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Polishing and Other Trades
Set the polishing sequence for each area before work starts, coordinating grinding, polishing and any specified sealer with partitions, wall finishes, casework and fixtures. The schedule also needs to provide weather protection and protect completed floors from continuing construction.
ACI SPEC-310.1-20 requires a coordinated polishing schedule. The Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) specification below illustrates one project-specific sequence.
Our preinstallation coordination guide covers the meetings and approvals that establish the schedule.
Submit a plan for each polished area
Under ACI §1.5.6, submit the polished-finish plan and schedule before polishing operations begin. Include:
- The finish and polishing operations for each area.
- All joint locations, including construction joints.
- Sequencing with other trades’ interior construction.
- Final weather protection.
- When protection is needed because other construction activities could damage the completed polishing work.
The ACI 310.1-20 specification guide explains how its requirements apply through the project Contract Documents.
Coordinate grinding, polishing and installation milestones
The APS polished concrete specification uses the following sequence:
| Other work | APS requirement |
|---|---|
| Non-load-bearing partition studs | Complete grinding steps to at least 100-grit resin before studs are erected. |
| Gypsum board and texture | Perform polishing steps after this work. |
| Casework and base | Complete polishing steps before installation. |
| Painting | Painting may take place before or after polishing, at the Contractor’s option. |
| Fixtures and accessories | Apply concrete sealer before installation. |
APS also permits continuing to finer grits before the non-load-bearing partition studs are erected, provided the polished slab is effectively protected during the remaining construction.
Plan site readiness, testing and protection
Before polishing starts, confirm the building shell excludes damaging weather, the area is clean, and water, power, lighting and ventilation are available. Build the Owner’s Testing Agency notice into the work schedule. The Concrete Polishing Council recommends coordinating the concrete and polishing subcontracts so protection can be priced for both stages: after initial slab placement and after polishing.
Confirm the building and work area are ready
Before polishing under ACI §3.1.2, confirm that:
- The building shell is sufficiently complete to exclude wind, rain, snow and other weather that could damage the work.
- Suitable water, power, lighting and ventilation are available.
- Lighting provides at least 40 foot-candles measured at the slab surface.
- The area is clean, with minimal construction materials and debris.
The substrate-acceptance guide covers the broader checks before work starts.
Allow time for required testing
Unless otherwise specified, ACI §1.7.1.4 requires at least 24 hours’ notice to the Owner’s Testing Agency before operations requiring the services identified in §§1.6.1.2(a)–(b). That notice allows the agency to schedule tests, review project requirements and assign personnel.
Include this notice in the work schedule. The ACI 310.1-20 guide linked above covers the testing responsibilities and reporting deadlines.
Price protection before construction advances
Concrete Polishing Council (CPC) Position Statement #3 recommends coordinating the concrete and polishing subcontracts together so protection can be discussed and priced for both stages: after initial slab placement and after polishing.
The construction protection guide addresses protection and access by other trades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. ACI requires a plan and schedule for each area before polishing begins, including coordination with other trades, weather protection and protection from damaging construction activity. The project documents establish the applicable sequence.
In the APS specification, yes. It places polishing after gypsum board and texture but before casework and base. Painting may occur before or after polishing. Other projects follow their own adopted sequence.
The APS specification permits it, provided the polished slab is effectively protected during the remaining construction. Its required milestone is grinding to at least 100-grit resin before non-load-bearing partition studs are erected.
Polished Concrete Knowledge Center
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