• Concrete Polishes 101: From Class A to the “Poor Man’s Polish”

    Concrete Polishes 101: From Class A to the “Poor Man’s Polish”

    Choosing the Right Finish for Style, Function, and Budget

    At Private Label Coating, we know that a floor isn’t just a surface — it’s a statement. When it comes to polished concrete, the finish you choose can completely transform the look and feel of a space.

    Whether you’re designing a sleek interior or upgrading a commercial environment, understanding the different types of concrete polishes can help you achieve the perfect balance of form and function.

    If you’re hearing terms like “Class A polish” or “salt and pepper finish,” this guide breaks down the most common types of concrete polishes — including a few insider terms — so you can make confident, informed decisions.

    Class A Polish – Cream Finish

    Class A is the most refined of all polish types. It preserves the very top layer of the concrete — the “cream” — resulting in a smooth, uniform finish with little to no aggregate exposure.

    This finish is ideal for high-end interiors where elegance and consistency matter. Achieving it requires expert finishing and curing during the pour, followed by light grinding. However, it’s not very forgiving — imperfections in the slab will show through.

    Best for:
    • Residential homes
    • Minimalist commercial interiors
    • Boutique retail spaces

    Class B Polish – Salt & Pepper Finish

    Class B polish exposes the fine aggregate just beneath the surface, creating a speckled texture often referred to as “salt and pepper.” It’s one of the most popular finishes thanks to its subtle texture and visual depth.

    Moderate grinding is used to achieve this effect, making it more forgiving during installation and well-suited to a wide variety of project types.

    Best for:
    • Office buildings
    • Showrooms
    • Garages and cafes
    • Modern residential interiors

    Class C Polish – Large Aggregate Finish

    Class C polish reveals the larger aggregate embedded in the concrete slab. This bold, industrial-style finish is achieved through deep grinding and delivers a visually striking result with extreme durability.

    It takes more time and effort, but the payoff is a unique, stone-exposed surface that adds character and strength to any space. The aggregate distribution in concrete is not always uniform. Exposing it can result in patchy or uneven aesthetics, especially if the mix wasn’t designed with exposure in mind.

    Best for:
    • Restaurants
    • Industrial lofts
    • Statement commercial interiors
    • High-traffic environments

    The “Poor Man’s Polish” – Burnished Sealer Finish

    This budget-friendly option isn’t a true mechanical polish, but it delivers a similar sheen at a lower cost. A topical sealer (typically acrylic or urethane) is applied to the surface, then burnished with a high-speed buffer to create shine.

    While it doesn’t offer the same durability or stain resistance, it’s a quick, cost-effective solution for low-traffic or temporary spaces.

    Best for:
    • Warehouses
    • Budget-conscious projects
    • Tenant improvements
    • Utility areas and quick installs

    Choosing the Right Finish

    At Private Label Coating, we do more than install great floors — we collaborate early in the design and construction process to ensure success from the ground up. Our expert consulting services help architects, builders, and contractors make smart decisions about materials, durability, and aesthetics. Whether you’re aiming for a high-gloss industrial polish or a subtle matte finish, we guide you to the right solution and deliver it with precision.

    Let’s turn your next floor into a feature.

    Contact us today to schedule a consultation or request a quote.

  • Terrazzo-Inspired Luxury: How Bespoke Flake Combinations Forge Exquisite Floors at a Fraction of the Cost

    Terrazzo-Inspired Luxury: How Bespoke Flake Combinations Forge Exquisite Floors at a Fraction of the Cost

    Terrazzo floors have long been admired for their timeless beauty, durability, and luxurious appeal. Traditionally crafted from marble, quartz, granite, or glass chips set in cement or epoxy, terrazzo is a high-end flooring option often found in upscale homes, commercial spaces, and institutions. However, this elegance comes at a steep price, typically ranging from $25 to $75 per square foot.

    If you love the terrazzo aesthetic but need a more cost-effective alternative, custom epoxy flake flooring offers a stunning solution—delivering the same visual appeal at nearly a third of the cost.

    Why Choose Custom Flake Blends Over Traditional Terrazzo?

    1. Cost Savings Without Compromise

    One of the biggest deterrents to terrazzo flooring is its cost. Between premium materials, labor-intensive installation, and extended curing times, the investment can be significant. Custom epoxy flake floors, on the other hand, offer a high-end look at a fraction of the price—typically ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot installed.

    2. Seamless Aesthetic & Customization

    Custom flake blends allow you to recreate the speckled, multi-dimensional look of terrazzo with endless design possibilities:

    • Choose from various flake sizes to control texture and depth.
    • Mix different colors and metallic accents for a high-end terrazzo-inspired finish.
    • Opt for a high-gloss or matte topcoat to achieve your desired aesthetic.

    3. Faster Installation & Less Downtime

    Traditional terrazzo flooring requires extensive grinding, polishing, and sealing, often stretching installation times across weeks. In contrast, epoxy flake systems can be installed in as little as one to three days, depending on project size. With a faster curing time, your home or business experiences minimal disruption.

    4. Enhanced Durability & Low Maintenance

    Epoxy flake floors are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, spills, and impacts—making them ideal for garages, showrooms, restaurants, and retail spaces. Unlike terrazzo, which can crack over time, flake flooring is more flexible and resistant to chips. Maintenance is effortless—simply sweep or mop to keep it looking pristine.

