Terrazzo is a highly-prized flooring offering unique surfaces that can be admired for decades. But, over those years, foot traffic, accidents and the elements take a toll, and these floors might start to look worn out.

Fortunately, terrazzo can be restored to all its original glory. It takes skill and some heavy machines, but after a few days, your floors can look new again!

What Is Terrazzo?

Terrazzo is a flooring material used for centuries and is still popular today. It has a distinctive speckled or mottled appearance, adding a unique aesthetic to any space.

This flooring is made by mixing marble, quartz or glass chips with cement or epoxy to create a smooth, hard surface. Terrazzo can be customized with different chip colours and sizes, or mixed with alternative materials, like metal and mother-of-pearl.

Terrazzo is durable, long-lasting and can be used for indoor and outdoor flooring. It is easy to clean and maintain, resisting stains and scratches.

Terrazzo Restoration Process

Terrazzo restoration involves several steps to bring back its shine and fine details, including:\

• The first step is thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove all dirt and grime.
• Then, the terrazzo is honed using diamond abrasives to remove scratches, stains and etches from the surface.
• Finally, the terrazzo is polished with progressively finer diamond abrasives to achieve a high gloss finish.

The process of terrazzo restoration requires specialized equipment and expertise. Choosing a reputable and experienced restoration company ensures the best results.

Does Terrazzo Need To Be Waxed?

For many years, the standard terrazzo restoration involved waxing as the final step. But this leads to yellowing and dirt collection, and after a short time, the wax will require stripping and reapplication.

As floor restoration professionals, we never recommend waxing terrazzo. It creates unnecessary maintenance and won’t look good for long.

Polishing terrazzo is a superior method for terrazzo restoration. The shine given by this process is much longer lasting than with wax.

Terrazzo Polishing Explained

The first step of the polishing process involves using diamond abrasives to remove scratches and stains on the surface. Also, holes or cracks are repaired to create a smooth surface.

The second step of the polishing process is to apply a densifier to harden it and improve its resistance to wear and tear. It also enhances the clarity of the terrazzo for the most stunning surfaces.

The final stage of terrazzo polishing involves using progressively Finer Diamond Abrasives to achieve a matte to a glossy finish. This process results in an extremely hard surface that resists scratches and other damage.

Does Terrazzo Need To Be Sealed?

Sealing restored terrazzo will protect against water and staining. It’s different from waxing because it penetrates the surface rather than only coating it.

The sealer is made from a resin-based material and creates a protective barrier. Sealing helps to prolong the terrazzo’s lifespan, makes it easier to clean and maintain, and enhances its appearance by adding depth and clarity to the colours.

If you’re interested in restoring your terrazzo floors, call Ottawa Concrete Polishing today for a free quote and to schedule a consultation!

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