Shot blasting
Shot blasting
Professional substrate preparation is an important step in the processing and finishing of concrete and screed surfaces. Its purpose is to remove residues of oil, grease, dirt and paint, to expose imperfections and cracks and to improve adhesion for the application of synthetic resin coatings or adhesives. One common method for this is shot blasting. In this process, a machine hurls small steel balls at the surface to be treated at high speed. The impact causes particles to detach from the surface and are immediately transported into a collection container together with the abrasive. In this article, you can find out how shot blasting concrete and screed works in detail, what advantages it offers and for what purposes it can be used
How does shot blasting concrete and screed work?
The central element in shot blasting screed floors or concrete floors is the blasting medium (sometimes also called blasting granulate or steel shot) itself. As a rule, these are steel balls, which - depending on the application - can have different sizes, shapes (spherical, cylindrical or angular) and degrees of hardness. To prepare the surface, the desired blasting medium is filled into a special shot blasting machine. It accelerates the steel balls with the help of a rapidly rotating flywheel and hurls them at high speed onto the surface to be treated. The speed and pressure (usually between 2 and 10 bar) can be individually controlled, depending on the desired end result.
On impact, the blasting media shatters the surface layer by layer, detaching small particles from the floor. These then land together with the steel shot in a rebound channel. Here, the particles detached from the substrate and the abrasive are separated from each other. While the blasted material and resulting dust land in a collection container via an integrated extraction system, the steel shot is fed back into the blast wheel, creating a closed cycle. For optimum results, shot blasting requires experience and specialist knowledge. Only a specialist can select the right abrasive for the substrate, set up the shot blasting machine correctly and operate it effectively and safely. Would you like to have your concrete or screed floor shot-blasted by a professional? Then you've come to the right place. Arrange a non-binding consultation appointment now!
What is the purpose of shot blasting for screed and concrete floors?
Shot blasting can be used for various purposes, all of which serve to improve the substrate. These include, among others
- Improving adhesion: Preparing the surface using shot blasting helps to improve the adhesion and durability of coatings (e.g. synthetic resins), sealants and adhesives on concrete and screed floors.
- Surface cleaning: With the help of shot blasting, stubborn residues of grease and oil as well as dirt, paint residues and old coatings can be removed quickly and with comparatively little effort.
- Surface profiling: By shot-blasting the floor, it is possible to profile the surface as required. In this way, the optimum basis for the adhesion of various coatings can be created.
- Removal of weak spots: Small cracks, cavities and the so-called laitance (weak top layer on concrete and screed floors) can be removed using shot blasting. This gives coatings a better grip and a longer service life.
What are the advantages of concrete and screed shot blasting compared to other methods?
Shot blasting offers a number of advantages over other methods of surface preparation. First and foremost, the method is very environmentally friendly, as any dust produced is extracted and the blasting media used is collected and reused. Chemical agents are not used in shot blasting. The process is also very efficient, meaning that both small and large surfaces can be processed in a short time and prepared for subsequent work steps. Last but not least, shot blasting ensures very even results and does not damage the substrate if used correctly.
Are you looking for a specialist for shot peening? Arrange a consultation now!
Whether it's a private home, public building or industrial property - if you're looking for a professional to shot-blast your screed or concrete floor, you've come to the right place. With over 25 years of experience in laying and finishing concrete and screed floors of various types, we will implement your project professionally, reliably and at fair conditions. It is best to make an appointment for a consultation directly by e-mail or telephone. We will be happy to get an idea of your planned project and then provide you with a non-binding offer for shot blasting.
Questions and answers about shot peening
Shot blasting screed and concrete floors is used in various areas. In addition to private homes, these include public buildings, industrial and commercial facilities, parking garages and parking lots as well as swimming pools and sports facilities.
In addition to shot blasting, substrates such as concrete and screed can also be prepared for the application of coatings etc. using other methods. These include grinding, milling and sandblasting. Which of these variants is used depends on the individual requirements of the project and the result to be achieved.
The cost of shot blasting screed and concrete surfaces depends on various factors such as the surface finish and the overall size of the area to be treated. Billing is usually per square meter. We will be happy to provide you with a fair quote that takes all factors into account and is tailored to your individual needs.
Yes, compared to other methods of surface preparation, shot blasting is very environmentally friendly and efficient. The air remains clean due to the extraction of dust, no potentially hazardous chemicals are used and the steel balls used can be reused after use.