The short answer
Mechanical polishing progressively refines the concrete surface. A densifier is commonly used within the polishing process. Grind & seal prepares the concrete and then uses a surface sealer to provide protection and much of the finished sheen. Both approaches can reveal aggregate, but they are not interchangeable descriptions for the same work.
Start with the space, not the shine
Think about how the floor will be used. Is it an open-plan home, a garage, a shop or an outdoor area? Consider water exposure, traffic, sunlight and the practicalities of future maintenance. A finish that looks right in a living room may need a different system in another environment. Explain these conditions when requesting advice rather than choosing by gloss alone.
Your slab still matters
Existing concrete brings its own mix, aggregate, repairs and history. Removing an old coating can reveal marks that were previously hidden. Neither approach guarantees the appearance of a different project. Use reference photographs to communicate a direction, then ask whether a test area is appropriate before agreeing on the final treatment.
Compare the complete scope
Ask what preparation, repairs, edges and protection are included. For grind & seal, ask which sealer is proposed and how it should be maintained. For mechanical polishing, agree on the intended exposure and sheen. Compare like-for-like scopes rather than two prices labelled simply “polished concrete”. Return-to-use time and future care should also be part of that discussion.
Make the decision with the floor in view
Send photos, your suburb and the approximate area. Include the intended use and whether the slab is new or existing. Peninsula can then discuss the relevant options and what needs a closer inspection. A clear brief makes it easier to choose a finish for the space you actually have, rather than the photograph you first saved.
Further reading: Husqvarna: polished concrete systems
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