Floor finish

Definition of Abrasive Finish

An abrasive finish is a type of flooring top layer or floor covering that’s rough and textured. 

Such a finish is durable and slip-resistant, making it perfect for industrial and commercial flooring uses. It’s also resistant to the wear and tear that may be caused by the heavy traffic in these areas.

An abrasive finish can be achieved in just two steps:

1. Applying epoxy or other hardening agents, like silicate, to create an abrasive finish. 
2. Once this has dried, apply a second coat of abrasive material, such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, using a specialized abrasive blasting machine. 

This machine uses compressed air to spread the abrasive material onto the floor, creating a rough and textured surface.

Here’s a video showing how to use a small portable sand blasting machine.

Abrasive finishes typically have a roughness rating of between 30 and 60 on the Rz (mean roughness depth) scale—the higher the rating, the rougher the surface. This level of roughness depends on the type and amount of abrasive material used as well as the pressure of the compressed air.

Other abrasive finishing processes involve lapping, grinding, sanding, buffing, and honing.

In addition to providing a durable and slip-resistant surface, abrasive finishes can also hide imperfections and create a more even and consistent finish. 

Example of Abrasive Finish in a Sentence

"The abrasive finish on our office floors makes them slip-resistant."

Related Terms for Abrasion:

• Abrasion