The term burnished concrete can describe two different scopes. One happens while a new slab is being placed. The other starts after concrete has cured and is mechanically ground and refined. A useful quote should say which method, exposure and sheen it includes.
Total Grind N Polish works on cured concrete through grinding, honing, polishing and sealing. New slab placement and wet-concrete power-trowel finishing are outside this service scope.
Wet-slab power-trowel finishing
During new-slab construction, the concreter may use a power trowel as the concrete stiffens. This closes and finishes the surface without grinding it to expose aggregate. The appearance reflects the concrete mix, placement, timing and trowel work.
Because this process belongs to slab placement, it must be specified with the concreter before the concrete cures. It should not be compared as if it were the same scope as a later grind and polish.
A lightly ground cream finish
In a cured-slab flooring scope, a cream finish is the lowest-exposure option in mechanically polished concrete. The surface is lightly ground, densified and refined. How much stone appears depends on slab flatness and the depth needed to create a consistent finish.
Total Grind's accepted exposure choices are:
- Cream or nil exposure: minimal stone visible.
- Salt and pepper or minimal exposure: a light cut showing fine aggregate.
- Medium exposure: a deeper cut showing a varied aggregate pattern.
- Full exposure: the deepest grind, exposing the larger aggregate.
Exposure and sheen are separate decisions. A client can choose a lower or higher sheen within the finish that the slab and specification support.
How to compare quotes
Ask these questions in writing:
- Is the finish created during the pour or after the slab cures?
- What aggregate exposure is included?
- Is the slab being densified and mechanically polished, or ground and topically sealed?
- What sheen, repair scope and sample approval are included?
- What cure, access and maintenance requirements apply?
Wet-slab finishing belongs to the concreting package. A cured-slab grind and polish is a separate flooring scope. Compare the written inclusions rather than assuming one price relationship.
Existing slabs
An existing slab may suit a cream mechanical polish, a deeper aggregate exposure, or an indoor grind and seal. Slab strength, flatness, coatings, repairs and the required appearance decide the path. Total Grind assesses those conditions before confirming a finish.
For outdoor areas, honed concrete and outdoor grind and seal offer low-sheen systems designed around exposure, weather and the required grip. Slip testing is arranged where the project specification calls for it.
Get a clear scope for your slab
Read the relevant service page, then contact Total Grind N Polish with the location, approximate area and a few photos of the surface.
