SURFACE PREPARATION IS KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL COATING APPLICATION

Surface preparation is arguably one of the most important tasks of the concrete coatings process. For this reason, we want to take a moment to walk you through why it is so important to prepare a surface for resinous coating adhesion and how we make sure it is done properly.

 

WHY IS SURFACE PREPARATION SO IMPORTANT?

Surface preparation is important because if it is not done right, the coating system could fail. For instance, if the moisture was not tested and there is too much moisture in the concrete prior to coating installation, or the concrete slab was not repaired or leveled, the coating may delaminate quickly. The reason our coatings last longer than other competitor’s is because of the pride and time we take in preparing the concrete surface for adhesion. In addition to this, we also use high-performance materials that may cost more upfront, but will be a longtime investment.

 

Patching and crack repairs.

HOW DO WE PREPARE THE SURFACE FOR PROPER ADHESION?

Our team will ensure that your concrete is prepared and repaired, so that your concrete coating will adhere. Look at the following ways we prepare the concrete prior to resinous flooring application.

  1. Repair the concrete.
    • Fill cracks with flexible joint filler.
      • Cracks generally must be bigger than a credit card width to warrant chasing them and filling them for the integrity of the concrete slab.
    • Level the concrete where needed.
      • Concrete must be as flush as possible for coatings to adhere properly.
    • Apply a cementitious layer and patch spalling concrete areas where needed.
  2. Grind, shot blast, or sandblast the concrete surface.
  3. Acid etch or mechanically prep the concrete.
    • Concrete needs to be a rough, sandpaper finish for the coating to adhere. This can be done either with acid etching or mechanical preparation.
  4. Dry mop the concrete or clean the area surface from dirt and debris.

 

 

Grinding the concrete with dust control

 

AND TO SUM IT UP…

Once the concrete is prepared thoroughly and to industry standards, it is time to apply the resinous coating system! This is the exciting part because this is the part you get to see the result! One thing to consider before moving on, however, is in this process it is important to do proper moisture vapor testing to make sure the concrete’s moisture level is within industry standards to apply a coating. Otherwise, moisture will affect the coating’s adhesion. Also, we’ll give you our honest opinion if you would be better off replacing your concrete if we do not think we can repair it well enough for a coating to adhere properly.

Thank you for your interest in finding out how surface preparation is an important step to the concrete coating process! When you work with us, you can trust that you are in the right hands. We appreciate our clients and want to give them the best concrete flooring investment! Call us today to learn more at 720-258-6571!