concrete surface grinder
New concrete is too tight at the surface and old concrete is too dirty. If you coat over these without first using a concrete grinder you will get partial adhesion in small areas, but the majority of the floor will suffer from peeling.
Peeling is simply a layer of coating material that has never really adhered to the surface and as it dries and hardens it de-laminates away cleanly leaving a bubble of air underneath. Only polished concrete that looks like it has been sealed is exempt from this problem.
Preparation consists of opening the surface of the concrete and cleaning it of any contaminants leaving it porous and clean which can be achieved in a few different ways depending on the state of the concrete that needs to be painted.
As a comparison, polished concrete which has no sealer or paint requires up to fifteen preparation steps to achieve the final finish, but often concrete can be prepared simply in one or two steps before painting.
Driveways & pavement
If concrete has been weathered for years the top polished finish may have been removed naturally and all it needs is a good clean with a water jet to prepare it. As a test you should hand scrub a few small areas the size of your hand with laundry powder detergent, water and a stiff brush, then rinse it and allow it to dry. Choose an area that is subjected to high traffic, an area that is sheltered and another area to the side that has never been worn. When the areas have thoroughly dried drip some clean water on them to see how porous the concrete is and how readily the water is absorbed because this is the best indication of how easily the paint will be absorbed.
Suppose all areas absorb water immediately, you could water jet clean the entire area and then just paint when it is dry making sure that the first coat is thinned 10%.
Water jet cleaning is quick, easy and an excellent way to prepare worn concrete because it removes dirt, algae and dust from the small pores of the surface. As long as it is rinsed properly without leaving residue to settle back into the pores the concrete is ready to coat immediately it looks dry.
There are two main concerns with preparation of worn concrete – one is sheltered sections that still have a tight surface and the second is oil that has soaked into the concrete.
Oils stains
Oil will eventually soak right through concrete over time aided by the sun to lower its resistance and the opening and closing of the concrete when it heats up and cools down. The good news is that you only have to remove it from just below the surface to achieve good adhesion and once the paint has dried it will stop the oil from returning to the surface unless the oil is very wet all the way through. If the oil is very wet you will need to extract most of it first with a solvent and an absorbent that can be found in any hardware.
concrete surface grinder
As with any other specialized technique, grinding is a multi-step process requiring the use of the proper concrete grinding machines and equipments to achieve results. To help you get started, here is a brief overview of the grinding process. Each job will present different challenges, so be sure to consult with your suppliers for recommendations as to the products best suited for your application.
How They Work?
Grinders use rotating discs to perform a variety of projects, from light task to open the pores of the surface to the removal of oil, dust, paints and thin coatings. They generally leave behind a smoother surface, and virtually any surface you throw at them, they sap out glue, rubber back carpet residue, mastic, epoxy, paint, while delivering superior results and rates of removal that most competitors only dream of achieving.
Grinding Attachments – Key to Versatility
The key to these machines versatility are the attachments available in a variety of types and grits to suit different applications. The same machine can grind edge and buff any concrete surface with just a quick and easy change of discs. Investing in an assortment of attachments for your grinder will allow you to perform a multitude of tasks with one machine. Regardless of the attachment you use, look for inserts or grinding discs that are easily usable. This will allow you to move more easily from coarser to finer grit levels.
Concrete Grinding Machines eliminate the need for hand grinding
The added advantage of the Concrete grinding machine is that it mitigates the need for hand grinding and having to feather in the edges with the rest of the floor. This allows for a professional, uniform finish without the signs of tool or hand impressions, throughout the project. Tradesmen are amazed and delighted with the ease of use and total customer satisfaction achieved with this machine.
Operator doesn’t fight the grinding machine – He runs it
Ease of Use and Low Maintenance
Grinding Machines can be operated with a minimal effort and require little training. Contractors will enjoy the benefits of the superior quality and low maintenance features.
For profiling work and removal of thin-film coatings or coatings with high hardness values, such as urethanes and epoxies, concrete grinding machines are generally the best solution. Other applications include polishing and removing minor surface imperfections. Many of today’s grinders can serve multiple functions. Other applications include breaking up deposits of grease, dirt and industrial contaminants and leveling uneven joints or high spots
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