I have a 6th grade education
so dumb it down for me
No problem. Hope this helps:
-- A mechanical Polish naturally brings the finish to a more reflective finish with clear images using resin-based diamond abrasives. More aggressive grits remove damage (220 grit, 400 grit). Finer grits bring up the shine or reflection (800, 1500, 3000, 8000 grits). Just like sand paper to wood, a finer grit makes it smoother. With stone, smoother means it will reflect light more. This final finish is the more durable, but it can still scratch and etch, and you use no chemicals. The maintenance to a mechanical finish is easier to take care of than a coating (epoxy or acrylic)
BUT, there is no reason to do a mechanical polish above 800 grit if you are dead set on coating the floor with a solvent-based topical chemical. Any coating will still scratch and scuff. And it is more difficult to remove damage from an epoxy than a mechanically treated floor (in my experience).
A mechanical finish up to 800 grit will bring more reflectivity. You will have to ask the manufacturer if prepping the floor mechanically up to a 800 grit finish is compatible with their product.
You have decided to use an solvent-based acrylic coating. This coating will need to be burnished to maintain the finish. In the string above I thought you said you didn't want a coating that needed to be burnished?
STONE PRO makes a water-based Acrylic guard that is compatible with mechanical polishing. They recommend to prep the floor starting with a 200 grit then go to 400 grit finish, then apply Smartkrete SmartGuard. The SmartGuard reduces the harmful effect of acids on concrete as well as repels oils and grease.
Hope this helps.
What's a "mechanical polish"?
is that compatible with this ?
"solvent based cure-seal (
APC PRECISION CLEAR-SEAL-30 PREMIUM). "
are there any finishes or sealers that aren't compatible?
Thnkz
..L.T.A.