FINISHING OPTIONS
Commercial & Institutional & Public Spaces
For commercial, institutional, industrial, and public spaces, the typical finishing option is a 200-grit polished finish with a topical sealer and wax. This finish is ideal for spaces that receive a high volume of foot traffic and where maintenance teams are equipped to use buffers and other equipment to regularly polish, strip, and reseal the terrazzo on an annual basis. This is the industry standard for fit, finish, and slip resistance.
Small Commercial and Residential Applications
For small commercial and residential applications, the same 200-grit polished finish with topical sealer and wax is available. However, this option typically requires more maintenance equipment than most owners have on hand, including buffers and related equipment for regular polishing, stripping, and resealing. Alternative finish options include a 400-grit honed finish with a penetrating sealer, a 600-grit satin finish with a penetrating sealer, and an 800-grit gloss finish with a penetrating sealer. These penetrating-sealer options allow the owner to maintain the floor similarly to a stone countertop, using regular dry and wet mopping routines, with repolishing typically performed every three to five years.
Wall Panels and Counter Tops
Wall panels and countertops are available with a 400-grit honed finish, 600-grit satin finish, or 800-grit gloss finish, all finished with a penetrating sealer. These finishes allow for optimum cleanability while helping protect the terrazzo from dirt, debris, and spills.
Exterior Cement Terrazzo
Cement terrazzo has two additional finish types (seen below) due to its ability to be washed and acid etched. Both finishing techniques are ideal for exterior applications where optimum slip resistance is a necessity.
Acid Wash
An acid-wash terrazzo finish etches the terrazzo surface to create a surface profile that far exceeds the slip resistance of a traditional 200-grit topical finish.
Rustic Terrazzo
A washed terrazzo finish that exposes the jagged edges of the aggregate, creating an even stronger profile for maximum slip resistance. These finishes are ideal for large outdoor plazas, sidewalks, and other exterior pedestrian areas.