Understanding Bond and Grit: What Every Flooring Pro Needs to Know

Introduction

When it comes to achieving the perfect finish on a concrete or epoxy floor, understanding the concepts of bond and grit is essential. These two factors play a significant role in the performance of diamond tools, ensuring you get the best results while maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.

In this post, we’ll break down what bond and grit mean, how they work, and why they matter for every stage of your flooring project.

What is Bond?

The bond in a diamond tool refers to the material that holds the diamond particles in place. As the tool is used, the bond wears down to expose fresh diamonds, maintaining the tool’s cutting or grinding efficiency.

Types of Bond

1. Soft Bond:

• Wears down quickly, exposing diamonds faster.

• Best for hard surfaces like dense concrete.

• Ensures steady cutting on surfaces that don’t wear down the tool easily.

2. Hard Bond:

• Wears down more slowly, holding the diamonds longer.

• Best for soft surfaces like green concrete or asphalt.

• Prevents excessive tool wear caused by soft, abrasive materials.

Why Bond Matters

Choosing the right bond is critical for:

• Tool Longevity: Using a hard bond on hard concrete can glaze the tool, reducing performance, while a soft bond on soft surfaces can cause premature wear.

• Project Efficiency: The correct bond ensures consistent results without frequent tool changes, saving time and money.

What is Grit?

Grit refers to the size of the diamond particles in the tool. It determines how aggressive the tool is and the type of finish it produces.

Grit Levels

1. Low Grit (6-50):

• Coarse diamonds for aggressive grinding.

• Ideal for removing coatings, adhesives, or leveling uneven surfaces.

2. Medium Grit (50-100):

• For intermediate grinding and removing scratches from lower grits.

• Prepares the surface for polishing or finer finishing.

3. High Grit (200-3000):

• Fine diamonds for polishing and achieving a smooth, reflective finish.

• Used in the final stages of concrete or epoxy floor finishing.

Why Grit Matters

• Surface Preparation: Each stage of the job requires a specific grit level to transition smoothly to the next.

• Finish Quality: Using the right grit ensures you get the desired finish, from a matte look to a high-gloss polish.

• Time Management: Skipping grits or choosing the wrong one can create extra work, as scratches or imperfections might need to be redone.

Matching Bond and Grit to the Job

Getting the best results means using the right bond and grit combination for the surface and the stage of the job.

Example Scenarios:

1. Hard Concrete Removal:

• Use a soft bond with low grit (30-50) for quick material removal.

2. Soft Concrete Grinding:

• Use a hard bond with medium grit (50-100) for efficient grinding without excessive tool wear.

3. Final Polishing:

• Use a soft bond with high grit (800-3000) to create a smooth, reflective surface.

Key Takeaways

• The bond determines how the tool interacts with the surface material.

• The grit determines the level of aggressiveness and the finish quality.

• Choosing the correct bond and grit for each stage of the job ensures the best results, reduces tool wear, and saves time and money.

At Creturion Abrasive, we’ve perfected the bonds and grits to match every stage of your flooring project. Whether you’re removing tough coatings or polishing to a mirror finish, our tools are designed to deliver top-tier performance every time.

Ready to Elevate Your Floors?

Explore our range of high-performance diamond tools and see the difference for yourself! Contact us today to learn more.