What type of grinding wheels is the best for concrete?

Choosing the right grinding wheel (also called a grinding disc or grinding pad) is indeed the most crucial and confusing step in DIY hardened concrete flooring. Simply put, you don't need a single grinding wheel, but a complete set of grinding discs, from coarse to fine.

 

To help you make informed decisions when renting equipment and purchasing consumables, I've compiled a list of the types and combinations you need to know.

 

I. Three Core Grinding Discs You Need to Understand

Based on our previously determined "dry grinding" plan, you will need the following three types of core grinding discs. They have clearly defined functions and should be used in the following order:

Grinding Disc Type	Core Task	Key Features	Common Grit Range	Dry Grinding Applicability
Metal Grinding Discs	Leveling, Opening Up the Surface	Strongest grinding force, used to remove old paint and laitance, level uneven surfaces, and open concrete pores.	30-300 grit (e.g., 30#, 80#, 150#)	Applicable, must be connected to a high-powered industrial vacuum cleaner
Resin abrasive pads	grinding and polishing	Used for grinding and polishing to remove scratches from the previous process, gradually smoothing the surface and ultimately achieving a glossy finish. This is the most frequently used abrasive pad in the entire process.	Grit sizes range from 50 to 3000 (e.g., 50#, 150#, 300#, 500#, 1000#, 2000#, 3000#).	Dedicated dry abrasive pads are available for dry grinding.
Polishing pads/hair pads	Used for final gloss enhancement	after using the highest grit abrasive pads, further improving gloss and achieving a better mirror finish	Suitable for all grit sizes (e.g., #3 hair pads, scouring pads)	suitable for dry polishing.

 

II. DIY Practice:

How to Select and Replace Abrasive Pads Step by Step?

 

This is a checklist for grinding pad selection and usage, which you can use to communicate with rental shops or suppliers:

 

 

Step 1: Leveling and Surface Preparation (Preparation: Metal Grinding Pads)

What to Choose: Based on your previous description of the floor condition, if the floor has old paint or is uneven, you need to start with 30 or 50 grit metal grinding pads.

What to Do: Install the coarsest metal grinding pads to grind away the loose layer and contaminants on the surface, smoothing the floor.

 

Step 2: Coarse and Fine Grinding (Preparation: Resin Dry Grinding Pads)

What to Choose: This is the most crucial step. You need to prepare a set of resin dry grinding pads with grits ranging from low to high. A complete process usually includes: 50#, 150#, 300#, 500#, 1000#, 2000#, 3000#.

What to Do: Strictly follow the order of grit from low to high, changing the grinding pads one by one. Do not skip grits, otherwise the coarse scratches left by the low grits will not be eliminated, resulting in poor final results.

 

Step 3: Final Polishing (Preparation: Polishing Pad)

What to Choose: After grinding with 3000-grit resin grinding pads, prepare a bristle pad (e.g., #3) or a dedicated polishing pad.

What to Do: Install the polishing pad and perform a final high-speed polishing of the floor to achieve a more even and brighter shine.

 

 

III. Special Reminder: How to Avoid Buying the Wrong One?

• Clarify the Purpose of "Dry Grinding": When purchasing or renting, be sure to tell the seller that you are using it for "dry grinding concrete." Resin grinding pads are generally divided into "dry grinding pads" and "wet grinding pads," and their formulas differ. Buying the wrong one will affect the results or even damage the pad.
• About the Pad Shape: For DIY beginners, choose a regular round grinding pad. It is the most versatile and least likely to leave scratches due to improper operation.
• A classic grinding pad setup is: Metal grinding pads (30#, 80#, 150#) -> Resin grinding pads (100#, 200#, 400#, 800#, 1500#, 3000#) -> Polishing pads. You can prepare your "ammunition" according to this list.

 

To make preparation easier, I've compiled a grinding pad list for you following the standard process:

• Metal grinding pads: 30 grit, 80 grit, 150 grit (prepare a few of each, depending on the size of your machine's base).
• Resin dry grinding pads: 50 grit, 150 grit, 300 grit, 500 grit, 1000 grit, 2000 grit, 3000 grit (it's recommended to have a complete set).
• Polishing pads: Hair pads or scouring pads (1-2 pads).

 

What size is your grinding machine's disc? Tell me the specific dimensions, and I can help you calculate how many grinding pads of each grit you need.Our company has many years of experience in the production and manufacturing of concrete grinding discs. If you have any questions or during the grinding process, please feel free to leave us a message, and we will provide you with an efficient and economical grinding solution