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Coloring Supplies: Concrete Stains; Concrete Dyes; Color Hardener; Integral Color
Resurfacing & Overlays: Concrete Coatings; Concrete Overlay Supplies; Concrete Resurfacer
Concrete Countertops: Countertop Supplies; Countertop Mixes
Stamps & Stenciling: Concrete Stamps; Concrete Stencils
Forms & Molds: Concrete Forms; Concrete Molds
Tools & Equipment: Polishing Equipment; Surface Preparation Equipment; Concrete Tools; Concrete Power Tools; Concrete Equipment; Saw Blade Supplies; Concrete Fasteners; Concrete Pumps
Protection & Maintenance: Concrete Sealers
Concrete Mix: Concrete Admixtures; Ready Mix Supplies

Matching the Machine to the Job

Let's address the most important question first: Do you really need an expensive piece of equipment to strip off old coatings and prepare concrete surfaces for coatings and toppings? Actually, you may be able to get by without one. In some cases, acid etching or chemical strippers will do the job (see What About Acid Etching for Surface Preparation?). However, in most situations the best way to remove contaminants and unsound concrete is by mechanical means. A good surface prep machine will break up existing sealers, coatings or adhesives with no chemicals involved. It will also lightly pulverize the surface, leaving a roughened profile for overlays and toppings to grab on to. And unlike acid etching, mechanical abrasion can level uneven joints or high spots, polish rough or worn floors, smooth out trowel marks, and remove spalling or delamination.

Grinder (FS-1500) from GrindAll Surfaces in Cleveland, OH

Scarifier from Levetec in Redmond, WA

Obtaining the right concrete surface profile, or CSP, is especially important when applying a new coating or overlay (see What's a Concrete Surface Profile, or CSP?). You have to achieve a profile deep enough to lock in the coating and ensure a good bond without going so deep that the coating won't be thick enough to hide your profiling work. The key to achieving good results is to match the equipment (and attachment) to the job at hand. But the decision isn't always clear-cut. For some jobs, there may be a number of viable solutions or you may need to use a combination of methods, such as shotblasting in open areas and hand grinding along edges and in corners.

Because each type of machine takes a different approach to surface preparation, some units are better suited than others for certain tasks. Although this guide gives you a general overview of how the various machines operate and what they can accomplish, always consult with the equipment manufacturer, who can help you determine the best fit for a particular project (see Ten Factors to Consider When Selecting Equipment). Many rental companies and dealers also have specialists available to answer your questions or arrange for an equipment demonstration. If possible, test out various types of equipment in a small area of your slab to determine which machine obtains the desired results.

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