Quick Answer

Restore 50-year-old terrazzo by grinding with coarse metal-bond segments to expose fresh chips, then polishing with resin pads from 100 up to 1500–3000 grit, finishing with a densifier or sealer. Work wet on terrazzo to protect the softer matrix.

Key Features of Terrazzo Restoration

• Softer matrix: terrazzo is softer than granite — use wet polishing to control heat.
• Exposure step: coarse metal (30–50) removes years of wear and re-exposes chips.
• Chip level: grind until chips are flush; over-grinding creates pitting.
• Sealing: old terrazzo benefits from densifier or penetrating sealer after polishing.

How to Choose Pads for Terrazzo

Stage	Pads	Grit
Expose chips	Metal bond	30–50
Transition	Hybrid / transitional	100–200
Polish	Resin	400–800
Gloss	Resin + wool	1500–3000

How to Use It

• Test a corner to judge matrix hardness and chip size before full restoration.
• Grind wet with coarse metal until chips are uniformly exposed.
• Move to 125 mm resin polishing pads for terrazzo and work up through 1500.
• Finish with wool polishing pads and apply a densifier or sealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I polish old terrazzo dry?

A: Dry is possible but hotter and dustier; wet is safer for the matrix and gives better gloss on older floors.

Q: How deep should I grind to expose chips?

A: Just enough to make chips flush — usually 1–2 passes with coarse metal. Too deep creates pitting that must be repaired.

Q: Do I need to seal terrazzo after polishing?

A: Yes. Densify or seal to protect the matrix and make the gloss easier to maintain.

Conclusion

Restoring terrazzo is a grind-then-polish process. Expose chips with metal, polish with resin and wool, then protect the floor with a sealer. Start with terrazzo resin pads for consistent results.