Tools and Materials
Tools
Concrete Sanding Pads
Sanding Machine
- Safety Gloves
- Protective Glasses
- Concrete Sealer (Optional)
Prepare The Concrete:
Before you start sanding concrete it is important to get the area ready for the job. First move any furniture or objects out of the way so you have a clear space to work in. Then use a broom to clean the surface of the concrete floor.
Make sure there is no dust, dirt or small particles left because these can mess up the sanding process. If there are any cracks or chips in the concrete fix them before you start sanding. This will help you get smooth and even finish in the end. Once the floor is clean and any damage has been repaired you are ready to begin sanding.
Choose The Right Grit:
Choosing the correct grit size for your sanding pads is important for achieving the desired finish on your concrete floor. Starting with a coarse grit pad such as 40 or 80 is recommended because it lets you quickly remove any roughness or larger imperfections from the concrete.
This initial step is about levelling the surface and getting rid of any bumps, holes or uneven areas that might have formed over time. It is important not to skip this step as jumping straight to finer grits could leave you with a less than ideal finish and potentially more work in the long run. This coarse phase prepares the foundation and makes it easier for the next stages of sanding to refine the floor.
After smoothing the surface with a coarse grit pad you will need to transition to finer grits to enhance the smoothness of the concrete. Moving from a medium grit (around 120-grit) to finer grits (200 to 400-grit) allows you to slowly refine the surface. It eliminates scratches and further smoothens the concrete. Each successive grit pad is designed to remove the scratches left by the previous coarse pad giving a polished finish. The progress through the grits requires patience and attention to detail. Moving too quickly to finer grit or skipping steps can result in an uneven finish. The goal is to achieve a surface that feels smooth to the touch and has a polished look that many desire for concrete floor.
How To Sand Concrete:
Start With Coarse Grit:
- Start the process of sanding down concrete by using a sander fitted with 40 or 80 grit sanding pad to level the floor and remove larger imperfections.
- Turn on the sander and begin sanding the concrete floor.
- Move in a systematic manner overlapping pattern to ensure you cover the entire area without missing spots.
- Apply consistent pressure but let the weight of the machine do the work to avoid gouging the concrete.
For larger areas divide the space into manageable sections and tackle one section at a time. This helps maintain consistency across the surface and ensures no areas are overlooked.
Switch To Medium Grit:
After using the coarse grit for sanding down concrete floor upgrade to a 120-grit sanding pad to refine the surface and smooth out the coarse scratches to prepare the sanded concrete for finer grits.
Use Finer Grits:
Process to finer grits (200 then 400-grit) to continue sanding down the concrete surface. Each time you will achieve a more refined and smoother sanded concrete floor.
Keep It Even:
While learning how to sand concrete maintain even pressure and movement with the sander to avoid creating uneven spots on your sanded concrete.
Clean As You Go:
Clean up the accumulated dust between each grit to make sure you are working in a clean working area. This will help you achieve a smoother finish over the concrete surface.
Final Touches:
Once you have completed the sanding process use a damp cloth to wipe the surface and remove any residual dust.
Seal:
Consider sealing the sanded concrete floor with an appropriate concrete sealer for added protection and to extend the lifespan of your work.
Learning how to sand concrete floors requires attention to detail and the right approach. By following these steps your sanded concrete surface can attain a professional-grade finish that enhances the overall look and value of your space.