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Concrete lasts for many years, but over time, it can start to develop imperfections. Rough areas, stains, pocks, and bumps in your concrete can change the way it looks and the way it feels underfoot. Whether you're grinding down an imperfection or changing the texture and appearance of your concrete, sanding concrete is an easy way to change your concrete's texture.
Using concrete repair products and sanding materials from Discount Contractor Supply can help get the work done. At Discount Contractor Supply, we provide contractors and service professionals with top-grade tools to tackle any concrete sanding project. We believe that you shouldn't have to pay high prices for good tools.
There are many reasons to sand concrete, including:
Smooth down rough edges
Change the texture and appearance of the concrete
Remove stain or paint to expose the raw concrete beneath
Prep the surface for repairs
Some people choose to sand concrete to refresh the look of their patio or driveway. Whatever the reason, it's important to use the right tools for your project.
Before getting started, gather the concrete supplies you'll need to polish concrete:
PPE (for example gloves, respirator, eye protection, long sleeves, coveralls)
Concrete sandpaper (low grit numbers for shaving down larger, rougher areas - high grit numbers for polishing)
Sander
There are several different types of sanders, and you'll need to choose the sander that's right for your project. For small, precise areas, professional-grade hand tools can provide detailed corrections. Larger sanding tools are ideal for extensive areas that require uniform results.
Professionals can invest in high-quality sanding tools to achieve efficiency and accuracy on large projects. Match the level of PPE that you wear to the size of the job. The more you plan to sand, the more PPE you'll likely need. Perform the work in a well-ventilated space. Concrete dust can be hazardous in various ways and can affect your breathing, vision, and more.
Sanding concrete requires patience and the right tools, especially when working on a large surface area. Achieving a smooth, polished finish requires patience, the right tools, and a careful approach.
Always wear PPE before starting any construction project. Make sure you have gloves, safety goggles, a dust mask, and ear protection as described in the PPE section above.
Clean the concrete thoroughly and remove any debris. Chisel away large protrusions or rough edges to create a smoother surface for sanding. For filling pocks or holes, use concrete that matches the color of the original surface. Once filled and sanded, staining the concrete can help achieve a uniform appearance.
Choose a concrete sander suitable for the size and scope of your project. For small areas, a hand sander might suffice, but larger areas may require an electric sander. If using an electric sander, ensure you are trained in its operation as it can be challenging to control and achieve consistent results. Tool rental centers often provide options for renting these devices.
Clear the area of any obstacles and debris to create a safe workspace. If furniture or other items cannot be moved, cover them with a durable tarp to shield them from concrete dust. Provide adequate ventilation to control dust and maintain air quality.
Begin sanding with coarse grit sandpaper to remove rough spots and level the surface. Gradually switch to finer grits for a smoother, polished finish. If polishing is your goal, progressively increase the grit number until you achieve the desired shine.
Once sanding is complete, remove all dust and debris from the area. Use a vacuum or a damp cloth to ensure a clean surface.
To enhance durability and appearance, apply a concrete sealer or finish. This step protects the surface and adds a professional touch.
Sanding can be done with wet or dry concrete, but many experts recommend sanding wet concrete whenever possible. Wet sanding is safer because it produces less harmful dust. If you are going to sand with a power tool, wet sanding is only an option if you're using a wet sander. Follow manufacturer instructions to ensure that you're using your power tool correctly.
Below are sanding tools and techniques to consider for your sanding project.
Hand sanding can be done with a small non-powered hand-held sanding device. Hand sanding can also be done with sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block. Hand sanding is not practical for large areas, but may be perfect for correcting a small problem on your concrete surface.
Orbital sanders are hand-held sanding devices with a round sanding face that spins in any direction. Orbital sanders are good for small projects, like if you're sanding a countertop.
An angle grinder is a power tool with a circular grinding disc for grinding large areas at once. Angle grinders are effective and fast, but can be difficult to control if you don't have experience using them.
A floor sander is a large device that you can rent or purchase to sand large areas. Floor sanders are also called walk-behind sanders because you stand behind them and push them forward. Floor sanders do require training and can be difficult to control without special knowledge of how to use these devices.
A belt sander is a device that's used to sand large areas that need deep sanding. Belt sanders can leave sanding marks behind, even if you're an experienced pro, so you may need to use an orbital sander to smooth the finish when you're done using the belt sander.
At Discount Contractor Supply, we sell sanding equipment and a range of other devices for concrete installation. We're your source for decorative concrete ideas, concrete finishing tools, edgers and groovers, texture rollers, and more. To get started with your next concrete project, contact Discount Contractor Supply. We're here to help!
