A Guide To Burnished Concrete Floors

Burnished concrete is rapidly gaining popularity among developers, builders, architects, and homeowners in Australia. This versatile material is not only durable and long-lasting but also one of the easiest surfaces to maintain. As the demand for burnished concrete grows, the industry has evolved to meet the diverse needs of customers. In this article, we’ll explore what makes burnished concrete an excellent choice for your next project, comparing it to other finishes, and providing insights on how to achieve the best results.

What is Burnished Concrete?

Burnished concrete is a finishing technique that involves using a power trowel, also known as a burnisher, to heat, melt, and buff a wax-based coating into the surface of the concrete. This process fills the pores of the concrete, creating a glossy, satin-like sheen that is both attractive and durable. Unlike mechanical polishing, which involves grinding the concrete with diamond-bonded abrasives, burnishing does not remove any material from the surface of fresh concrete. Instead, it enhances the natural look of the concrete while adding a layer of protection. In contrast, polished concrete floors undergo a different finishing process that involves mechanical grinding and polishing with diamond-bonded abrasives, achieving a high-gloss finish that reveals the aggregate within the concrete. This method not only enhances the floor’s durability and low maintenance needs but also its protective and reflective qualities, making it a popular choice for commercial and retail spaces.

The Rise in Popularity of Burnished Concrete

The increasing popularity of burnished concrete can be attributed to several factors. First, burnished concrete floors are incredibly durable and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. This makes them a practical choice for both residential and commercial spaces. Additionally, these floors are easy to clean and maintain, which further enhances their appeal. The aesthetic appeal of burnished concrete is another major draw. The glossy finish of decorative concrete adds a sophisticated touch to any interior, reflecting light and enhancing the overall ambiance. Moreover, burnished concrete is more affordable compared to other flooring options, especially when considering its longevity and low maintenance requirements.

Different Types of Concrete Finishes

Concrete finishes have evolved to offer a wide range of options, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. Some of the most common types include mechanical polish, salt and pepper polish, grind and seal, honed concrete, and epoxy flooring.

Mechanical polishing involves grinding the concrete surface with diamond-bonded abrasives to achieve a high-gloss finish, ideal for surfaces that require a smooth, reflective appearance. This process allows for customization of the finish, including the ability to choose different levels of sheen and aggregate exposure, unlike burnishing concrete which offers limited customization. Salt and pepper polish is a variation of mechanical polishing that exposes small aggregates on the surface, giving it a distinctive look. Grind and seal involves grinding the concrete to the desired level of exposure and then sealing it with a protective coating. Honed concrete is similar to grind and seal and polishing concrete but results in a matte or satin finish without exposing much of the aggregate. Epoxy flooring involves applying a resin coating to the concrete surface, creating a seamless and attractive finish that is both durable and versatile.

Polished concrete floors stand out for their appeal, durability, and low maintenance needs across various settings. The process of achieving polished concrete emphasizes not only the aesthetic appeal but also the flooring’s protective and reflective qualities, especially beneficial for commercial and retail spaces. Regular cleaning and resealing are essential to maintain the pristine condition of polished concrete floors, highlighting their practicality in high-traffic environments.

Understanding the Burnishing Process

Step-by-Step Guide to Burnishing Concrete

1. Preparation of the Concrete Slab:
   • Pour the concrete slab and finish it carefully.
   • Allow the concrete to cure completely to ensure a smooth and even surface.
2. Initial Trowelling:
   • Use a power trowel to create a smooth finish on the concrete slab.
   • Remove any footprints, marks, or imperfections to prepare the surface for burnishing.
3. Cleaning the Concrete Surface:
   • Thoroughly clean the concrete surface to remove any debris, dust, or stains that could affect the final appearance.
4. Applying the Coating:
   • Apply a wax-based chemical coating to the surface of the concrete.
   • Ensure the coating fills the pores of the concrete, preparing it for the burnishing process.
5. Burnishing:
   • Use a high-speed burnishing machine to heat and buff the coating into the concrete surface.
   • The machine’s rotating pads will create a glossy, durable finish, enhancing the concrete’s natural look while adding a layer of protection.

Benefits of Burnished Concrete

Burnished concrete offers several benefits. It is more economical than mechanical polishing, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious projects. The smooth, non-porous surface of burnished concrete is easy to clean and resistant to stains and damage. Additionally, burnished concrete can achieve various levels of sheen and shine, from matte to high-gloss, depending on the type of coating used, offering aesthetic versatility.

Comparing Burnished Concrete and Polished Concrete

While burnished concrete and polished concrete may appear similar, they are fundamentally different processes with distinct outcomes. Mechanical concrete polishing often involves grinding the concrete surface with diamond-bonded abrasives to remove imperfections and achieve a smooth, reflective finish. This process not only increases the surface hardness and durability of the concrete but also offers various levels of exposure and sheen, allowing for a highly customizable finish that can include different levels of aggregate exposure. In contrast, burnishing uses a high-speed burnisher to heat and buff a wax-based coating into the concrete surface without removing any material. Although burnished concrete is durable, it does not achieve the same level of surface hardness or the ability to customize the finish and choose different levels of sheen and aggregate exposure as polished concrete. However, burnishing is generally more cost-effective than mechanical polishing, making it an attractive option for many projects.

Please read – how much does burnished concrete cost

Polished concrete floors are renowned for their appeal, durability, and low maintenance needs, making them ideal for commercial and retail spaces. The process of achieving polished concrete not only enhances the floor’s protective and reflective qualities but also necessitates regular cleaning and resealing to maintain its aesthetic and functional benefits.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Achieving a high-quality burnished concrete finish requires attention to detail and expertise. One common pitfall is uneven trowelling, which can result in visible dips and bumps in the finished floor. Ensuring that the concrete slab is trowelled evenly and using an experienced concrete installer can help avoid this issue. Another potential problem is improper cleaning, as any debris or stains left on the concrete surface can affect the final appearance. Thoroughly cleaning the concrete surface before applying the coating is essential. Inconsistent colour is another concern, as cement slabs can have darker centres and lighter edges, leading to a patchy appearance if not burnished correctly. Choosing a skilled professional to ensure an even finish is crucial. Finally, protecting the already polished concrete floor surface during construction is important to prevent spills and damage. Using heavy-duty floor protection like Ram Board can help safeguard the floor until the burnishing process is complete.

Also read – How to Clean Burnished Concrete Floors

Achieving the Perfect Burnished Concrete Floor

At Project Concrete, we specialise in both pouring and finishing concrete to ensure the best results for your burnished concrete floor. Our team is highly trained in both pouring and finishing concrete, ensuring a smooth and even slab ready for burnishing. We use high-quality wax-based coatings and burnishing equipment to achieve a durable and attractive finish. We meticulously clean and prepare the concrete surface before burnishing, ensuring a flawless final result. From the initial pour to the final burnish, we handle every step of the polishing process, ensuring consistency and quality throughout.

Conclusion

Burnished concrete is an excellent alternative to traditional polished concrete, offering many of the same benefits that polished concrete offers at a lower cost and with less effort. Its durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects. However, achieving a high-quality burnished finish requires expertise and attention to detail. At Project Concrete, we have the skills and experience to deliver outstanding results, ensuring your burnished concrete floor is both beautiful and long-lasting.

If you’re considering burnished concrete for commercial floors in your next project, contact Project Concrete today. Our team of burnished concrete Perth specialists is ready to help you achieve the perfect finish for your home or commercial space.