Description
Grind, hone, and polish cured concrete surfaces (floors, slabs, countertops) to specified flatness, gloss, and profile using planetary grinders and hand tools; repair minor defects, densify and seal, cut or fill joints, and apply dyes or guards to deliver durable, decorative finishes.
- • Inspect slabs for hardness, flatness, moisture, coatings, and surface condition.
- • Develop polishing plan, tooling selection, and grit progression to meet specs.
- • Set up work area, protect adjacent finishes, and post safety signage.
- • Assemble and operate planetary grinders, edge grinders, and burnishers.
- • Control dust with HEPA vacuums and shrouds or manage wet slurry disposal.
- • Perform initial metal-bond grinding to flatten and open the surface.
- • Progress through resin-bond honing and polishing grits to target sheen.
- • Detail edges, corners, and column bases with hand-held polishers.
- • Fill cracks, pinholes, and joints with epoxy or polyurea as specified.
- • Densify concrete at the proper stage using lithium or sodium densifiers.
- • Apply dyes, stains, or integral color treatments when required.
- • Apply protective guards or sealers and burnish to enhance stain resistance.
- • Verify gloss, surface profile, and slip resistance with appropriate meters.
- • Remove existing coatings, mastics, or adhesives prior to polishing.
- • Repair spalls, chips, and divots; blend repairs to surrounding finish.
- • Clean and neutralize surfaces between steps to prevent contamination.
- • Cut or widen control joints and expansion joints as specified.
- • Create decorative saw cuts, borders, or inlays per layout.
- • Mask and protect walls, fixtures, and equipment from dust and overspray.
- • Coordinate power, staging, and sequencing with other trades.
- • Calibrate, replace, and dress tooling; track grit progression and usage.
- • Maintain consistent passes, head pressure, and machine speed for uniformity.
- • Produce mock-ups and sample areas for client approval.
- • Train and direct helpers in safe tool operation and material handling.
- • Document conditions, results, and maintenance recommendations.
- • Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot polishing equipment.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
