The Concrete Polishing Association of America has also:
Defined the polishing process and it's complexities:
CPAA has acknowledged that there are several versions of "polished concrete". The CPAA standardized the terminology and procedures to achieve each level of polish.
Bonded Abrasive Polished Concrete: The processing of a concrete surface by means of a multi step mechanical process that involves cutting and/or refining the surface to its maximum potential with a bonded abrasive medium where each step cuts progressively finer microscopic peaks and valleys until the desired level of reflective clarity and sheen is achieved. Bonded abrasive polished concrete has a high degree of reflective clarity like a mirror.
Burnished Polished Concrete: The processing of the concrete surface through means of a mechanical process that uses abrasive nylon pads where each step is burnished until the desired level of reflective clarity and sheen is achieved. When compared to bonded abrasive polished concrete, burnished polished concrete's reflective clarity quality is diminished and has a lower degree of durability.
Topical Polished Concrete: The processing of the concrete surface through means of a chemical application that lays on top of the concrete surface. It is the topical chemical that creates the polish appearance and not a mechanical process. The durability, reflective clarity and sheen of topical polished concrete will depend on the make up of the chemical. The CPAA does not recommend or endorse this version, as performance is completely dependent upon the chemical coating. However, the CPAA recognizes that, prior to Bonded Abrasive Polished Concrete, this was the method by which end users achieved a "shiny" floor.
Hybrid Polished Concrete: The processing of the concrete surface through means of a combination process that uses Bonded Abrasives, Burnished and/or Topical Polished Concrete. The durability, reflective clarity and sheen of hybrid polished concrete will depend on the combination of processes and make up of chemical used.