    5. Moisture & Stain Resistance

    Because epoxy coatings create a seamless, non-porous surface, flake floors naturally resist moisture, stains, and bacteria buildup. This makes them perfect for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces where hygiene is a priority.

    The Future of Terrazzo-Inspired Flooring

    At Private Label Coating (PLC), we specialize in designing custom flake blends that replicate the terrazzo aesthetic while offering superior durability and affordability. Whether you prefer a classic neutral palette or a bold, high-contrast terrazzo-inspired floor, we can create a custom solution tailored to your space.

    Get the Look for Less

    Why pay three times the price for terrazzo when you can achieve the same stunning aesthetic with a custom epoxy flake system? Contact PLC today to explore your options and bring the beauty of terrazzo to your space—without the luxury price tag.

  • Why Concrete Staining Outperforms Paint Every Time (And How PLC Does It Better)

    Why Concrete Staining Outperforms Paint Every Time (And How PLC Does It Better)

    When it comes to enhancing concrete, many homeowners and property owners ask the same question: Should I paint or stain my concrete floor?

    At Private Label Coating (PLC), we strongly believe concrete staining is the superior option—and here’s why.

    Why Staining Is Better Than Painting

    While concrete paint may seem like a quick and easy solution, it often chips, peels, and fades over time, especially in high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces. Paint sits on top of the surface, offering only a temporary cosmetic improvement that’s prone to failure without constant maintenance.

    Stain, on the other hand, penetrates into the surface of the concrete, enhancing its natural beauty rather than hiding it. It’s more durable, UV-resistant, and offers a more elegant, professional finish that truly lasts.

    Pros of Stained Concrete:

    • Aesthetic Appeal: Creates a rich, natural look that enhances the concrete’s texture.
    • Durability: Because the stain penetrates the concrete, it won’t peel or chip.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional resealing.
    • UV Resistance: Highly resistant to fading from sunlight.

    Cons of Painted Concrete:

    • Peeling and Chipping: Since paint sits on the surface, it can peel, chip, or wear away over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
    • Higher Maintenance: Requires more frequent touch-ups and reapplications compared to stains.
    • Moisture Sensitivity: If the concrete is not properly sealed, moisture can cause the paint to bubble or flake.
    • Slippery When Wet: Some painted surfaces can become slick, though anti-slip additives can help mitigate this issue.

    Due to these issues, PLC chooses to only offer stained concrete, ensuring a long-lasting, high-quality finish.

    Why PLC Chooses ColorFusion Stains Over Acid Stains

    While acid stains have been used for decades, they come with some major drawbacks: limited color selection, unpredictable chemical reactions, and more difficult cleanup.

    At PLC, we prefer the modern solution—ColorFusion Stains.

    • More Vibrant and Controlled Color Options
    • Consistent Results Without Harsh Chemical Reactions
    • Environmentally Friendly and Safer Application
    • Faster Dry Times and Easier Maintenance

    ColorFusion Stains allow us to achieve richer, more uniform tones while still showcasing the natural character of your concrete slab.

    The Staining Process: Craftsmanship Matters

    One of the most important steps in staining is proper surface prep. At PLC, we never cut corners.

    1. Surface Preparation: We start by mechanically profiling the concrete to remove dirt, sealers, or old coatings that could interfere with stain penetration. This ensures maximum bond strength and consistent color absorption.
    2. Repairing Imperfections: Any cracks or holes are patched with a concrete filler to ensure a smooth surface.
    3. Applying the Stain: Using our advanced spray application technique, we evenly apply ColorFusion Stains to create seamless, natural transitions and rich color depth.
    4. Sealing the Surface: Once the stain is applied and cured, we apply a premium concrete sealer to protect and enhance the final finish.

    Pro Tip: Stains are semi-translucent, meaning they highlight rather than hide imperfections. Cracks, patchwork, or stains on the concrete may still show through. That’s why we take extra care to prep your surface correctly and set realistic expectations upfront.

    Choose Your Finish: Matte, Satin, or Gloss

    Once your stain is applied and cured, the final step is sealing—and this is where you get to choose your finish style:

    • Matte Finish: A soft, natural look with minimal reflection. Great for subtle elegance.
    • Satin Finish: A popular balance between natural and polished. Slight sheen, easy maintenance.
    • Gloss Finish: High-impact shine for bold, rich color enhancement and wow-factor.

    Each sealer provides excellent protection, but your finish choice will influence how the stain color appears under light and how the floor feels underfoot.

    Stained Concrete Is an Investment in Style and Durability

    Concrete staining isn’t just a coating—it’s a custom design element that enhances your space from the ground up. With proper prep, high-performance stains, and quality sealers, your stained floor will stand the test of time while offering unique character that can’t be replicated by paint or tile.

    At PLC, we take pride in delivering top-tier finishes with expert craftsmanship and modern materials that outperform traditional methods.

    Ready to Transform Your Floor?
    Contact Private Label Coating today for a free consultation and color sample review.
    Let us help you choose the right stain system and sealer for your project—and bring your concrete to life.

    Because good floors aren’t just covered—they’re crafted.

    Contact Us Today

    Bryan: (830) 928-1945

    bryan.fuelexpert@gmail.com

    Schedule Consultation