Shot Blasting vs Grinding
Shot blasting throws steel shot at the floor to break the coating bond — fast for large open spaces. Diamond grinding cuts down through the coating — precise for edges, garages, and detailed work.
Why Chemical Strippers Rarely Work for Pros
Stripper softens coatings but leaves adhesive residue that contaminates the next install. Pros almost always mechanically remove instead.
Dust Control
Every removal method throws dust. Professional installers run HEPA vacuum extraction on grinders and containment for shot blasting. Never accept a dry install without dust control.
What's Left After Removal
Bare concrete with a proper concrete surface profile — CSP-3 or higher. That's the surface a new coating needs to bond permanently.