Key takeaways
- Polish is in the slab, coatings sit on top
- Coatings hide flaws, polish shows character
- Polish resists tires and sun naturally
- Test patches settle the choice
How they are made
Polished concrete is the slab itself, ground through progressively finer diamond grits, hardened with densifier and guarded. There is no film on top. Coated concrete has a resin layer, such as epoxy or polyaspartic, bonded to the surface.
Both can look great, but they behave differently over time.
Pros and cons
Polished floors do not peel, are easy to maintain and look better with age, but they show the slab's character, including cracks and patches, and need a flat, hard slab. Coated floors hide flaws, offer color and pattern and resist chemicals, but the film can wear and need refreshing.
Polished floors resist hot tires and sunlight naturally. Coatings can offer more color choices, including flakes, metallics and solid colors.
Which to choose
Polished concrete suits warehouses, showrooms and modern homes where a natural look is desired. Coatings suit garages, workshops, kitchens and places where chemical resistance, color or flaw coverage matter.
A consultation with samples and a test patch helps you see the difference in your own light, whether you are in Nashville or elsewhere in Tennessee.
Related services
Quick answers
Is polished concrete cheaper than epoxy?
It depends on the slab and the level of polish. Light polish can cost less, and a high gloss with repairs can cost more.
Can I put a coating over polished concrete?
Sometimes, but the polish must be removed or scarified so the coating can bond.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-209-7643.