Skip to content
Sept Tools

CSP chart for concrete: choosing the surface profile from 1 to 10

Ten surface profiles, from CSP 1 (nearly flat) to CSP 10 (very rough), and the Sept Tools machine that reaches each level.

Free quote, no obligation, reply within one working day. Equipment guaranteed 24 months.

  1. Concrete surface with a CSP 1 profile
  2. Concrete surface with a CSP 2 profile
  3. Concrete surface with a CSP 3 profile
  4. Concrete surface with a CSP 4 profile
  5. Concrete surface with a CSP 5 profile
  6. Concrete surface with a CSP 6 profile
  7. Concrete surface with a CSP 7 profile
  8. Concrete surface with a CSP 8 profile
  9. Concrete surface with a CSP 9 profile
  10. Concrete surface with a CSP 10 profile
  • Wheel plate CSP 1-4
  • Roller plate CSP 3-6
  • Chipping CSP 7-10

The CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) measures the roughness of concrete before a coating is applied. The ICRI 310.2R-2013 standard defines 10 profiles, from CSP 1, nearly flat, to CSP 10, very rough, with an amplitude above about 6 mm (1/4 in). A rotary bush hammer reaches CSP 6 at most: beyond that, you have to chip. This page presents the chart and names the Sept Tools machine for each level.

Our machines

Which machine for which CSP level?

The Fouine and Potam bush hammers reach CSP 6 at most; the overhead chipping hammer takes over beyond. Dust captured at the source. Quote within one working day.

View all our products
Bouchardeuse Fouine

Bouchardeuse Fouine

The Fouine bush hammer has been developed with our brushless motors (low noise, low vibration, extended service life and waterproof) for renovation, construction, demolition, asbestos removal and dismantling. It handles your bush hammering tasks on render, resin, bituminous coatings and more. This bush hammer is compatible with our range of ergonomic trolleys, enabling overhead bush hammering. This machine must be used with an electronic speed controller IP65 and an industrial vacuum with a LONGOPAC bag.

Bouchardeuse Potam

Bouchardeuse Potam

The Potam bush hammer has been developed with our brushless motors (low noise, low vibration, extended service life and waterproof) for renovation, construction, demolition, asbestos removal and dismantling. It handles your bush hammering tasks on render, resin, bituminous coatings and more. This bush hammer is compatible with various ergonomic tools from our range, enabling wall bush hammering. This machine must be used with an electronic speed controller IP65 and an industrial vacuum with a LONGOPAC bag.

Burineur Plafond

Burineur Plafond

Chipping hammer specifically designed for overhead work at height.

The chart

The ten CSP profiles, from nearly flat to very rough

For each level, the resulting profile and the Sept Tools machine that reaches it.

See coverage by tool
CSP 1 Nearly flat Reached with
  • Wheel plate
CSP 2 Very slightly rough Reached with
  • Wheel plate
CSP 3 Slightly rough Reached with
  • Wheel plate
  • Roller plate
CSP 4 Light to medium roughness Reached with
  • Wheel plate
  • Roller plate
CSP 5 Medium roughness Reached with
  • Roller plate
CSP 6 Medium to pronounced roughness Reached with
  • Roller plate
CSP 7 Pronounced roughness Reached with
  • Chipping
CSP 8 Very pronounced Reached with
  • Chipping
CSP 9 Rough Reached with
  • Chipping
CSP 10 Very rough, amplitude above about 6 mm (1/4 in) Reached with
  • Chipping
The photos at the top of the page show a concrete surface at each CSP level, to compare with the ICRI profile chips when validating a job. Standard: ICRI 310.2R-2013.
Key points
10
CSP profiles

ICRI 310.2R-2013, from CSP 1 (nearly flat) to CSP 10 (very rough).

CSP 6
Maximum of a rotary bush hammer

Beyond CSP 6, you have to chip.

CSP 1-4
Wheel plate

Ref. PE102135.

CSP 3-6
Roller plate

Ref. PE102134.

The chart

Understanding CSP in four points

01

What CSP measures

The surface profile describes the relief of concrete once prepared. It is read by comparing the surface with the moulded ICRI profile chips, numbered 1 to 10.

02

Ten CSP levels

The higher the number, the more pronounced the relief. The standard describes CSP 10 as very rough, with an amplitude above about 6 mm (1/4 in).

03

CSP 1 to CSP 6: bush hammering

A rotary bush hammer reaches CSP 6 at most. The wheel plate (ref. PE102135) covers CSP 1 to 4, the roller plate (ref. PE102134) covers CSP 3 to 6.

04

Beyond CSP 6: chipping

Beyond CSP 6 a bush hammer is no longer enough: you have to chip with the overhead chipping hammer, in pneumatic (ref. ENS103398) or electric (ref. ENS103329) version.

Choosing

Which profile for which coating?

Epoxy, polyurethane and poured floors

The coating data sheet sets the required CSP: it is the reference, not a general value. Once the level is known, the chart gives the tool: wheel or roller plate up to CSP 6, chipping beyond.

Repair mortars and concrete overlays

The repair product also states the profile it needs on its data sheet. A more pronounced relief calls for a more aggressive tool: the roller plate goes higher than the wheel plate.

Decorative bush-hammered finish

The look is chosen by eye, by comparing with the profile chips. The wheel plate (ref. PE102135) covers CSP 1 to 4, the roller plate (ref. PE102134) CSP 3 to 6.

Check before application

Compare the surface with the ICRI profile chips under the same lighting, then record the level read before applying the coating. If it differs from the data sheet, redo the pass with the right plate.

Frequently asked questions

Your questions, answered

What is the CSP of a concrete surface?

CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) is a roughness scale defined by ICRI in guideline 310.2R-2013. It ranks the relief of prepared concrete from 1 (nearly flat) to 10 (very rough), so the applicator and the coating maker talk about the same level.

How many CSP levels are there?

Ten: ICRI 310.2R-2013 lists profiles CSP 1 to CSP 10. CSP 10 is described as very rough, with an amplitude above about 6 mm (1/4 in). Sources: ICRI and DeFelsko.

Can you get a CSP 9 with a bush hammer?

No. A rotary bush hammer reaches CSP 6 at most, whatever the plate: wheel plate CSP 1 to 4, roller plate CSP 3 to 6. For CSP 7 and above, you have to chip with the overhead chipping hammer, in pneumatic (ref. ENS103398) or electric (ref. ENS103329) version.

Wheel plate or roller plate: which one to choose?

The wheel plate (ref. PE102135) covers CSP 1 to 4. The roller plate (ref. PE102134) covers CSP 3 to 6. For CSP 5 or 6, only the roller plate will do. See the Sept Tools bush hammer plates.

How do I find the CSP my coating requires?

It is in the coating data sheet (resin, mortar, waterproofing) or in the job specification. Sept Tools does not set that value: the chart helps you pick the tool that reaches the level asked for.

Which Sept Tools machines prepare CSP 1 to 6?

The Fouine (ref. BOU103607) and Potam (ref. BOU102130) bush hammers, fitted with a wheel or roller plate, with dust captured at the source. For an overview of the techniques, see concrete surface preparation.

How do I check the CSP reached on site?

By comparing the surface with the ICRI profile chips under the same lighting, before the coating goes on. The reading is visual and tactile; record the level in the job file.

Need a quote or a demo?

Our sales team will help you choose your professional tools.

Contact us

Free quote, no obligation. Equipment guaranteed 24 months.

04 77 60 60 74 Request a quote