Being in the stone restoration industry, we are always looking for more efficient ways to refinish natural stone surfaces. When a floor needs more than just a good scrub clean, we have found a solution that is not only extremely effective in lightening up the surface, but also is environmentally friendly: Shot Blasting! There are few options out there, but personally we use the 1-8DM Shot Blaster, which is a walk behind machine.

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1-8DM Shot Blaster on Flamed Granite

 

Ok, so what exactly is shot blasting? It is a restorative process that shoots or blasts small steel shot beads onto the floor. When the beads are blasted on the surface, the beads shoot at a high velocity, but in a controlled pattern and direction. The beads then rebound back along with the dislodged contaminants and dirt. The beads and contaminants are sucked back into a recovery chamber.

The size of the steel shot beads vary depending on the surface profile and desired finish.

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Shot Blast Beads

 

When is shot blasting an applicable form of restoration?

Shot blasting is commonly used on concrete floors as well as exterior floors including decks and balconies.

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In progress: Shot blasting concrete driveway

 

We recently used the shot blasting system for a customer that wanted to lighten a flamed granite floor and simple cleaning just wasn’t cutting it. Shot blasting was able to achieve the desired look for this textured stone floor.

 

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Sample Test on Flamed Granite of Shot Blasting System

 

Shot blasting is also a great option if you need to remove an adhesive (such as old carpet glue).

A larger bead can be blasted on floors in preparation of wood installations, paints, coatings, or decorative uses. Also bonus: right after shot blasting, there is no wait time or drying time and the floor is immediately ready for the next operation (such as sealing).

 

So, why am I going on and on about shot blasting? Well, it has some additional benefits:

  • Environmentally friendly – the steel shot beads are recyclable and can be used multiple times
  • No rinsing
  • No drying time
  • Dust free when used with the appropriate dust collecting equipment
  • Minimal cleanup due to accompanying dust collection system
  • Efficient – cleans or strips surfaces in a short period of time

 

Hopefully, this blog has been a good introduction to a unique system. If you need more information on shot blasting, give International Stoneworks a call at 713-956-8291 or 800-775-TILE.