Benefits of Concrete Densifiers

The case for using densifiers when polishing concrete

Regardless of the type of densifier you choose, it's important to understand the wonderful features and benefits they offer, such as reduced dusting, higher gloss readings, increased abrasion resistance, and a longer lifespan of the concrete floor. Early on, I remember being skeptical of densifiers. After all, how could this clear liquid that had the appearance of water change the properties of concrete?

I vividly remember the moment our company became firm believers in using densifiers, which was on a large church project. After seeing the results, we have used densifiers ever since. On this 20,000-square-foot floor, I was told the concrete was extremely soft, largely because it had rained on the slab during installation. As a result, we had to apply densifier to the slab before we could even start grinding because it was so soft. After our first grinding pass with 80-grit metal-bond diamonds, we applied a second coat of densifier and kept the surface wet with the material for a minimum of 20 minutes to allow for complete saturation. This hardened the surface enough to allow us to successfully finish grinding and polishing.

The polishing work of Robert Chaney, Antex Western Ltd.,
British Columbia.

I asked seasoned polished concrete pros Chris Swanson of Colour, Sacramento, Calif., and Robert Chaney of Antex Western Ltd., British Colombia a few questions about the benefits of densifiers. Here are their answers:

What are the main benefits of using concrete densifiers?

Chaney: There are a number of benefits, but there are a number of risks too. Densifiers are idiosyncratic. As long as there is free lime present, a densifier will make your substrate harder. My favorite benefit is the ability to lock in a topical color application. Concrete will polish with no densifier, but the durability of the polish is prolonged with the use of a good densifier. The hardness that is achievable is really quite fascinating. Right now, I'm into nano-particulates; they are the wave of the future for so many different products.

Swanson: Floors seem to be much more resistant to staining, easier to clean, and free from dusting. In our experience, densifiers also produce a higher, deeper gloss than when not used.

Do you find that densifiers increase the longevity of your floors?

Chaney: Definitely.

Swanson: We believe that densifiers do add to the longevity of the floors. The surface of our polished floors are harder, easier to clean, and more stain resistant, so we do feel that the densifier increases the durability of our floors.

The polishing work of Chris Swanson, Colour, Sacramento, Calif.