Use A Concrete Grinder To Remove Coatings
Did you know that you can use a concrete grinder to remove coatings? Thin coatings on hard concrete can actually be very difficult to remove and this is why they need special techniques to get it done right. Most epoxies have very fine powdered sand to them which will make it hard to grind. This means you need a special technique to get it all done right. The floor will look as good as new when you do it right. Use a concrete grinder to help you remove the unwanted coatings so that you can refinish your floor or other concrete surface.
Tips on Using Your Concrete Grinder To Remove Concrete Coatings
• Know the coating friction - There are some types of coatings such as paving paints and acrylics that get sticky from the heat generated by grinding. This can cause a sticky mess on your disc and you may need to change the disc a couple times throughout the job to get it done right.
• Know the concrete hardness - For most coatings, you need the cup wheel to grind into the concrete floor or concrete countertop past the coating. You need to be sure you are working with a grinder strong enough to work properly on the concrete beneath the coating.
• Thick coatings - With a really thick coating, over 500 microns or so, you will need to change to a scraper disc. These have small blocks of diamond in them which will help scrape down the different types of coatings.
• Know the proper diamond grit size for coatings - Coarse diamonds will typically cut through most coatings better than fine diamonds which can clog with the coating materials, leaving a mess on your grinder.
• Diamond discs - If the diamond disc is not removing the coating well, consider whether or not the concrete is too hard or the coating is too thick for the job you are doing. Sometimes concrete resurfacing products apply a very thick coating.
If you only need the grinder for this one particular job, then it may pay off to get a rental instead of trying to buy one. This can be an expensive piece of equipment to buy for only one use. If you do want to buy one for a company or because you do a lot of concrete work, then you might consider buying used to help you save.
A portable concrete grinder is another option because you can take it around with you for multiple jobs. You will find that you will use this type over and over since it is so easy to get it where you need it. You have more options than you had in the past to help you remove coatings and do your concrete projects however you wish. This is a great tool for do-it-yourselfers who want to take part in builds and renovations like this as much as possible.
When you consider these points, you will be able to pick the right concrete grinder for your needs. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to remove coatings on your own or do your concrete work alone, you might consider hiring a professional instead.
