Shot blasting is a highly effective method for preparing concrete surfaces before applying epoxy coatings. Here's a quick overview:

1. How It Works: Shot blasting uses a machine to propel small steel beads (shots) at high velocity onto the concrete surface. This process removes contaminants, old coatings, and weak concrete layers, creating a rough texture for better epoxy adhesion.

2. Advantages:

   • Improved Adhesion: The roughened surface enhances the bond between the epoxy and the concrete.

   • Dust-Free: With proper filtration, shot blasting can be a clean and environmentally friendly process.

   • Efficiency: It's faster and more cost-effective than some other preparation methods, like grinding.

There are two types of joints:

• Dynamic (Construction, Expansion, and Isolation)

• Static (Control or Contraction)

Dynamic joints are considered moving joints which allow horizontal and vertical movement between the slab and adjoining structures. These types of joints must be honored by saw cutting through the finished floor system and filling with a flexible joint sealant. Not honoring dynamic joints can lead to cracks in the surface.

Static joints are considered non-moving joints which accommodate shrinkage and relieve internal stress during the curing of the concrete. These types of joints can be cleaned out using a ¼” diamond blade attached to a saw with a vacuum, and filled with compatible joint filler.

Before installing epoxy or urethane flooring, the most crucial step is surface preparation. Proper grinding, scarifying, or shot blasting ensures maximum adhesion of the coating, dramatically extending its lifespan.

LionStone has 20 years’ experience providing the right preparation for your business and flooring system.

Scarifying is a robust method for preparing concrete surfaces, especially when aiming for the proper profile to apply cementitious urethane. Here's a breakdown:

1. What It Does: Scarifying uses rotating cutters to remove the top layer of concrete, creating a rough texture that ensures strong adhesion for cementitious urethane coatings.

2. Advantages:

   • Deep Profile: Ideal for applications requiring a high Concrete Surface Profile (CSP), typically CSP 4-6.

   • Contaminant Removal: Effectively eliminates old coatings, oils, and weak concrete layers.

   • Durability: Prepares the surface to withstand heavy-duty environments, such as food processing facilities or industrial labs.

Diamond grinding concrete for perfect profile for epoxy application

Diamond grinding is a precise and effective method for preparing concrete surfaces to achieve the perfect profile for epoxy application. Here's how it works:

1. Purpose: The goal is to create a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) that ensures optimal adhesion of the epoxy coating. The grinding process removes surface laitance, contaminants, and old coatings while opening up the pores of the concrete.

2. Equipment: Diamond grinders come in various forms, from handheld angle grinders to large planetary floor grinders. The choice depends on the scale of the project and the desired finish.

3. Technique:

   • Use diamond grinding discs with the appropriate grit size. Coarser grits (lower numbers) are ideal for aggressive removal, while finer grits (higher numbers) refine the surface.

   • Employ a cross-hatching pattern to ensure even grinding across the surface.

   • For larger areas, wet grinding can minimize dust, while dry grinding with a vacuum system is more convenient for smaller spaces.