Polished asphalt

Polished asphalt is a decorative technique applied to new asphalt, in which the asphalt is polished to expose the aggregate, leaving a decorative, slip-resistant surface. The asphalt incorporates aggregates and colour according to the desired decorative finish. Once laid, it is polished. Ideal for pedestrian traffic.

Mastic asphalt is a technique with a two-century history in Europe, promoted by the Bauhaus and Le Corbusier. This surfacing technique is used to improve water resistance. Over time, innovations in the asphalt polishing technique have led to polished asphalt.

How is polished asphalt applied? New asphalt is produced to the desired formulation. It is then polished using a large manually operated polishing machine and a diamond disc, bringing out the aggregate and colour.

Polished Asphalt - Step 1
Machine Polishing

Polished Asphalt - Step 2
Vacuuming

Stamped Asphalt - Step 3
Cleaning

Polished asphalt is a high-performance decorative asphalt compared with other types of traditional surfacing that wear more easily. As seamless surfacing, it is ideal for pedestrian traffic: there are no joints where individual tiles deteriorate, and expansion is continuous and flexible. It prevents root growth in pedestrian areas and reduces maintenance costs. 

Polished asphalt lends itself to bespoke designs by combining coloured aggregates in the bituminous mix with pigments, allowing finishes such as terrazzo, marble and granite. Polishing gives the finish a sheen.

Today, the asphalt polishing technique replicates decorative surfacing in pedestrian areas, with the advantage of being seamless. The asphalt polishing machine achieves exceptional productivity, reducing installation times.

Polishing asphalt during construction of what is now Centro Comercial Los Alisios

Polished asphalt is worked directly on the asphalt surface itself. It is seamless surfacing. During the work, the polishing machine is used alongside vacuum cleaners, reducing airborne dust. Strength and durability are superior. 

Designs are bespoke: the type of aggregate and pigments added to the asphalt determine the resulting seamless surface. We develop formulations to order.

Colouring asphalt mixes made with black bitumen has limitations. Red iron oxides are the standard range, while synthetic bitumens allow a wider range of colours. Colour mixes and results will always depend on the asphalt ordered from the asphalt supplier, as well as the coloured aggregate. Finally, the specified mix is polished, retaining the characteristics of asphalt while providing seamless surfacing for pedestrian streets.

• Lay new asphalt (advantage)
• After 24h, work begins by heating to a maximum of 160 degrees Celsius using the infrared machine
• Polish
• Vacuum
• Wash
• Output: 1200m2/day

• Level polished asphalt for pedestrian traffic
• Seamless surfacing, without joints
• Replicates terrazzo surfacing
• Quick opening to pedestrian traffic

In conventional asphalt, the final asphalt layer is mechanically compacted, leaving open pores between the aggregate and the bitumen. The asphalt polishing technique removes this porous finish. This does not mean that the pores are completely closed; rather, at least three millimetres are polished away, achieving uniformity in this surface layer. There is a clear before and after.

Unpolished porous layer        

Stamped Asphalt Solutions and Designs

We produce your designs in CAD and 3D. Supporting training is available. We have more than twenty years of experience in the sector. We manufacture bespoke moulds, produce Byobond and have infrared machines that are always at your disposal.