What grit should I start with?

There isn’t a single starting grit for every floor. If you’re removing coatings, start with a PCD tool. For bare concrete, most contractors begin with 16# or 30# metal bond diamonds, depending on how uneven or hard the floor is. Always inspect the slab before choosing the first grit.

Can PCD remove epoxy?

Yes. PCD tools are one of the fastest ways to remove thick epoxy coatings, paint, glue and mastic. They are designed for coating removal rather than grinding concrete, so once the coating is removed, the floor should be continued with metal bond diamonds.

How do I know concrete hardness?

The most reliable method is to test the slab with a Mohs hardness kit. If a tester isn’t available, experienced contractors often judge hardness by how quickly the diamonds wear during the first grinding pass. Choosing the right bond for the concrete is more important than choosing the grit itself.

How many grinding steps are required?

It depends on the condition of the floor and the finish you want. For a standard polished concrete floor, 6–8 grinding and polishing steps are common. Floors with heavy coatings, uneven surfaces or damage may require additional grinding passes.

When should I switch to resin pads?

Switch to resin pads only after the metal bond scratches have been removed. The surface should feel smooth and have a consistent scratch pattern. Moving to resin too early usually makes polishing slower and can leave visible scratches in the finished floor.