C05.02
The three preparation methods
Grinding, steel shot blasting, and scarifying — what each one does, the profile each produces, what each can and cannot remove, and the methods we stay away from.
- Match the method to the profile and the system going down
- Know the removal limits of each method before you promise a schedule
- Recognize the preparation methods that are too aggressive for Maverick work
Three methods cover the spectrum
The most common methods on Maverick installations are grinding, steel shot blasting, and scarifying. A crew with access to all three can produce the full spectrum of profiles on concrete. All three almost always have provisions for vacuum attachments to control dust and debris — use them. And aside from small grinders, this equipment typically requires high-voltage service, 240 or 480 volt, three phase. Power is a mobilization question, not a day-of-install discovery.
Method by method
| Method | Profile | What it is | What it removes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinding | CSP 2 (1–3 producible) | Abrasive media — diamonds or hard stone such as aluminum oxide — rotating parallel to the surface. | Laitance, and existing coatings up to 6 mils. PCD discs make adhesive removal easier and cut a more aggressive profile. | Hand-held grinders can leave a pattern of circular gouging; walk-behinds generally leave no discernible pattern. Not recommended for resilient systems or adhesives. Smooth, minimal-pattern profile makes it the PREFERRED method under thin-mil coatings. |
| Steel shot blasting | CSP 3, 5, 7 (2–8 producible) | Steel shot propelled at high speed, striking the concrete perpendicular to the surface. | Polyurethane coatings up to 10 mils; brittle coatings such as epoxy or MMA up to 1/8 inch (125 mils). | The most versatile method and an excellent profile for adhesion. Level of prep varies with machine speed, shot size, and number of passes. Not recommended for resilient systems, adhesives, or uncured polymer. |
| Scarifying | CSP 4, 6, 8 (4–9 producible) | A drum fitted with teeth that cut into the concrete and pulverize it. | Contaminated or deteriorated concrete up to 3/4 inch deep; polymer systems up to 1/8 inch; adhesives. | One of the most aggressive methods. Leaves parallel striations. NOT recommended when applying coatings. Potential for micro-cracking, especially in weaker concrete. |
Removing an existing floor
- 01Vinyl tile and sheet goods
Floor scrapers. These come up easily compared with everything else on this list.
- 02Ceramic and stone tile
Chipping hammers.
- 03Polymer systems and contaminated substrate
Scarification, or jack hammers in certain situations.
- 04Know why it is coming out
Existing systems get removed because they are incompatible with the Maverick system, poorly bonded, severely damaged, or simply elevated too high. The reason changes how much has to go.
Takeaways
- Grinding is the preferred method under thin-mil coatings. Shot blasting is the most versatile. Scarifying is the most aggressive.
- Scarifying is not recommended when a coating is going down — it leaves parallel striations and can micro-crack weak concrete.
- Aside from small grinders, this equipment needs 240V or 480V three-phase power. Confirm it before mobilizing.