We understand how important it is to keep your floors in perfect condition. That’s why we’ve prepared this practical guide to help you polish your terrazzo floor and restore its original shine.
Terrazzo is one of the most common materials used for home flooring, especially in areas like Mallorca. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 40% of homes in Spain have terrazzo floors, due to their durability and elegant appearance. However, over time, these floors can lose their shine and natural beauty.
Below, we’ll show you all the steps, tools, and tips needed to achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish when polishing terrazzo floors to keep them sparkling like new.
Is it worth polishing a terrazzo floor?
Polishing a terrazzo floor improves its appearance and makes it easier to maintain, extending its lifespan. It’s definitely worth it for several reasons:
- Terrazzo is known for its durability, but over time, its surface can become worn, losing its shine and developing scratches or stains. Terrazzo polishing restores the floor’s original, glossy appearance by removing damaged surface layers.
- A well-polished floor is much easier to maintain. The smooth surface created after polishing
prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt , making daily cleaning easier. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or near the beach, where an unpolished terrazzo floor can accumulate dirt more quickly. - A well-polished floor is much easier to maintain. The smooth surface created after polishing prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt, making daily cleaning easier. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or near the beach, where an unpolished terrazzo floor can accumulate dirt more quickly.
- Instead of replacing a worn floor, polishing offers a more economical solution that revitalizes the existing material. This way, you can enjoy a new, shiny floor without the cost and hassle of renovations.
Preparations before starting to polish the terrazzo
Before you begin polishing a terrazzo floor, it’s crucial to make some preparations to ensure an efficient process and achieve the best results. These initial steps will help you avoid problems during polishing and protect the surrounding areas from possible damage.
Gather the necessary tools and products
The first step in preparation is to gather all the tools and products you’ll need. To polish a terrazzo floor effectively, you’ll need a polishing machine, abrasive discs of varying grits, a liquid polish or shine, and a sealer to protect the floor after polishing.
Also, be sure to have microfiber cloths, a shop vacuum, and gentle cleaning products on hand to prepare the floor before and after the polishing process.
Clean and clear the area to be polished
Before you begin polishing, it’s essential to completely clean and clear the area you’ll be polishing. Remove all furniture, rugs, and decorative objects to prevent them from being damaged or interfering with the process. Then, sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dust and surface dirt.
A clean surface is essential for smooth, effective polishing and prevents dirt particles from causing additional scratches during the polishing process.
Protect baseboards and walls
The next step in preparation is to protect the baseboards and walls adjacent to the terrazzo floor. Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting or paper to cover these areas, preventing dust, polishing products, or machinery from causing damage.
This measure is especially important in enclosed spaces, where dust and splashes can be difficult to control. With these preparations, you can be sure that the polishing process will be safer and more effective, and that the rest of the room will be protected.
Tools and materials for polishing terrazzo
The success of polishing a terrazzo floor depends largely on the tools and materials you use. Having the right equipment ensures a professional and long-lasting finish. Below, we present the main tools and materials you’ll need to carry out this process.
Recommended polishing machines
Polishing machines are essential for achieving a smooth, glossy finish on terrazzo floors. It’s recommended to use a high-quality polishing machine that offers different speed settings and the ability to adjust the type of discs according to the required abrasion level.
There are specific polishers for home use, which are lighter and easier to handle, and industrial polishers, ideal for larger areas or more demanding projects. It’s important to choose a machine that’s suited to the surface you’re polishing and that can operate efficiently throughout the entire process.
Abrasive discs of different grains
Abrasive discs are another key component in the polishing process. They are used in different stages of polishing, starting with coarse-grit discs to remove imperfections and smooth the surface, and continuing with medium-and fine-grit discs to refine and polish the floor to an optimal shine.
It’s a good idea to have a complete set of abrasive discs in various grits (e.g., 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and even 1500) to perform progressive and detailed polishing. Changing discs at each stage is crucial to achieving a uniform and professional finish.
Polishing and sealing products
In addition to mechanical tools, it’s essential to have the right products to complete the polishing process and ensure the floor’s durability. Liquid polishers or polishing pastes are applied after using abrasive discs to give the terrazzo a smooth, shiny finish. These products help close the material’s pores and enhance its natural color.
Finally, it is essential to apply a specific terrazzo sealer, which will protect the floor from future stains, wear and tear, and moisture, thus prolonging its useful life and maintaining its impeccable appearance.
