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Contractors can cut the surface to any one of a number of degrees, including surface cream, fine aggregate, medium aggregate or large aggregate. These layers are a key element when processed concrete. The goal is to refine to and remain within the desired layer and make it as consistent as possible throughout. These layers often can vary in thickness through the surface of the slab.

Once the concrete has been ground to the desired layer, it needs to be refined to the desired level of reflection. Honed concrete typically stops at 200- or 400-grit resin; a semi-polished surface typically stops at 400- or 800-grit resin; and a highly polished surface typically stops at 1,500- or 3,000-grit resin.

Additional decorative enhancements may also be included in the process, including coloring with integral, acid-stained, and water- or solvent-based stains and dyes; saw cut patterns; and engraving.

Grinding, honing and polishing processes
There is a difference between clarity of reflection, sheen, shine, depth, uniformity and color of reflection. To properly grind, hone and polish concrete and obtain the maximum "clarity of reflection" and "durability" the concrete surface will allow, a proper grit sequence must be used that allows for full refinement of the concrete surface with each grit abrasive before moving to the next progressively finer grit abrasive - even if the desired result is not a deep clarity of reflection. To obtain a clean, crisp look of the concrete surface at a 200-, 400- and 800-grit resin, each grit must be performed and refined to its maximum potential.

Full refinement of the concrete surface extends beyond replacing the scratch pattern created by the previous grit abrasive with the next progressively finer grit abrasive. Once the scratch pattern has been replaced from the previous grit, more refinement of the concrete can be achieved. Not performing full refinement from one progressively finer grit to the next will not produce the best possible results, not allow the floor to have its maximum durability and will cause the surface to prematurely wear.