Quick Answer

After epoxy removal, start with coarse metal-bond diamond tooling (30-60 grit) to open the surface, move through transitional ceramic or copper-bond pads at 80-200 grit, then finish with resin polishing pads from 400 grit up to 1500-3000 grit for the desired sheen. Clean between grit steps, densify after the 200-400 grit pass, and the floor will polish out clean and even.

Step 1: Strip the Epoxy Clean

Most epoxy needs mechanical removal. Use PCD tooling on a planetary machine or a scraping step, then verify no residue remains — leftover epoxy patches show up as dark spots after polishing. Grind the surface with a coarse metal-bond disc such as a diamond trapezoid grinding disc at 30-60 grit to level the concrete and expose a fresh matrix.

Step 2: Transition With Medium Grit

Switch from metal to transitional tooling around 80-200 grit. Ceramic bond transitional grinding pads and copper-bond pads bridge the gap between aggressive metal segments and resin pads, removing the scratches left by coarse grit without digging new ones.

Step 3: Resin Polishing

Move to diamond resin floor polishing pads and work through 400, 800, 1500, and 3000 grit (add 600 and 1000 for a finer intermediate). Each step removes the scratches of the previous grit; skip a step and the floor keeps a dull, hazy finish. For a glass-like commercial sheen, finish with 1500-3000 grit and burnish.

Key Rules for a Clean Result

Rule	Why it matters
Clean between grit steps	Carried abrasive scratches the floor at the next step
Apply densifier after 200-400 grit	Hardens the surface before final resin polishing
Check for epoxy residue in dark corners	Residue shows up as blotches after polishing
Test the sheen on a small area first	Confirm the grit sequence matches the concrete hardness

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to remove all the epoxy before polishing?

A: Yes. Epoxy that is not fully removed will show through the polished finish as dark spots or haze. Strip thoroughly, then grind with coarse metal tooling.

Q: Can I go straight from metal grinding to resin pads?

A: Not without heavy haze. Transitional ceramic or copper-bond pads at 80-200 grit remove coarse metal scratches so resin pads can refine the surface evenly.

Q: How long does polishing after epoxy removal take?

A>For a typical warehouse or retail slab, allow 200-400 m² per day with a planetary grinder through the full sequence, depending on concrete hardness and epoxy residue.

Q: What grit gives a satin vs a glossy finish?

A: Around 800-1500 grit gives a satin sheen; 3000 grit plus burnishing gives a glossy, almost mirror finish.

Conclusion

Polish after epoxy removal with a disciplined sequence: strip clean, grind coarse with metal tooling, transition through ceramic or copper-bond pads, then refine with resin pads and densify. Match the final grit to the sheen you want, and the floor will look new rather than patched.