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Surface Preparation

Proper Preparation Is Key

 

Correct surface preparation is the key to a successful result.  The majority of failures of toppings and coatings are the result of improper preparation of the subsurface and failure to follow the Manufacturer's requirements for establishing the correct mechanical profile (CSP number system).  Once the surface is properly profiled, correctly installing the specified bonding agent is critical.
 

Why Shot Blast?


90%+ of all failures of toppings or architectural and decorative coatings are the result of a poorly prepared surface. Shot blasting leaves the surface immediately ready for the application of coatings or overlays, eliminating drying time and costly disposal procedures associated with other surface preparation methods. Shot Blasting meets manufacturer requirements for surface preparation. M.A. Concrete Ltd.'s state of the art equipment and crew is there to get the job done.

How Shot Blasting Works


Our state of the art walk-behind shot blasting systems use a high performance, airless, centrifugal wheel for propelling blast media at a high velocity, in a controlled pattern and direction. Metal abrasive thrown by the rapidly rotating blast wheel is accelerated towards the surface being prepared. The media strikes the surface and rebounds, along with removed contaminants, into a recovery chamber or separator. The dust collector removes pulverized abrasive, dust, and contaminants. Very little abrasive is lost and the usable media is returned to the storage hopper for recirculation by the blast wheel.


What Kind of Profile Can Be Achieved?

 

Different surface profiles can be achieved by varying shot size, shot flow rate and machine travel speed. The type of profile desired will depend on the Manufacturers specifications depending on the type and thickness of the topping or coating to be installed. The level of roughness is designated using a standardized measure referred to as a CSP Number. The CSP scale is a number from 1 to 9 with 9 being the “roughest”. Below is a chart that illustrates the different profiles and the specific profiles recommended for the different depths of topping or coating.

  • For coating applications from 4–5 mils in thickness, the surface profile shall be a CSP 3. This is known as a light shotblast.

  • For coating applications from 15–50 mils in thickness, the surface profile shall be a CSP 4 or 5. This is known as a medium shotblast.

  • For coating applications from 40 mils to 1⁄8″ in thickness, the surface profile shall be a CSP 5 or 6. This is known as a medium-heavy shotblast.

  • For topping applications from ¼” to ½”, the surface profile shall be a CSP 6 or 7. This is known as a heavy shotblast.

  • For concrete overlays greater than ½”, the surface profile shall be a CSP 8 or 9. This is known as an extreme shotblast.

Typical Applications

 

  • Clean and prepare concrete and asphalt surfaces

  • Create a Manufacturer’s required profile

  • Remove top layers like paint, epoxy, sealers and thin concrete topping

  • Remove line markings, rubber from highways, runways, and industrial floors

  • Create non-slip surfaces

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