Sandblasting is widely used to clean, strip and texture the surface of industrial concrete floors, but it has also gained popularity in the commercial and residential sectors these days. Many homeowners and businesses now use sandblasting to reveal exposed aggregate in existing residential and commercial concrete floors, giving the floors an exquisite finishing touch. 

So, why is sandblasting a popular technique for preparing concrete floors in the industrial as well as commercial and residential sectors? Here are a few good reasons why.

A vast range of abrasive media types is now available for sandblasting.

Although sand is the original choice of abrasive media for blasting hardened concrete surfaces, a large selection of abrasive media is now available for the job. These include glass beads, walnut shells, steel shots, steel grit, aluminium oxide, dry ice and more. Each type of abrasive media has unique pros and cons, but in general, grit-based media provide superior cutting and stripping abilities, while bead-based media can provide better shine and surface consistency.

Sandblasting limits exposure to hazardous chemicals.

One of the things that should be considered when choosing between mechanical concrete stripping and chemical concrete strippers is exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. Unlike chemical strippers, which can be potentially dangerous if not properly used, the abrasive media used when sandblasting concrete surfaces do not contain as many chemicals. Although sandblasting has inherent risks, it reduces exposure to dangerous chemicals when compared to chemical concrete stripping.

Sandblasting is a fast and effective way to prepare concrete surfaces.

Speedy performance is desired when preparing on concrete surfaces. When performed professionally, sandblasting can save time. Unlike chemical strippers, which take days or even weeks to work, sandblasting workers can simply clean and texture the surface of the concrete as they move along. This leads to fast and effective results.

Sandblasting is an economical way to prepare concrete surfaces.

Sandblasting is not just a fast and effective way to clean and texture the surface of hardened concrete, it is also an economical way to create a clean, rough surface that is ideal for primers and liquid paint to adhere easily and properly. 

No matter which type of concrete floor you need to prepare, the best way to get the most out of your sandblasting is to hire a professional sandblasting contractor to handle your project. Paying a small fee for professional sandblasting service is a move that will pay well down the road.