Concrete Surface Preparation Videos

Concrete scarifiers are ideal for removing thicker coatings and toppings from concrete floors before application of a new overlay. Get tips on when, and when not, to use these aggressive machines, and see one in action.

Related articles:
Concrete Surface Preparation
Scarifiers

Shotblasters are versatile, effective machines for profiling, or roughening, concrete surfaces before application of a skim coat or topping. Learn about the size of steel shot to use to create different surface profiles, and see a shotblaster in action.

Concrete floor scrapers are used as the initial step in concrete surface preparation to remove glues, mastics, residual drywall and other contaminants before overlays or stains are applied. Learn about the best scraper type and blade to use for various applications.

Squeegee vacuums are used to vacuum wet surfaces after a cleaning solution and water has been applied to the concrete's surface. This is done to remove wetness from the surface before applying stain, dyes or other finishing materials like microtoppings or epoxy coatings. The squeegee vacuum also works to remove excess stain residue.

Testing concrete for moisture vapor transmission ensures proper bonding of overlays and toppings. Test before applying any 100% solid epoxies or high-solid polyurethanes. One inexpensive moisture test is the Tape-Down Test (ASTM approved). Tape a 16" x 16" piece of 6-millimeter Visqueen down to the concrete surface with duct tape. Leave the test down for a minimum of 16 hours. If any condensation is present, you have a moisture problem. The second test is the Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM approved). This is a kit that measures the amount of moisture calcium chloride absorbs from the concrete over a 16-72 hours. The calcium chloride is mailed in for results. This kit also includes a pH test. pH is important in preventing delamination of the floor. Concrete has a natural pH of 8 to 10. The concrete should be around a pH of 7 before applying your coating.