American Surface Restoration, Inc.
	Your Beadblasting Resource

 Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Bead Blasting?                How does it work?                Why Bead Blast?

What is Bead Blasting?

Bead Blasting, also known as Shot Blasting, is a mechanical method used in concrete and steel surface preparation, removal, and renewal.  Our process prepares the surface for the application of a coating, paint or sealer.  In order for a new coating or overlay to establish a strong bond to a surface, it must be clean, dry and profiled.  A surface profile is needed to provide a grip or “teeth” for the coating to adhere to.  Your American Surface Restoration representative can show you profile samples by ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute) standards.

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How does it work?

The shot blast machine works by propelling steel shot at a high velocity onto a surface.  This shot removes the surface layer of the concrete or steel taking dirt, coatings, paint or other contaminants with it.  A vacuum system in the machine pulls the debris into a chamber where an air wash system separates the debris from the shot.  The debris is sent to the dust collector and the reusable shot is recycled.  This virtually dust free operation allows floor preparation in almost any area including sensitive environments such as food processing, electronics, and pharmaceutical plants.

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Why Bead Blast?

If your present construction site requires removal of line markings, salts from cement hydration, petroleum, adhesives from vinyl, linoleum, tile, or other such surface contaminants, “beadblasting” from American Surface Restoration may save your company a whole lot of time and dollars as well:

• Bead Blasting is a highly effective method of surface preparation used prior to the application of coatings, sealers or overlays to a substrate.  Bead blasting not only cleans a surface by removing surface contaminants it provides a surface profile which will allow for the best application of the coating or overlay. 
• Bead blasting is a one step method that will strip, clean and profile a surface leaving it dry and immediately ready for the application of coatings or overlays. 
• Our machines have self-contained dust collectors which allow for dust free operation allowing preparation in sensitive environments.
• There is no need for chemicals, which may be potentially hazardous, and cleanup or drying time is NOT required after blasting has been completed.
• Industry standards no longer consider acid etching to be an acceptable way to do surface preparation.  When concrete is etched, the cement that holds together the concrete is attacked and weakened.  Ecological restrictions involved with waste removal could prohibit the use of chemical methods.
• Bead blasting equipment is heavy and expensive.  Using it correctly requires professional expertise.  The size of the shot needs to be as fine as possible but coarse enough to accomplish the specification.  Professional expertise will result in the professional results you seek.

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