When it comes to preparing concrete surfaces for coatings, overlays, or finishes, 2 methods dominate the field: Shot Blasting and Diamond Grinding. Both methods by SGi Tech are highly effective but they deliver very different results.
Instead of choosing one over the other, it’s more valuable to understand what each method does best, and how that aligns with your project’s needs.
Use Cases Based on Environment & Use
Shot Blasting and Diamond Grinding often serve different types of projects. While both are effective for surface preparation, their use cases vary depending on whether the goal is grip, removal, or refinement.
Shot Blasting works with high-velocity steel shots to impact the surface for a consistent texture while Diamond Grinding uses interchangeable diamond grits for custom finishes depending on the required surface finishing.
Here’s how they compare across typical environments:
| Application | Shot Blasting | Diamond Grinding |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy coating prep (1mm-3mm systems) | Ideal surface profile (CSP 4–6) | Suitable for thin film coatings |
| Coverage profile | Covers 100% of peaks & valleys consistently | Precision leveling on highs only |
| Anti-slip texture for ramps & driveways | Uniform, aggressive texture | Less textured, depends on grit level |
| Removal of thermoplastic lines/coatings | Efficient for larger scale removal | Effective for glue, paint & adhesives |
| Floor flatness correction | Not applicable | Levels high spots, improves flatness |
| Polished concrete/decorative prep | Not suitable | Produces polish-ready surface with correct grit |
| Speed & coverage | Up to 3,500 m²/day on large floors | Up to 1,000 m²/day on large floors |
There’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s all about matching the surface prep method to the job’s end-goal. It is suggested to go for Shot Blasting if you need a dust-free solution to a rough profile for strong coating adhesion, anti-slip texture or coating removal.
And on the other hand, choose Diamond Grinding for a flat, levelled surface with a polished finish prep and aesthetic control, or removal of thin residues.
We approach surface preparation with strategy and the best technology from SGi because the best outcomes come from knowing what to use, when and why.
