Best Surface Prep Tool for Old Epoxy Removal

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

Assuming I don't want to use a Diamabrush pad with a floor maintainer (I used that initially and not sure if that is/was as aggressive as needed), what would be the more heavy duty tool to use for old epoxy removal and surface prep?

Looking at this...is it the Concrete Grinder Dual Disc Electric? Or, Diamond Grinder Electric?

https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/items/915/concrete-floor-grinders/

I have 2000 ft2, so want something that doesn't take weeks (Im a firm believer in the right tool).

 

[Reflex]

I used the Edco 10" propane powered model on a botched floor job. Hard work, but it worked nicely.

By the way....with a name like Jayhawk Aviator, any chance you're in Lawrence or northeast, KS?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Need a grinder with PCD tooling. It works the best.




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[Armorpoxy]

Agree with Scotty that PCD are the way to remove epoxy, but...they leave fairly deep scratch marks which then need to be grinded down to allow a thin mil coating system to be installed.

Maybe try 20-40 diamonds and see if that works first. Remember the deeper you start the more grinding you have to do later on.

 

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

Thanks all. Im confused on the PCB part and 20-40 diamonds. I assume that is the "head" to the grinder that you rent separately?

Sounds like something like this is the way to go. Im just not sure about the heads part.

https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/equipment/detail/915/0320030/concrete-grinder-single-disc-gas-propane/

i'm in NE KS...south of KC.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Yes, first you need a diamond grinding machine.

We are talking about the tooling that attaches to it. Make sure you tell the rental company what you are using it for so they set you up correctly.


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[Armorpoxy]

Our 'lingo' refers to the diamond pads or tooling that attach to the rotating heads which are part of the grinding machine.

We also refer to it as 'tooling'. Check with your rental store as some of the only carry one 'general' type of tooling and often multiple types of tooling are needed on a project. Also check what they will charge you for the usage/wear of the tooling.

Again our advice would be to try to grind without the PCD's as they are super agressive and will then need 2-3 additional passes to smooth out the cut marks.

 

[FJ4FUN]

When removing existing epoxy coatings I find the best tool to start with is... ADVIL... ;-)

 

[Shea]

When removing existing epoxy coatings I find the best tool to start with is... ADVIL... ;-)

You got that right!

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

BTW...
PCD diamonds that have a MARKER SEGMENT will not require numerous follow-up passes.
We use them all the time and there is no issue with this.

If they do not have the marker, then they will leave some marks but still much faster than conventional means.

 

[Reflex]

Mr. Jayhawk Aviator,

Sent you a PM.

Thanks,

Reflex

 

[Jayhawk_Aviator]

Finally planning to pull the trigger this weekend, as temps have obviously warmed up for epoxy recoat. Would shot blasting be a better option? I think I heard that the grinder with 20-40 diamonds would be the best to try first, then PCBs if no luck with the 20-40 diamonds. I'm willing to spend more on the tool rental if that saves me a few hours, as I ahve 2000 sq ft

 

[Armorpoxy]

Shot blasting will do little to remove epoxy. Grinding is the proper method.

Whether you need PCD's is dependent on coating thickness and grinder weight.