The RetroPlate® Concrete Polishing System transforms new and existing concrete floors into durable, highly polished surfaces with a sleek, customizable finish. The system combines industrial diamond grinding, optional coloring and decorative elements, RetroPlate densification, and progressively finer diamond polishing to create floors with enhanced durability, long-lasting shine, and low maintenance requirements.
RetroPlate
High-Performance Concrete Polishing
Sizes:
1 gal (3.79 L), 5 gal (19 L), 55 gal (208 L)
Coverage Rates:
200 ft²/gal (5 m²/L)
Dilution Ratio:
Ready-to-use — Do Not Thin
Quick Links & Tools
Jump To Section
✔
Enhanced Durability & Longevity
The RetroPlate system chemically hardens and densifies concrete, increasing resistance to wear and extending floor life.
✔
High-Gloss Finish
Progressively finer diamond grits create a smooth, reflective finish ranging from satin to highly polished.
✔
Low Maintenance
Polished concrete requires minimal upkeep and can be routinely maintained with a pH-balanced cleaner.
✔
Stain & Spill Resistance
The smooth, non-porous polished surface helps protect against stains, spills, and topical damage.
✔
Customizable Appearance
Floors can incorporate colors, dyes, stains, logos, patterns, and exposed decorative aggregate.
✔
Long-Lasting Shine
RetroPlate densification supports a durable polished surface and helps maintain the floor's appearance over time.
✔
Versatile Applications
The system can be used for commercial, industrial, and residential concrete flooring projects.
Follow the recommended application procedures and use appropriate safety equipment during concrete polishing.
The RetroPlate® Concrete Polishing System is designed to be performed by Certified Applicators using appropriate grinding, densification, and polishing equipment.
Surface Preparation
- Inspect the concrete surface and identify cracks, chips, coatings, mastic, scratches, and other imperfections.
- Clean the concrete thoroughly and remove dirt, debris, existing coatings, or materials that may interfere with grinding.
- Determine the desired level of aggregate exposure and final finish before beginning the polishing process.
Standard Application Procedure
- Grinding: Grind the floor using industrial-strength diamond tools to remove imperfections, marks, scratches, coatings, or mastic and expose the desired level of aggregate.
- Coloring: Add color, logos, patterns, or decorative elements as required for the desired floor design.
- Densification: Apply RetroPlate to the concrete surface. The densifier penetrates the concrete and chemically reacts to harden and densify the floor by filling pores and creating a dense surface.
- Polishing: Polish the floor using progressively finer diamond grits to achieve the desired level of sheen and reflectivity.
- Final Finish: The finished floor can range from a flat or ground appearance to satin, polished, or highly polished finishes.
Maintenance
- Sweep or dust mop the floor regularly to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Clean with a pH-balanced cleaner such as CreteClean Plus with Scar Guard.
- Use a mop and bucket or an automatic scrubber 2–3 times per week depending on traffic levels.
- Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners that can damage or deteriorate the polished surface.
- Use protective pads or coasters under equipment and furniture legs to help prevent scratches or indentations.
What is the RetroPlate® Concrete Polishing System?
The RetroPlate® Concrete Polishing System is a concrete floor polishing system that transforms new and existing concrete into durable, polished surfaces with customizable levels of sheen and appearance.
What are the main steps in the RetroPlate® polishing process?
The process includes surface preparation, grinding, optional coloring, densification with RetroPlate, and polishing with progressively finer diamond grits.
What does RetroPlate® densifier do?
RetroPlate penetrates the concrete and chemically reacts to harden and densify the floor by filling pores and creating a dense surface.
Can RetroPlate® be used on existing concrete floors?
Yes. The system can be used to transform both new and existing concrete floors into polished surfaces.
Can polished concrete be customized?
Yes. Polished concrete can incorporate integral color, dry shake, topical dyes and stains, custom logos, patterns, and decorative aggregate.
What type of finish can the RetroPlate® system achieve?
The floor can be finished with a flat or ground, satin or honed, polished, or highly polished appearance.
How do you maintain a RetroPlate® polished concrete floor?
Regular cleaning with a pH-balanced cleaner such as CreteClean Plus with Scar Guard is recommended. Floors can be cleaned with a mop and bucket or an automatic scrubber 2–3 times per week depending on traffic.
Does polished concrete require a lot of maintenance?
No. Polished concrete requires minimal upkeep compared with traditional flooring materials and can be maintained through routine cleaning.
Can a topical sealer be applied to polished concrete?
Yes. A topical concrete sealer can be applied for additional protection in high-traffic or spill-prone areas.
Who should perform the RetroPlate® Concrete Polishing System?
The RetroPlate® Concrete Polishing System is performed by RetroPlate Certified Polished Concrete Applicators using specialized grinding, polishing, and burnishing equipment.
Coverage Calculator
Calculate Your Product Needs
Coverage Rates: 1,500–2,000 ft2/gal (37–50 m2/L)
RetroGuard
Coverage estimate based on the selected area and RetroGuard coverage rate.
Estimated
0 gal
Based on 1,500–2,000 ft²/gal
Green and Sustainable
The RetroPlate® System is a green and environmentally friendly concrete polishing system designed to enhance the performance of existing concrete while minimizing environmental impact. The system is water-based, odorless, non-flammable, and contains no VOCs, solvents, toxic ingredients, or harmful vapors. It provides an environmentally safe approach throughout the polishing process.
When existing coatings need to be removed, wet grinding can be used instead of acids and other strong chemical strippers. The RetroPlate® process utilizes water and naturally occurring materials to strengthen concrete while refurbishing existing slabs. By reusing and enhancing existing concrete rather than replacing it, the system helps conserve energy, reduce waste, and limit contributions to landfills.
RetroPlate® is a water-based sodium silicate product that chemically interacts with the calcium hydroxide in concrete to strengthen the slab. Rather than creating a topical floor covering that requires extensive maintenance, stripping, ongoing topical treatments, or future disposal, the system enhances the performance of the existing concrete itself. The result is a durable, environmentally responsible, and cost-efficient flooring solution.
The RetroPlate® System can support green building goals for corporations, retailers, schools, healthcare facilities, architects, and facility managers seeking to reduce both operational and environmental costs. Its natural process and environmentally conscious maintenance approach, including the recommended use of CreteClean Plus with Scar Guard™, make it a suitable solution for projects pursuing sustainable construction and LEED certification goals.
Explore Standout Projects & Results
Our Project Highlights Books showcase stunning concrete floors from around the world, created using
Ashford Formula, RetroPlate, and other solutions in our product line.
Each volume celebrates the craftsmanship of our applicators and the exceptional results they deliver for clients
across a wide range of industries and environments.
Volume 1
Try These Picks
Get In Touch
Need pricing or more details? We’re ready to support your project and answer any questions you may have. Let’s keep the conversation going!