Why Diamond Bit Grinding on Concrete Garage Floors Is Better Than Acid Etched Concrete Floors

The choice between grinding a garage floor and acid etching is an often debated topic among those who prepare concrete for epoxy or polyaspartic flooring.  It may come as a surprise that this process cannot be accomplished by painting over the surface without further preparation work being done on your part beforehand, as the product won’t adhere properly to the floor without the prep beforehand.

Why do I need to etch or grind my concrete?

Your garage floor coating needs to be able to penetrate and bond to the concrete in order to adhere properly.  Most concrete floors are finished to provide a smooth and even surface.  Even new floors need to be prepped for installation.  Doing this reduces the porosity of the concrete, and therefore, the coatings cannot penetrate and soak into the surface well.  Proper prep and concrete grinding are as important as the product you use.

Once the concrete is properly prepped, the floor coating can penetrate into the concrete surface, giving it a better bond, and lasting longer.  Not prepping correctly is the number one reason garage floor coatings peel up after installation.

Diamond bit grinding vs acid etched concrete floor prep

If you are looking to refinish your concrete garage floor, you may be wondering if diamond bit grinding is a better option than acid etching. Both methods have their pros and cons, but in general, diamond bit grinding is the better option. Below, we will discuss the reasons why diamond bit grinding is a better choice for concrete garage floors.

Diamond bit grinding is more efficient than acid etching concrete floors

Because it removes the top layer of concrete more evenly, diamond bit grinding is considered the superior prep for your concrete garage floor resurfacing. It leaves a smoother surface for the new coating to be applied.

Acid etch does not always remove the excess laitance (accumulation of fine particles on the surface of fresh concrete).  If the coating adheres to the laitance, it will easily chip or peel.  So it is very important for your garage floor resurfacing to be done properly.

Diamond bit grinding does not require the use of harsh chemicals, which can be harmful to both people and the environment

Diamond bit grinding is more efficient than acid etching concrete floors because it removes the top layer of concrete more evenly. This leaves a smoother surface for the new coating to be applied. Diamond bit grinding also does not leave any dangerous chemicals behind, as acid etching can. This makes diamond grinding the safer choice for both you and your family.

Diamond bit grinding leaves a smoother finish than acid etching concrete floors

Compared to diamond bit grinding, acid etching concrete floors leaves a rougher finish. Diamond bit grinding is able to create a smoother finish because it cuts through the concrete more evenly because it removes the top layer of concrete more evenly. Diamond bit grinding also doesn’t leave behind as many pits and divots as acid etching concrete floors do.  Acid etching concrete is hard to control the uniformity of the process. As a result, diamond bit grinding is the better choice if you’re looking for a smooth finish.

Diamond bit grinding is less likely to cause damage to the underlying concrete

Acid etching concrete floors can cause a number of different types of damage. The acid can eat away at the concrete, causing it to become pitted and rough. It can also cause the concrete to discolor, making it appear dull and lackluster. In addition, acid etching can also damage any sealant that has been applied to the concrete, making it more susceptible to staining and wear. For these reasons, it is important to be careful when using acid to etch concrete and to make sure that the area is well ventilated.

So, if you’re looking for a way to refinish your concrete garage floor that won’t damage the underlying concrete, diamond bit grinding is the better option

More about acid etched concrete floors

Acid etching will not work if you have a sealer or coating on your concrete.  You will have to grind the floor if this is the case.

Acid etching will not remove dirt and oil from the concrete floor.  You will still need to clean it first.

This is why acid etching is not considered the superior process for garage floor resurfacing.

Benefits of diamond bit grinding

Diamond grinding is the process of using diamond bits to grind down the surface of the concrete. This is often done to prepare concrete for refinishing, as it can remove imperfections and create a smoother surface. diamond grinding can also be used to remove old coatings or paint from concrete surfaces. In addition, diamond grinding can be used to create textured finishes or alter the color of concrete. Overall, diamond grinding is a versatile tool that can be used to prepare concrete for refinishing or create unique finishes.

DIY Grinding

The issue with prepping your garage floor with grinding is that it is not always feasible for you to find the appropriate equipment, especially the garage floor grinder to properly diamond grind garage floor.  There is also dust control, and gouging of the surface if you are inexperienced at using the equipment.

Contractor Tips

Always make sure when you are looking to hire a floor coating company that you make sure they grind the concrete.  Any contractor that wants to acid etch your floor is just cutting corners to reduce costs, and your floor will not stand the test of time.

Colorado Springs Garage Floors – we use our diamond grinding machine on every job

So there you have it.  Diamond grinding is a better option than acid washing for concrete floors.  Acid washing your concrete floor is a thing of the past. Diamond grinding provides superior results and is much more affordable in the long run. If you’re looking to restore your concrete floors, call us today for a free estimate. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have.

About Colorado Springs Garage Floors

If you are asking, how do I find superior garage floor resurfacing near me, it’s easy!  We are family-owned and operated, and cover a large area in and around Colorado Springs.  We use exclusively polyaspartic floor coating – read here on why it is superior to epoxy.

We also offer Free Estimates!  And we deliver excellent customer satisfaction.

Thanks for reading!