Frequently Asked Questions about POLICRETE

• Is polished concrete slippery?

  Polished concrete can be slippery when wet however we do have alternative surface treatments where slip resistance is required.

• Can I have polished concrete around the pool?

  Yes you can, we will never highly polish the concrete as it would prove to be too slippery. Our acid wash and seal finish is more than suitable for around pools.

• Can I polish my driveway?

  Yes you can, our grind and seal finish is perfect for driveways by not being too slippery but offering stain resistance and an architectural look.

• Can I cut back exposed aggregate?

  Grinding back the sharp rocks is tough work as a fairly deep grind is usually required. So yes, it can be done but is ways more expensive than grinding and sealing flat concrete.

• Can I heat my polished concrete?

  There is nothing better than polished concrete that is hydronically heated. Concrete holds the heat better than any other material.

• Will my polished concrete crack?

  Nobody will promise you concrete without cracks however there are a series of measures we can put in place to minimise the risk of cracks appearing

• Can cracks be repaired?

  They certainly can, a colour matched grout can be used to patch cracks in existing concrete or a liquid grout procedure performed at the grinding stage to fill in unwanted cracks before polishing.

• Can I polish an old existing slab?

  As long as it's concrete, any surface can be ground back and polished up

• What sort of sealer do you use?

  We have a range of sealer options for various applications.

• Can I change the colour of my slab?

  Once your slab is poured, you cannot change the colour of it. Therefore the only way to get the right look and colour is to choose a decorative mix before you pour.

• Can I tint the sealer?

  You cannot effectively tint the clear sealer we use on

• Does concrete scratch?

  Mechanical polish, our highest level of finish is extremely hard to scratch whilst Grind and seal and epoxy finishes are more likely to get scratch from sharp and heavy items

• How long do most jobs take?

  Depending on the finish you choose, most jobs under 100m2 can be done in 3-4 days with an average of 2 more days per 100m2 after that

• What is the best way to protect my floor during construction?

  Ramboard or other breathable flooring protection products are the most suitable for polished concrete surfaces. Using products that don't allow the concrete to breathe such as mdf, coreflute or plastic will result in discolouration of the slab surface. This can sometimes be ground out but not if the required exposure level is minimal.

• How do you calculate the cost of my job?

  The 3 biggest factors that contribute to the cost of a job in order of importance are…. finish, job size and then job complexity. After that location is the next factor we will take into consideration as well as what time of year your works will take part.

• How do I get the right exposure level of aggregate?

  Careful planning around when to pour, method of placement and concrete mix type are all important factors when aiming for a desired exposure level. Full exposure finishes are more forgiving on the outcome of the slab pour than nil and minimal exposure finishes

• How to get a burnished finish?

  Well, you essentially have to nail the slab pour. The best of the best concreter's won't nail this finish every time as there are a number of factors outside of their control. Using the best methods, tooling and practices will more often than not get the right result.

• How do I clean my polished concrete?

  Any neutral PH cleaner will work fine on a polished concrete floor. If the floor is done correctly, the surface should not collect a lot of dirt and most of our customers find a vac and mop more than enough to keep their floor clean.