GRINDING vs ACID ETCHING or SANDING YOUR FLOOR
Acid Etching & Sanding
Acid etching is a common technique included in DIY kits, but it lacks the ability to properly prepare tightly troweled surfaces. It also cannot remove many of the substances that already have tarnished your concrete – such as existing paint, concrete sealers, or motor oil and other contaminants. All of these substances will decrease or alleviate the ability of the DIY coating to stick to the concrete. Sanding is similar to the diamond grinding method, but floor sanders lack the ability to adequately open the pores and create a deep enough abrasion pattern. Again, the coatings then cannot soak in or lock onto the “foundation” properly. As a result, the homeowner will quickly notice marks or chips in their newly coated surface – many of which could have been prevented by properly preparing the concrete.
Professional Method – Diamond Grinding
Conversely, the preparation of your concrete floor by a professional is going to be much more thorough. Professional coatings installers have the tools to get it done right, ensuring the coating actually adheres to the concrete. In fact, the coating’s bond should be so strong to the concrete that if you pull hard enough on the coating, the concrete should break away!
Rise & Grind Concrete use a mechanical preparation method, such as diamond grinding. This opens the top surface of the concrete floor – removing any substances or sealants – and makes the concrete porous again. This process allows the coating to properly adhere to the concrete – and not simply lay over the top of it.
As the beginning of our coatings process, we utilize planetary diamond grinders with HEPA filtered vacuums so that the dust and any contaminants are contained and don’t become airborne. Our prep work also includes filling in any cracks and fixing any areas that need addressed.
Granted, a homeowner or general contractor can rent grinders. Nearly all rental grinders are single or dual-disc machines that utilize block-style diamonds. These types of grinders are inferior to the more expensive, planetary grinders which feature 3 floating heads and industrial diamond sets. Single and dual-disc grinders do not create a uniformly prepared surface as quickly or easily as a planetary grinder.
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