What is grit progression in epoxy floor polishing?

Grit progression is the staged sequence of diamond abrasive grits applied during polishing to transform a concrete surface into a smooth, reflective epoxy floor. The process begins with coarse metal bond diamonds (typically 50-400 grit range) that cut through imperfections, stains, and old coatings. As work progresses, contractors move to successively finer grits (800-1500 range) with resin bonds that refine the surface micro-texture rather than aggressively removing material.

Each grit step serves a specific purpose. Coarser grits establish the profile and eliminate scratches from earlier passes. Mid-range grits begin leveling the surface, while fine resin bond grits create the polished, glossy finish that epoxy systems require for proper adhesion and appearance. Skipping steps or using inconsistent grit sequences results in visible swirl marks, dull spots, or uneven gloss.

The exact progression depends on the starting condition of the concrete, the epoxy system being installed, and the desired final sheen. Contractors working with residential or commercial projects in Ontario typically follow industry standards that adapt grit stages to floor age and prior finishing. Proper grit progression directly affects how well epoxy bonds to the concrete and how durable the finished floor will be.