the surface with many different types of diamond grits which when applied in a sequential manner can bring an extremely hard surface to the slab as well as a deep luster.
Staining concrete involves preparing the concrete surface with mechanical abrasion (grinding) to remove contaminants and imperfections and to improve the porosity of the concrete. Chemical stains, not dyes, are then used to impart a chemical reaction with the components of the slab. Depending upon the desired look, the stain is allowed to dwell and then sealed. Various other surface treatments can then be applied depending upon the desired look.
Polishing concrete often involves staining, but staining is a small part of the process. Grinding is applied to the surface with many different types of diamond grits which when applied in a sequential manner can bring an extremely hard surface to the slab as well as a deep luster.