Quick Answer

Restoring old terrazzo is a 6-step process: patch cracks, grind with metal-bond diamonds (30, 60, 120 grit), densify, polish with resin pads (200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000), and burnish. The process exposes the aggregate and brings back the original gloss. Expect 3-5 days for a 500 m2 floor.

Why Terrazzo Is Different

Terrazzo is a cement or epoxy matrix with marble, granite, or glass chips. It is softer than concrete and more sensitive to aggressive grinding. Use softer metal bonds and lighter pressure than you would on raw concrete.

Step by Step Restoration

1. Inspect. Note cracks, hollow areas, and missing chips. Photograph before.
2. Patch. Fill cracks and missing aggregate with matching terrazzo epoxy. Let cure 24 hours.
3. Metal grinding. Start at 30 grit to remove old sealer and stains, then 60, then 120. Use a planetary grinder for flatness.
4. Densify. Apply lithium or sodium densifier. Let soak 30 minutes.
5. Resin polishing. Run through 200, 400, 800, 1500, 3000. Our resin polishing pads is ideal for terrazzo.
6. Burnish. Use a high-speed burnisher (1500+ RPM) with a black or white pad to bring up the mirror gloss.

Explore the full range in our resin polishing pads category.

Common Restoration Mistakes

• Starting too coarse. On old terrazzo, 30 grit can pull out aggregate chips.
• Skipping densifier. Without it, the floor will not hold a gloss.
• Burnishing too early. Wait until 1500 grit is complete.

When to Call a Professional

If the floor is over 1,000 m2, has major hollow spots, or contains vintage mosaic work, bring in a specialist. Residential and small commercial floors are achievable with a 580 mm planetary grinder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can old waxed terrazzo be restored?

A: Yes, but the wax must be stripped first with a chemical stripper, then ground through the full sequence.

Q: How often does terrazzo need re-polishing?

With proper maintenance, 5-10 years. Weekly dust mopping and occasional burnishing keep it looking new.

Q: Is terrazzo cheaper than new polished concrete?

Restoration is much cheaper than removal and replacement. Expect $25-50/m2 depending on condition.

Conclusion

Terrazzo restoration is patient work: patch, grind gently, densify, polish, burnish. contact JOY TECH for metal-bond and resin pads selected specifically for terrazzo.