Step by step on how to polish a terrazzo floor
Polishing a terrazzo floor is a multi-stage process, each crucial to achieving a smooth, shiny, and long-lasting finish. Below, we’ll guide you step by step so you can achieve a professional polish on your terrazzo floor.
Initial polishing with a coarse grit disc
The first step in polishing terrazzo is to use a coarse-grit abrasive disc, usually between 50 and 100 grit, to remove the most visible surface imperfections, such as scratches, deep stains, or uneven surfaces. This initial polishing is done with a polishing machine, applying even pressure across the entire area.
It’s important to move steadily and avoid spending too much time in one spot to prevent grooves or damage to the floor. This step leaves the surface smooth and ready for the next level of polishing.
Intermediate polishing with medium grit disc
Once the initial polishing is complete, the intermediate polishing process begins using a medium grit disc, typically between 200 and 400. This step is crucial to remove any marks left by the coarse grit disc and to begin refining the surface of the terrazzo.
The goal is to further smooth the floor and begin to reveal a slight natural shine. As in the previous step, it’s essential to maintain a uniform motion and control the machine’s pressure to ensure a consistent finish.
Fine polishing for a smooth finish
After intermediate polishing, the next step is fine polishing, using fine-grit discs ranging from 800 to 1500. This polishing is what truly gives terrazzo flooring its characteristic shine and smooth finish. During this process, the terrazzo surface is polished to a high gloss, removing any remaining minor imperfections.
This step must be done very carefully, ensuring that the entire floor is treated evenly to obtain a homogeneous and shiny result.
Application of sealer for protection and shine
The final step in the polishing process is the application of a specific terrazzo floor sealer. The sealer protects the floor from stains, moisture, and wear, while also enhancing the shine achieved during polishing.
Apply evenly to a clean, dry floor, following the product instructions to ensure proper penetration and drying. Once applied, the sealer not only protects the floor but also enhances its shine, leaving the terrazzo with a professional and long-lasting finish.
Techniques to achieve a glossy finish
Below, we present some best practices to ensure your terrazzo floor has a flawless and long-lasting finish. Keep in mind that the cost of polishing or buffing your floor will vary depending on the method used.
Use of liquid polishes and shiners
Once mechanical polishing is complete, the use of liquid polishes and shiners is key to achieving a superior shine. These products are specifically formulated for terrazzo floors and act as a reinforcement of the polishing process.
They are applied evenly to the surface using a clean mop or cloth and worked into the floor using circular motions. Polishes enhance the shine and help protect the surface from wear and tear and environmental factors. It’s advisable to choose high-quality products to ensure a long-lasting, professional finish.
Polished with high speed machine
Final polishing with a high-speed machine is an advanced technique that can make a world of difference to the finish of a terrazzo floor. These machines, also known as burnishers, operate at much higher speeds than standard polishers, allowing for an exceptionally high shine.
Using a burnisher on an already polished floor helps seal micropores and further smooth the surface, resulting in an extremely smooth and glossy finish.
Cleaning and maintenance after polishing
After achieving the desired shine, proper cleaning and a regular maintenance plan are essential to preserving the terrazzo floor’s finish. Immediately after polishing, the floor should be cleaned to remove any remaining product residue or dust.
For daily maintenance, we recommend using mild, non-abrasive cleaning products, along with a microfiber mop to maintain the shine without damaging the surface.
In addition, it’s recommended to lightly polish periodically to renew the shine and apply an additional sealer if necessary. With proper maintenance, your terrazzo floor will retain its splendor for many years.
Advantages of hiring a professional polishing service
At Nord Baleares, as a cleaning company in Mallorca, we specialize in floor polishing, with extensive experience providing these services throughout the island. Below, we explain why trusting a professional team to polish your terrazzo floor is the best option.
- Professional service guarantees a high-quality finish. Our team in the North Balearic Islands uses advanced machinery and high-end products to achieve a uniform and long-lasting shine, difficult to achieve with household tools and products. In addition, our experience allows us to identify and treat any floor imperfections, ensuring a flawless result.
- Polishing a terrazzo floor requires time, effort, and specific technical knowledge. With Nord Baleares, you can be sure that the job will be completed quickly and effectively, minimizing disruption and ensuring your floor is ready for use in the shortest possible time.
- You ensure that the floor is properly protected after polishing. We apply high-quality sealants that enhance the terrazzo’s shine and protect the surface from stains, wear, and moisture, prolonging the floor’s lifespan.
Hiring a professional cleaning service like Nord Baleares for floor polishing in Mallorca guarantees a long-lasting finish with the peace of mind of knowing you’re leaving your floor in the hands of experts.
