Coating Removal
TOOLS FOR PREP & COATING REMOVAL
If a coating or adhesive has to be removed from the floor, the quickest method is to grind the material off. There are many tool options on the market for concrete prep, but selecting the right tools depends on two main questions:
- Will you be re-coating or polishing the floor?
- What type of coating are you removing and how thick is the coating?
If you are putting down a new coating or overlay, it is critical to ensure proper bonding with the floor surface, so you need to prep the floor to a specific concrete surface profile, or CSP. CSP range from CSP1 (nearly flat) to CSP10 (very rough). For more info on these CSP guidelines, developed by the International Concrete Repair Institute, visit www.icri.org.
Different coating systems require different profiles—for example, thin coatings may require a smoother surface (CSP 2–3), while thicker overlays or self-leveling systems often need a more aggressive profile (CSP 4–6 or higher). Matching the tooling to the desired CSP ensures optimal bonding and long-term performance of the new coating.
If the floor will be polished, you should use less aggressive tools that will not damage the surface, or leave deep scratches that are hard to remove require additional grinding steps, adding time and cost to the job. Instead, starting with the least aggressive tool that can effectively remove the coating will help preserve the integrity of the slab and streamline the polishing process..
Finally, proper floor preparation goes beyond just coating removal and grinding. It also requires filling joints, repairing cracks, and patching spalled areas in order to create a sound, uniform substrate. Skipping these steps can compromise both the appearance and durability of the finished floor, whether it’s coated or polished.
Taking the time to evaluate the job conditions and select the appropriate tools and process will ultimately lead to better results, faster completion times, and a more durable floor system.