Video: 3M Building and Commercial Services Division offers customers technology and knowledge on polished concrete

The science of concrete polishing

February 6, 2013

James McArdle, Lead Development Specialist at 3M's Building and Commercial Services Division, discusses the science of concrete polishing with ForConstructionPros.com anchor Roger Mann.

"3M is a solutions provider of technology and scientific understanding of industrial processes. Concrete is a fascinating type of substrate," says McArdle.

This sealer was over applied. It should have been applied 1 to 2 mils thick, but was likely 20 to 30 mils thick.

'Thin to Win' With Decorative Concrete Sealers

Thin applications are the simple answer to many acrylic sealer problems contractors face on decorative concrete projects like stamped and stained concrete.

Abrasives where abrasive material is sprayed onto a nylon pad are used for maintenance and light restoration.

Abrasives 101

Learn how to choose the correct abrasives for grinding and polishing concrete.

Fast and effective

Fast and effective

What to do if roads are worn out? If only the top layer is damaged, only that layer needs to be repaired. Take advantage of innovative solutions.

Coca-Cola and Exposed Pea Gravel Concrete Finish

Coca-Cola & Exposed Pea Gravel Concrete Finish

The brothers behind Catelli’s Excavation Inc. told the world how they accomplished their concrete finish - instead of sugar water or branded retarder, they used a bottle of Coke.

Jon-Don has partnered with PPG to expand its offering of resinous floor coatings for concrete flooring.

Jon-Don Partners with PPG to Expand Resinous Coatings

Jon-Don has also partnered with PPG to create a series of one-day training events for concrete professionals who want to learn how to select and apply PPG products.

United Rentals Concrete Equipment

How Renting Grinders and Scarifiers Can Save Money, Time

Unless a contractor specializes in floor projects, it can be cost-prohibitive to own concrete grinders and scarifiers that are not used frequently.

JM Lifestyles in New Jersey installs or ships their Woodform® Concrete creations all over the world.

Finishing Techniques for Concrete Countertops

As one of the few building materials created from raw ingredients, concrete is a fantastic material to design and work.

Buddy Rhodes, owner of Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products, achieves the Pressed Surface look in this precast application.

How to Choose a Concrete Countertop Mix Design

When completing precast projects, contractors can use a bag mix or a made-from-scratch mix and choose from a number of admixtures and colors.

There were 19 winners in the specials, buildings, and transportation categories; there were also 15 honorable mentions.

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Reveals Winners of the 2024 Design Awards

For 61 years, the PCI Design Awards program has showcased and recognized creative and innovative uses of precast concrete.

How to Marble Concrete

How I Make Concrete Marble

How Bradley Coomes, owner of Coomes Custom Concrete Creations, creates a marbling effect for concrete countertops and concrete tabletops.

When slabs on ground are polished, non-uniform exposure of aggregate is a result of high spots cause by slab curling. Deflection of many suspended slabs exceeds the upward movement at curled slabs, so polishing may result in even larger areas that exhibit such non-uniform aggregate exposure.

Why Polishing Suspended Concrete Slabs is More Likely to Disappoint Customers

Polished-concrete specifications are based on experience with slabs-on-grade, so contractors must help project owners understand how results will likely vary when polishing suspended slabs

Train The Trainer Training For Concrete and Masonry Contractors

How To: Skilled Labor Training

The OPCMIA provides concrete contractors, plasters, and cement masons a path on training and apprenticeship programs throughout the country - directly addressing the challenge of finding skilled labor.

For indoor or outdoor use, EZ Stain Premium uses nano-bonding technology and pigments to deliver a natural look that will not peel or flake.

Glaze N' Seal Offers EZ Stain Premium for Concrete Applications

For indoor or outdoor use, EZ Stain Premium uses nano-bonding technology and pigments to deliver a natural look that will not peel or flake.

The official introduction of Allen by Messersì products into the North American market will occur at the 50th Annual World of Concrete tradeshow.

Allen Engineering Announces North American Messersì Partnership

The partnership will bring Allen by Messersì tracked buggies and tracked dumpers to North America.

Based on solvent-free hybrid silane polyether technology, the non-shrink single-component products can be used on a range of substrates and bond to a range of construction materials.

CTS Cement Black Rapid Set Non-Sag Sealant and Adhesive and Self-Leveling Sealant

Based on solvent-free hybrid silane polyether technology, the non-shrink single-component products can be used on a range of substrates and bond to a range of construction materials.

How To Get Started With Color Hardener

How To Get Started With Color Hardener

Color hardener is not just old technology. There are countless stamped concrete contractors for end users to choose from, but the contractors that use color hardener seem to stand out from the crowd.

Best Practices For Exposed Glass Aggregate With Polished Concrete

Best Practices: Polishing Over Glass Aggregate

In search of a best practices standard for the surface broadcast of glass aggregate on concrete flatwork, a field study evaluated installation techniques, how to deal with adverse conditions, and the troubleshooting of and repair of common issues.

Your slurry management plan should address containment of slurry leaks and spills, such as the use of jute mesh, above, floc logs, and absorbent socks or pads.

How to Properly Handle Concrete Slurry

The rules governing the disposal of concrete slurry created during polishing, cutting and grinding can be murky without a set of guidelines to follow.

Proper surface prep includes removing any coatings or impurities on the concrete slab as well as leveling and profiling the concrete so the overlay can bond with the surface.

How To Prepare A Concrete Surface For Decorative Concrete Overlay

A decorative concrete overlay is only as good as the surface it is applied to. Use proper surface preparation to ensure a successful finished product.

Architectural Concrete Vs Decorative Concrete

Perception, Perspective & Purpose

Do you consider architectural concrete, decorative? What's the difference between the two? If there's a separation, where does that contraction joint lay?

Rust-Oleum Innovates All-In-One Packaging System, World Of Concrete 2024

Rust-Oleum Innovates All-In-One Packaging System, World Of Concrete 2024

Alongside cutting-edge coating solutions, Rust-Oleum will introduce an innovative All-In-One Packaging system for two-component kits, designed to transform inventory management and streamline application processes.

Adobe Stock 190729587

Top 5 Trends in Concrete Flooring

Contractors should understand and embrace these five trends in concrete flooring to offer homeowners more than a functional flooring solution.

The World of Concrete will celebrate its 50th year during the World of Concrete 2024 show.

World of Concrete Celebrates 50 Years

Join us and the whole of the concrete industry as World of Concrete celebrates 50 years!

Dcc Awarrds Screencapture

Winners of the 2023 Decorative Concrete Awards

Announced during the American Society of Concrete Contractors Conference, here are the 2023 winners of the Decorative Concrete Council Awards.

Using polyurethane sealant technology, Wall and Cavity Foam is a spray ready, single canister solution with 2-Componenet spray foam versatility.

DAP Launches 1-component Broadcast Spray Foam

Using polyurethane sealant technology, Wall and Cavity Foam is a spray ready, single canister solution with 2-Component spray foam versatility.

Aaron Statser Joins Coval Technologies As General Manager - Flooring Division

Coval Technologies Hires General Manager - Flooring

Aaron Statser joins Coval Technologies as General Manager.

Stand the Test of Time | JLG®

Stand the Test of Time | JLG®

Your work is meant to weather through some of the toughest conditions. Your equipment should do the same. That's why the best contractors trust JLG®.