What makes polished concrete so durable?
The polishing process by itself does very little to contribute to the longevity of the flooring finish unless a densifier is used. A densifier is a chemically reactive product that reacts with compounds present in all concrete slabs. The densifier is typically a Silicate solution that is carried by Lithium, Potassium or Sodium and applied by sprayer or broom during the polishing process. The chemistry of the reaction that takes place is detailed, but the most important fact to note is that the chemical reaction creates a ‘skin’ of sorts on the concrete that is very abrasive resistant and is the sole reason a polished concrete slab retains its shine.