Shot blasting and diamond grinding are two of the most effective and widely used techniques in industrial floor preparation. Both are mechanical methods designed to clean, level and texture concrete substrates before the installation of epoxy, polyurethane, or polyaspartic resin flooring systems.
What is shot blasting and diamond grinding?
In simple terms, these processes prepare a floor to achieve the correct surface profile for strong adhesion and long-term performance. Shot blasting propels small steel shot at high speed to remove weak surface layers and contamination, while diamond grinding uses rotating diamond segments to smooth and refine the surface.
Each technique serves a specific purpose. Shot blasting produces a coarse texture ideal for heavy-duty screeds and coatings, while diamond grinding delivers a finer, more uniform finish for coatings or decorative systems.
At Monarch Resin Floors, we assess every project individually to determine the most effective preparation method based on the floor condition, coating thickness, and operational environment. Proper preparation is the foundation of every successful resin flooring installation, ensuring durability, hygiene, and a seamless finish.
Below is an example of the effect the right level of industrial preparation can have on a project. Using techniques like shot blasting and diamond grinding can really make the difference when it comes to the final look of a floor. The images below are from a resin flooring installation in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Prior to the application of a resin floor, it is appropriate to seek professional help and advice to ensure correct selection of preparation type.
Shot blasting is a dust-free mechanical preparation method that uses high-velocity steel shot to clean and texture concrete floors. The process removes laitance, weak surface layers, dirt and coatings while simultaneously vacuuming debris for a clean, ready-to-coat surface.
Because the system is self-contained, it minimises airborne dust and allows subsequent resin primer or coating applications to begin sooner, reducing downtime — an important advantage in active manufacturing or production environments.
Diamond grinding is another key method used in industrial floor preparation. It uses rotating diamond-tipped tooling to smooth and level the surface, correcting irregularities such as roughness and surface faults.
When removing existing resin coatings, diamond grinding provides a faster and cleaner alternative to shot blasting. It opens the pores of the concrete, ensuring strong mechanical keying for new epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic systems. This method also removes loose or weak concrete and creates a refined finish that promotes adhesion.
Unlike heavier impact techniques, diamond grinding does not cause micro-fracturing, making it ideal where the substrate needs to remain structurally sound.
Below is a simple comparison showing the main differences and applications for both preparation methods.
| Property | Shot Blasting | Diamond Grinding |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Steel shot propelled at high speed removes laitance and coatings | Diamond tooling abrades and smooths the concrete surface |
| Finish Texture | Textured surface for high mechanical key | Smoother, levelled surface for fine-tolerance resin systems |
| Dust Control | Self-contained vacuum collection for minimal dust | Vacuum-assisted system, slightly more residue than shot blasting |
| Use Case | Ideal before heavy-duty screeds and coatings | Used for smoothing, coating removal and final refinishing |
| Suitable Resin Types | Epoxy, polyurethane, polyaspartic | Epoxy, polyurethane, polyaspartic |
| Key Advantage | Strong mechanical profile and rapid preparation time | High precision finish without damaging concrete integrity |
Disclaimer: The information above is provided as a general guide. The appropriate method depends on the condition of the substrate, the resin system specified, and site environment. Always seek advice from qualified resin flooring contractors such as Monarch Resin Floors before carrying out surface preparation.
Proper preparation determines how well a resin floor performs over time. Inadequate surface treatment can lead to poor adhesion, blistering, or early failure. By removing weak materials, opening pores and ensuring correct profile depth, both shot blasting and diamond grinding prepare the concrete to achieve maximum bond strength.
Priming immediately after preparation is equally important to seal the surface and prevent moisture or trapped air from interfering with the installation. Learn more about this process on the industrial floor preparation page.
What is the difference between shot blasting and diamond grinding?
Shot blasting uses high-speed steel shot to clean and texture the floor, creating a coarser surface. Diamond grinding smooths and levels the concrete using rotating diamond segments for a finer finish.
Which preparation method should I choose?
It depends on the floor condition and system type. Shot blasting is ideal for heavy-duty resin screeds, while diamond grinding suits epoxy coatings and decorative finishes.
Is shot blasting dusty?
No. It is a contained, dust-free process with integrated vacuum extraction that keeps the environment clean.
Can both methods be used together?
Yes. Often, shot blasting is followed by diamond grinding to refine edges or ensure uniform surface texture before priming.
Do you offer surface preparation as a standalone service?
Yes. Monarch provides both mechanical floor preparation and priming as part of full installation projects or independent works for other contractors.
Shot blasting and/ or diamond grinding are both effective ways to prepare a floor before the application of a resin coating. In some instances, it may be best to first shot blast the floor and then diamond grind depending on the floors current condition. Monarch make sure that you have an end to end surface when installing a resin floor, this includes the preparation which may need to take place so that the end floor reflects what is desired.
Above all, Monarch offers free technical advice and no-obligation quotes on its resin floor installations. This will include any apparent industrial floor preparation which will need to take place. In some cases, only a small amount of preparation may be needed before installation. However, it is always best practice to get a professional insight so that you can get the quality finish in your floor.
We are based across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire and install resin flooring throughout the UK. As well as installing resin flooring across Leicester. Moreover, we have a broad knowledge and understanding of industrial floor preparation and installation of resin floors with over thirty years of experience and three generations in business.
Furthermore, if you would like to contact Monarch, please use the contact form below or visit our contact page for other ways to get in touch.
We would love to speak with you about your resin flooring project.
Feel free to reach out using the below details or fill out the contact form and a member of our team will get in touch with you within 48 hours.
We never pass on any of your information to third parties and will only get in touch about the flooring project your enquiring about.
We never pass on any of your information to third parties and will only get in touch about the flooring project your enquiring about.