It is obvious that different circumstances require different actions and decisions, and different people have different preferences; which is why some people prefer the wet process and some prefer the dry process. This article will explore the reason why we need to make an informed decision when deciding. We will make us understand why do wet or dry concrete grinding and polishing
We first understand why the floor should be grind or polished wet and next we understand why it should be grind or polished dry.
The most obvious difference is the use of water while grinding and the non-use of water, that is where the wet and dry name comes from
The wet concrete grinding process.
The concrete wet process uses water, which is relatively accessible. The water cools the diamond tooling by acting as a lubricant to reduce friction. Depending on the tooling you’re using, this can help extend the life of your tooling by reducing the possibility of melting the resin or having it glaze over.
It also helps reduce dust exposure by wetting it down before it becomes airborne. This means that you are protected from breathing in the toxic dust particles, like Silica dust, that are exposed during the grinding process.
Although using water does help prevent the user from being exposed to large amounts of dangerous dust particles, it leaves a slurry like paste which needs to be cleaned up and disposed of appropriately. In some locations and instances, the slurry can be recycled to be used for things like road mix.
The main reason for using water is that it cools down the diamond tool used in grinding and also provides lubrication that is needed to reduce friction, without heat reduction there is an increased risk of heat generation from the friction created during grinding. Heat sometimes will melt the epoxy resin and glaze over the tooling. We do not want that to happen, so in a way wet concrete grinding extends the life of our tool.
There are a few reasons people prefer wet grinding and polishing vs. dry, let us now look at the concerns or disadvantages
- Many feel the large amounts of water used for larger jobs when wet grinding or polishing, can be very wasteful if used in situations where dry grinding is possible. With the rising amount of globalized water issues, it seems like an unnecessary option for many situations.
- It’s very difficult to achieve the same shine with wet polishing as you can with dry, so for situations like decorative flooring, or when you’re looking for a high shine finish, using the dry method is a much better option.
- Although wet grinding does help to keep the operator safe from dust exposure, the leftover slurry is time-consuming to clean up and not always easy to dispose of. As a result, environmental issues are an increasing concern, and efficient disposal of the slurry caused by wet polishing is becoming somewhat of an issue.
Dry Concrete Grinding
Technological progress has resolved one of the most significant setbacks of dry concrete grinding; dust exposure. Newer models come already fitted with dust extraction systems and filters to minimize dust exposure to the operator and the environment. This method simultaneously grinds and cleans the area and, in the process leaving behind a surface that’s ready to be polished.
Advantages of Dry Concrete Grinding
It is more environment-friendly since it filters and collects dust particles and does not
leave slurry.
Speaking of slurry, the lack of it in this method means that you get to save much time in the clean-up process.
It gives a far better shine and finishes compared to wet concrete grinding.
Disadvantages of Dry Concrete Grinding
It may not be the most ideal when dealing with tough concrete. In such a case, you are advised to start with the wet grinding method and then switch to a dry grinding method afterward.
The dust extraction system makes the equipment a little more expensive.
Dry Concrete Grinding
Technological progress has resolved one of the most significant setbacks of dry concrete grinding; dust exposure. Newer models come already fitted with dust extraction systems and filters to minimize dust exposure to the operator and the environment. This method simultaneously grinds and cleans the area and, in the process leaving behind a surface that’s ready to be polished.
Concluding
Ultimately, the choice between these two methods will primarily be driven by personal preferences, budget, time necessity. Bad flooring can ruin the entire floor appearance – regardless of how much effort was put into it. Do not risk having your floors done by inexperienced people. If you require such services in Nigeria, get in touch with us. The first place for all needed tools and chemicals for epoxy flooring
Grinders and Polishers are now compatible with Dust Extraction Systems that can be attached right to the machine and collect the dust as it’s being made. Appropriate dust extraction systems with certified HEPA filters will ensure that the operator won’t be exposed to dangerous respirable silica dust.
Not only does this ensure a safe work environment, but it also cleans as you work, so you have an even, clean surface for grinding and polishing, and it eliminates the extensive cleanup after you’re done; saving you time and money.
Many agree that the wet process unnecessarily consumes a lot of water, making it an environmental concern, and opt for the dry process for this reason.
Furthermore, you get a much better shine and finish when using the dry process, it’s impossible to get the same finish when using water.
When using a dust extraction system instead of water, you don’t have a slurry to deal with when you’re finished. Therefore you’re significantly reducing the amount of cleanup. It will be easier to dispose of the dust and debris quickly, efficiently, and safely, making it a much better option from a business standpoint.
Some claim that if the concrete is super hard, it is still best to use the wet method to start and switch to dry after the first few steps to prevent tooling from glazing over. However, with the new technology, manufacturers have created tooling for hard concrete that withstands the temperatures and won’t melt or glaze over.
If you’ve properly tested the hardness of the concrete using hardness testers and are using the appropriate tooling, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Some believe that the wet process is a lot less expensive and affordable because a dust extraction system is added to equipment costs.
If you’re concerned about this, it’s important to remember that we can rent dust extraction equipment to save some money if the initial cost to purchase is not within your budget. Secondly, the amount of time and money you’ll save in clean-up will pay for the dust extraction system faster than you may think.
SO WHICH IS BETTER?
The choice between wet and dry grinding and polishing is often a personal preference. Sometimes people will choose to do a bit of both by starting with wet and switching to dry, but it still won’t turn out quite the same because the slurry created by wet grinding is composed of abrasive particles, which will affect your process. Plus, you’ll still have to clean up the slurry in-between the grinding and polishing steps, which takes time. So not only will it take more time and effort, but you won’t end up with the same high standard finish.
Technically, with the advancements in tooling technology, the wet process is no longer an advantage. Again, it comes down to preference, but most people are moving towards the Dry approach for the various reasons listed above.
If you are unsure about what to do or begin a job, talk to your dealer or the equipment manufacturer or come to us