Binder identification comes first
Terrazzo is an aggregate-and-binder surface, not one uniform stone. Cement terrazzo and epoxy terrazzo differ in composition and response to abrasives, moisture, and treatment. Existing coatings may further disguise the original finish. A test and inspection of an exposed edge or inconspicuous location can help identify what the floor is before a sequence is chosen.
The visible chips, stone fragments, and colors contribute to the floor's character. Grinding or polishing should account for the binder and aggregate rather than follow a marble recipe automatically. Ask what the proposed step removes, how it affects exposed aggregate, and whether a sample section will show the expected level of clarity and reflectivity before the full area is addressed.
Cracks and holes need context
A small stable chip or hole may be assessed for filling, but a crack that crosses a room, reopens, or aligns with a joint can indicate movement below the surface. Cosmetic fill does not stabilize the slab or correct moisture. The assessor should consider crack pattern, prior patches, floor transitions, and history of renovations before proposing a repair.
Aggregate size, color, age, and available materials affect the appearance of a fill. Repairs can be planned to coordinate with existing terrazzo, but exact or invisible matching is not promised. Agree on the patch location, finish, and expected visibility in advance. If the substrate is moving or wet, another qualified trade may need to address that condition first.
Choose a sequence for the installed finish
Cleaning may remove soil or residue, while coating removal strips a topical layer that obscures the terrazzo. Grinding changes the plane and removes material; honing and polishing refine it to a different sheen. These are separate decisions. Lippage, thin areas, edge details, joints, and door transitions should be reviewed before more substantial material removal is approved.
Sealing depends on the terrazzo binder, porosity, and any existing treatment. Some surfaces may accept a penetrating sealer; others require a different care approach. A surface coating can change slip, gloss, and maintenance. The estimate should specify what is included and avoid treating sealing as a cure for scratches, cracks, stains, or movement.
Keep aggregate and sheen in view
The final appearance depends on aggregate exposure, binder, age, lighting, and the selected finish. A highly reflective polish can reveal unevenness and patches that a lower sheen hides differently; no finish eliminates all variation. Discuss how the floor looks under daylight, overhead fixtures, and at the entry before choosing a target sheen.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner and remove abrasive grit, particularly in commercial entries where particles are tracked over a broad floor. Avoid wax buildup unless a compatible maintenance program is specified. Keep notes about new cracks, recurring stains, or dampness; those changes deserve diagnosis rather than repeated polishing or cosmetic filling.
