Planetary Grinding vs Shot Blasting

One of the most critical aspects of making floors last is ensuring proper mechanical prep. Though there are many different forms of surface prep, planetary grinding and shot blasting are the two most common when installing Epoxy Flooring.

Choosing the Right Surface Prep Method for Epoxy Flooring

Handheld Diamond Grinding (CSP 1-3)

A crucial part of every job regardless of system or environment is to prep edges and tight areas.

To achieve adequate prep along those edges and in areas not accessible by larger equipment, hand grinders with diamond blades are used to mechanically prep the floor. This mechanical prep helps materials have durable bonds at the edges.

Shot Blasting (CSP 3-5)

One of the cleanest, most efficient, and reliable methods of surface prep.

Blasting is sure to remove surface laitance, dirt, grease, grime, and other surface containments while leaving an aggressive profile for enhanced bonding. Always the method for bare concrete if thicker coatings or mortars are being installed, but for thinner coatings blast/tracking lines may telegraph through. The Blaster is a completely enclosed centrifugal blast wheel and separation system that removes approximately 1/32″ to 1/16″ of concrete. As the blast wheel spins, steel shot is hurled at the concrete surface. The shot rebounds and along with contaminants which are pulled back to upper filtration portion of the system where shot is recycled, and the dust & debris are pulled into the vacuum. Blasting will not remove thick paints, coatings, glues, mastic, tape, stickers, or thick sealers effectively. A key highlight of shot blast prep is the ability to prep low spots, holes, cracks, and other difficult spots that grinders cannot reach.

Planetary Grinding (CSP 2-3)

A reliable source for surface prep that will assist in leveling and smoothing the floor.

It can remove contaminants, older coatings, light pitting, and roughness that may telegraph through a thin coating. With the proper blades (hardness & grit) planetaries leave no tracking lines and work great for thin mil coatings, and decorative systems such as metallic coatings & stains. Although grinding is not as efficient as blasting, it is the least damaging of the prep methods. Grinding can be an acceptable form of prep for any system to be installed unless osmotic issues are present. Planetary Grinders have multiple heads under the shroud with each head having 3 diamond blades that grind the surface while spinning at high rates. When hooked to hepa-vaccums and pre-separators the dust and hazardous silica particles produced are contained.

By choosing Extreme IFC, you’re choosing proper means of mechanical prep ensuring your floors are to last a lifetime.