Flatwork Installers
Exposed and polished concrete floors require flatwork that is of the highest quality since it will not be hidden by carpet, tile, or other coatings. As such, it is important that flatworkers understand the unique needs of polished concrete so they can work hand-in-hand with the polishers to ensure the customers satisfaction with the project.
Placement
- Aggregate must be well placed
- Paste at the top for cream finish if no agg exposure is desired
- Paste and fines at the top if a salt and pepper finish is desired
- Large agg placed as close to the top as possible if large agg exposure is desired
- Slab must be well vibrated for minimal air voids
- Slab must be well floated (bull, pan)
Finish
- 50/45 recommended FF/FL #
- Strike off level with form, edges not to lift or slope
- Properly finish around edges and stick ups
- Well floated / well troweled
- No trowel marks
- Do not burn when power troweling
- No indentions left on surface (ex: knee marks, shoe prints)
Cure
- Minimum 28 day cure time
- Wet cure with curing blankets is preferred
- Blankets must be pulled 5 days prior to the polish
- If cure and seal is necessary; use only dissipating cure and seal
If you are interested in learning more about polished concrete, please contact IPCI at 866-421-9550.
