Article
Polished Concrete Interior Guide: From Matte to Mirror — How to Choose the Right Finish
22 April 2026
When a client says "polished concrete", what are they actually asking for? The question is more complex than it appears. Sheen can be any value between 1 and 3,000 gloss units. Aggregate exposure adds an entirely different aesthetic dimension. Colour choice interacts directly with lighting conditions.
Sheen Levels
Matte (1–100 GU): Industrial, dramatic, forgiving in maintenance. Least visible dirt accumulation at this level. For art galleries, showrooms, and office corridors. Satin (100–400 GU): The most common choice for design studios. Visual depth with practical daily use. Semi-gloss (400–1,200 GU): For commercial lobbies and boutique hotels. Reflections sharp enough to identify objects. Mirror (1,200–3,000 GU): Luxury residence and flagship retail standard. Maximum visual impact, maximum maintenance requirement.
Aggregate Exposure
Grinding depth determines how much of the concrete's internal aggregate is revealed. Shallow (Cream): Only the cement cream is visible — homogeneous, minimal look. Medium (Fine Aggregate): Small pebble particles are exposed, adding mineral richness. Deep (Large Aggregate): Full aggregate stones visible — dramatic, geological effect.
Practical Recommendation
Before specifying, assess the lighting conditions at the client location. Mirror polish in a large naturally lit space can be blinding during daylight hours — satin or semi-gloss is a more balanced choice. Be honest about maintenance: higher sheen makes marks more visible, not less.