Concrete floors don’t stay perfect forever. Traffic, moisture, and everyday wear can leave them looking worn, cracked, or uneven. 

The good news? Concrete is one of the few flooring types that can be fully restored — often looking better than when it was new.

At ACT Restoration, our grind-and-seal method is one of the most cost-effective ways to revive old concrete. It removes surface damage, enhances appearance, and protects the floor for years to come.

Below is our clear, step-by-step process so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Initial Assessment & Repairs

Before any grinding begins, we perform a detailed walkthrough of your concrete surface. 

During this assessment, our technicians evaluate:

  • Concrete hardness
  • Flatness and surface condition
  • The presence of coatings, mastics, or adhesives
  • Areas needing repair

Next, we deep-clean the floor to remove grease, dirt, and other contaminants. 

Any cracks, divots, or damaged areas are repaired with epoxy or semi-rigid fillers to ensure a stable, even base for grinding.

Step 2: Coarse Grinding (Surface Removal)

Using industrial diamond-segmented grinders, we remove the top layer of concrete to eliminate:

  • Old sealers or coatings
  • Surface stains
  • Uneven spots or imperfections

Aggregate Level

During this stage, we also set the level of aggregate exposure, which determines the final look:

  • Cream: minimal grinding; a smooth, uniform surface
  • Salt & Pepper: light grinding exposing fine aggregate
  • Exposed Aggregate: deeper grinding exposing larger stones

Edge work is completed with handheld grinders to ensure every corner matches the finish of the main floor.

Step 3: Fine Grinding & Honing

After the heavy removal phase, we switch to finer diamond grits to smooth the surface and eliminate earlier scratch patterns.

Each pass uses progressively finer abrasives. After each stage, the surface is thoroughly vacuumed to ensure no dust interferes with the final finish.

Step 4: Optional Staining or Dyeing

Want color? This is when we apply it.

Concrete stains and dyes — water-based or solvent-based — are added after the final honing stage. This step can create anything from subtle earth tones to bold, modern hues.

Step 5: Sealant Application

This is the “seal” in grind and seal. 

We ensure the surface is completely clean and dry, then apply high-quality protective sealant using rollers or squeegees. 

The sealant fills the pores of the concrete, adding:

  • Durability
  • Chemical resistance
  • A customizable sheen (matte, satin, or gloss)

Multiple coats are usually applied to achieve the desired thickness, durability, and gloss level. 

Step 6: Curing & Final Inspection

Once sealed, the floor needs time to cure. This step is essential for long-term performance.

After curing, we complete a final inspection to verify:

  • Consistent gloss
  • Smoothness
  • Overall uniformity
  • Alignment with your expectations

If needed, we make final touchups to ensure a flawless finish.

Schedule Minnesota Concrete Floor Restoration With ACT

Whether your project is residential or commercial, ACT Restoration delivers high-quality concrete floor restoration throughout Andover, Minnesota, and the surrounding area.

Our experienced technicians have transformed hundreds of concrete surfaces — and yours could be next.

📞 Call us at 763-432-3966 or request a free estimate online!