Synthetic diamond is an important factor in the success of surface treatment projects. Concrete grinding diamonds come in many shapes, sizes and strengths. Sizes are classified by mesh or grain size, but larger diamonds have lower numbers (18/20), while smaller diamonds have higher numbers (such as 80/100 or 170/200). While larger diamonds are used to expose the aggregate, smaller diamonds will buff or polish your surface. When preparing surfaces, 30/40 grit is a good starting point, while 18/30 is better for more intense sanding and 80/100 is best for buffing.
These diamond tools, used to cut and grind surfaces, are suspended in a matrix called a bond, which can be made of metal, resin, plastic or other materials. Over time, this bond breaks down, revealing new diamonds. The composition of the bond is important because your grinder will work best if the diamonds are always exposed to the grinding or polishing surface. On hard concrete, soft bonded diamond works best, while hard bonded diamond is recommended for softer surfaces.
Since some experimentation may be required at the beginning of a project, your concrete grinding contractor should prepare various grit sizes with three or more different binders to determine which combination best suits your needs. High-quality diamond tools are an important investment for concrete floor contractors. By using the right diamonds, you can avoid potential problems that can shorten the life of your floors, as well as other undesirable results that you may experience when polishing floors or applying stains, sealants or coatings.