As a follow-up to the first removal blog post, there are actually several other methods for surface preparation and concrete residue removal besides grinding, shot blasting, shaving or buffing with a swing machine. Albeit using chemicals, scarifying and scabbling are less common types of removal, they can be just as effective. However, remember to consider the following factors:
- Condition of the floor
- Type of surface residue
- Concrete profile
- Square footage of the job
- Desired finished floor
- Budget
1. Applying Chemicals (Prosoco Cleaner Degreaser, Wax & Cure, Cure & Seal and Oil & Grease Stain Remover)
- Prepare the floor for hardening, densifying and decorative applications
- Poultice cleaners pull contaminants out of the substrate
- Remove high-solid cure and seals, laitance, grease, grime and oil
- Prevent old coatings from blocking treatment penetration
2. Scarifying
- Known as planer, milling machine, rotary cutter or surface prep machine
- Leaves a clean, textured and roughened finish
- Can groove to create nonslip surfaces and to allow drainage
- For aggressive surface planing, removes 1/8″ per pass and up to 1/2″
- Variety of styles and cutter assemblies which clean, grind and mill
- Removes seamless, roll-on and spray coatings, grouts, paints, self-leveling epoxies and laitance
- Ideal for pedestrian, car or soft wheel traffic i.e. lab, sports or healthcare facilities, garages, showrooms and amusement parks
3. Scabbling
- Uses compressed air to hammer piston-mounted bits into the concrete surface
- Roughens more than grinding or scarifying
- Leaves a rough, textured finish for new concrete or epoxy mortar overlays, and can also break up tile
- For aggressive removal of concrete at 1/4″ per pass, up to 1″
- Ideal for line removal, roll-on coatings, self-leveling epoxies, laitance, spalling and trowel-on epoxy screeds
- Preferable in heavy industrial traffic areas i.e. forklift, pallet truck, hard wheel, automobile or airplane traffic
- Common facility types include warehouses, food processing plants, convention centers, factories, farms, etc.
If you have questions about removal or other surface prep-related issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or by calling 800.892.8376. Or read this other removal post for additional methods.