Can You Sand Concrete? (Find Out Now!)

Let’s face it. In its natural form, concrete is not the most attractive material, but it is very durable. Interior designers have found ways to transform concrete to create a modern aesthetic. Finished concrete is now being used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms in a home. Concrete is finished with a combination of sanding, tinting, and sealing.

Yes, you can sand concrete. For large jobs, use an orbital grinder. Use a sanding block for smaller areas. Use 40 to 60 grit sandpaper. If there are flaws in the concrete, use 80 to 120 grit sandpaper in those areas. Use 200 to 400 grit sandpaper to finish the surface. Wipe off any dust, and apply a concrete sealer.

Let’s take a look at how to sand concrete for various applications in the home.

The easiest way to sand large areas of concrete is with an orbital grinder and sand paper. Smaller areas and tight spaces need to be sanded by hand using a sanding block. Angle grinders are also good for sanding cement, but you should have some experience with the tool. Angle grinders require a greater level of control than orbital grinders.

Concrete needs to be sanded in stages. First, start with 40 to 60 grit sandpaper to remove most of the rough surface. If there are flaws or seams in the concrete, use 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Finish the surface with a 200 to 400 grit sandpaper.

Concrete is the perfect material for garage floors. It absorbs spills, stands up to the weight of vehicles, and can take a beating. You don’t need to finish concrete in a garage for it to be durable. Sanding and sealing a garage floor make it easier to clean and seals against water and stains.

Use an orbital floor sander with a dust bag. The machine works with any type of sandpaper, and the dust bag saves time for cleaning up the work space. Fill in cracks and holes in the concrete with epoxy or a patching slurry. Make the first pass with a 30 to 60 grit sandpaper, then use 80 to 120 grit. For the final pass, use a 1,500-grit sandpaper.

Related Questions

How do I repair a crack in concrete?

Make a slurry of cement and water. Fill in the crack, and remove any excess from the edges to even out the surface with the concrete slab.

How do I refinish concrete floors?

Fill in cracks and holes with a slurry. Apply a fresh coat of concrete stain or paint. You don’t need to strip concrete floors.

How much do concrete countertops cost?

Expect to pay $30 to $90 per square foot for concrete countertops. Labor costs $30 to $90 per hour. The installer may pre-fabricate the countertops, or pour concrete into molds onsite.

You can sand concrete. In fact, it is a best practice. From an aesthetic standpoint, it gives the concrete a finished loo. From a practical standpoint, it prepares the concrete for sealing.

Fill cracks and holes with a slurry of cement and water. Let it set for about 48 hours before sanding.

Use an orbital floor sander for patios, interior floors, and garage floors. Use a handheld orbital sander or sanding blocks for small areas and corners. You can also use an angle grinder to sand concrete. These tools are more powerful than orbital sanders, so exercise caution. If you work too quickly, you may gouge the concrete or remove too much. Use diamond sandpaper rather than normal sandpaper. It saves you time. Normal sandpaper works on concrete, but the work takes longer compared to using diamond sandpaper. You also use more materials, so it is well worth investing in diamond sandpaper.

Work in stages, and complete full passes before changing to a finer grit of sandpaper. Start with a 40 to 60 diamond sandpaper. Next, use an 80 to 120-grit diamond sandpaper. Finish with a 200- to 400-grit diamond sandpaper. If you want an even smoother finish, make a pass with a 1,500-grit diamond sandpaper.

Once you smooth out the surface of the concrete, it’s time to apply a sealant. Concrete patios and garage floors should be sealed with a penetrating sealer. Use an epoxy sealer or polyurethane sealer for interior walls and countertops. Apply two coats.

If you need to sand a concrete patch, use a handheld orbital sander or sanding block. Be sure to blend the outline of the patch with the original concrete. Gaps around a concrete patch are ideal places for water to penetrate and crack the concrete. Start with a lower-grit sandpaper, then use finer grits until the texture matches the original concrete. Seal the patch.