Market | Surface Preparation
What is Surface Preparation?
Surface Preparation is the process of removing preexisting coating(s), residue, organic matter, oxidation, or other contaminants from a surface, and it can range from a basic wipe-down or sanding to a total stripping, using tools and equipment designed specifically for the surface and coating at hand. The surfaces being prepped are usually steel, concrete, metal, wood, and plastic or aluminum, and can include floors, walls, decks, countertops, walkways, or roads. Coatings and contaminants that are removable include paint, oil, dust, mold, or rust. Surface Preparation requires special planning and evaluation of potential hazards before work can begin.
Aramsco Resources for Surface Preparation
Aramsco provides the equipment, chemicals, and tools which Surface Preparation professionals need to do their work safely and effectively. These supplies include:
- Shotblasters and Shotblaster Accessories
- Dust Collectors
- Grinders
- Polishers
- Scrapers
- Floor Stripping Machines
- Shavers
- Scarifiers
- Vacuums
- Mold Resistant Coatings
- Paint Strippers and Removers
Where Surface Preparation Happens
Steel Preparation
- Oil Refinery Tank Farms
- Oil Rigs
- Municipal Water Towers
- Wind Towers
- Ship Yards
- Pipeline
Concrete Preparation
- Factories &
Warehouses- Concrete Grinding
& Shotblasting - Crack Repair
- Scraping
- Polished Concrete
- Concrete Grinding
- Residential
- Polished Concrete
- Garage Floors
- Decorative Cuts
- Bridges &
Highways- Surface Preparation
- Striping &
Marking Removal
- Airports &
Runways- Surface Texturizing
- Line Stripe Removal
- Rubber Removal
Why prepare a surface?
Proper surface preparation is essential for the success of any protective coating system. The purpose of surface preparation is to remove all contaminants that can interfere with adhesion, and to develop a surface roughness to promote a mechanical bond. This ensures that a coating has maximum adhesion. The performance of any paint coating is directly dependent upon the correct and thorough preparation of the surface prior to coating. The most expensive and technologically advanced coating system will fail if the surface preparation is incorrect or incomplete.
Surface Preparation Methods
Shotblasting
This method is a one-step process which strips, cleans and etches simultaneously. All dust and contaminants are collected by a vacuum system which permits the immediate application of the coating system. All deposits of oil or grease must be removed before shotblasting.
Mechanical Scarification
This method uses a machine which grinds, cuts, sands, or breaks away the top layer of the surface to expose a clean, fresh exterior. All deposits of oil or grease must be removed before scarifying.
Sandblasting
Either wet or dry blasting can be used. Blasting of concrete requires removal of loose and powdery concrete along with laitance. Vacuuming or air blasting is required to remove all sand and dust. All deposits of oil or grease must be removed before blasting.
Types of Surfaces
Concrete
The concrete must be thoroughly cleaned with a strong detergent to remove grease and oils. The floor should be thoroughly wetted before application of detergent and thoroughly rinsed after cleaning. Any loose concrete should be removed. Holes and cracks should be filled before application of a coating. Coating older but uncoated concrete floors is done in much the same manner as new concrete.
Steel
Minimum surface prep required is sandblast to ensure removal of rust, mill scale, oxidation or old coatings. If this is not possible, an acceptable alternative is mechanical preparation, if carefully done. A degreasing solvent wipe is recommended prior to blasting or sanding. Blasted surfaces must be coated within 8 hours to prevent rust bloom.
Wood
A clean, sound wood surface is required. Remove any oils and dirt from surface by suitable means, using degreasing solvent or strong detergents. Sanding or mechanical cleaning is then required to remove loose or deteriorated surface wood to obtain the proper surface profile.
Plastic
Sandblast or power sand lightly to remove surface contaminants, old coatings, etc. New plastic surfaces require light sanding or brush blast to remove mold release and other adhesion inhibitors. A solvent wipe is recommended before blasting or sanding.
Painted Surfaces
If the paint is peeling or degrading in any way, it should be completely removed by sanding, blasting or stripping. If previous coating is completely intact, the surface may be cleaned with a strong detergent or solvent and scuff-sanded to remove the gloss. If there is any indication that lead paint is present, EPA procedures must be followed.
Free Informational Webinar: The 2010 EPA Lead RRP regulations Free Lead RRP Product Guide