06 Dec TYPES OF SURFACE PREPARATION FOR CONCRETE FLOORS
One rule we like to follow is that epoxy/PU floors are as good as the surface it is applied to. It makes little sense to apply epoxies/PUs on to a poorly prepared surface. Doing so will not likely yield good results.
In general there are 3 methods of surface preparation which are commonly practiced:
1.Pressure Washing the concrete surface:
This method uses water under high pressure to clean the concrete surface. Problem areas are worked on with a wire or hard bristle brush to help remove any contaminants. This method makes the surface have a rough profile and removes any lose particles.
The downside to this method is the machines. You need a high pressure machine and that comes at a cost.
Another downside to this method is that most resinous flooring systems are solvent based, not water based. That means the concrete surface has to be completely dry before applying any epoxy or Polyurethane flooring system.
2. Shot Blasting & Scarifier Machines for Concrete Surface Preparation
Shot blasting is a method where a machine is loaded up with small steel balls. These balls are shot at high speed under pressure towards the concrete and they literally blast loose a layer of the top surface into pieces that can be swept. Scarifying machines aggressively dig into the concrete, leaving the concrete surface with the appearance of corn rows. When applying thicker epoxies of 8mm or higher, this is the recommended method of surface application.
However, with the newer resin technologies coming up which are designed to be applied in thinner layers, this rougher surface left by the shot blasting and scarifying machines may not be sufficiently smoothed over by the thinner applied epoxies and PUs.
3. Diamond Grinding for Concrete Surface Preparation
Diamond grinding uses specially designed machines that uses interchangeable and replaceable diamond embedded grinding tool bits.
This method results in a dry, non-chemical means to remove a thin layer of the concrete and the dirt and contaminants in that layer.
However, when dealing with concrete surfaces that have extensive oil or chemical stains, or concrete surfaces that have an existing coating, it may still be necessary to employ additional methods before grinding. Any concrete defects are usually repaired before grinding.
Key takeaways:
- the most common concrete flooring prep method is diamond grinding, though it might not necessarily be the cheapest.
- Newer technologies in resinous flooring are designed to be applied in thinner layers for the same performance. (The product we use usually comes in a 1mm thick coating which is sufficient for most applications.
Need help in specifying the right industrial floor for your next project?
We are here to assist you.
Web: www.mauwest.com
