Floor scarifying

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Floor scarifying

Floor scarifying or floor sanding is a very common and a well recognised method of preparing a floor surface before painting. The process is very thorough and is generally very quick as well. At Polycote, we use STR Floor Machines very regularly and as they have such a variety of different attachments these machines enable us to use these them in many different ways.

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Why is floor sanding or scarifying important?

Floor sanding or scarifying is very important to increase the key on the floor surface, which in-turn increases the overall adhesion of the new flooring system. We also use these floor sanding machines to quickly clean, de-nib and key between coats on the floor as well – especially between the primer and topcoat in a two coat system.

STR machines can be used for sanding, grinding, providing a mechanical keying and buffing, and they can also be used on almost any floor surface – Wood, concrete, stone, screeds, coatings and so much more…

What is the best use of STR floor scarifying?

Our most common uses for this type of surface preparation are:

Keying smooth concrete floors

The machines are heavy enough to key a concrete surface very well. If the concrete surface is rough these machines are not heavy enough to grind it smooth.

Sanding existing coatings

If you have an existing coating that has a strong bond and you want to re-coat the areas, these machines will provide an excellent key.

Wooden floors

These are the only machine we will ever use to prepare a wooden surface. They are highly effective and will improve the condition and finish of any wooden surface. Diamond grinders are too aggressive and can damage the floor.

Where would you not use an STR floor sander?

There are certain types of floor or surface preparation that STR floor scarifying or STR floor machines are not good for and some of the most common are listed below:

Heavy contamination removal

If the surface is very rough and there is a layer of heavy oil, grime or dirt, these machines are not heavy enough to remove the contamination and prepare the concrete as well.

Very strong and ‘hard’ power-floated concrete floor

Again as these machines are not heavy. They will clean these floors but they will not provide a very good key because the machines just rides over the floor. A diamond grinder or shot blaster will be a lot more suitable as they are heavier and more aggressive.