If you are restoring or resurfacing a concrete floor or other natural or unsealed mineral surface, proper surface preparation is the first and most essential step. Having a solid concrete foundation for any surface coatings or overlays is vital to the long life of your floor or walking surface. Many surface coatings will not adhere properly to concrete that has not had proper surface preparation.

Let's take for example a concrete floor that is to be coated for slip resistance. This is a common application in industrial settings where managers are concerned with slips and falls or general workplace safety. A typical solution in this instance is to apply an epoxy coating that will seal, protect, and enhance the anti-slip characteristics of the floor. Properly preparing the surface of the concrete is the first step in creating a good-looking, safe floor that will last many years.

Proper Steps for Surface Preparation of Concrete

The first step in surface preparation for concrete is to remove any contamination such as oils, dirt, or grease which can adversely affect the bonding characteristics of your coating. This can be achieve by rigorous cleaning with heavy duty commercial solvents, or by using a flame gun. Previous contamination also includes old sealants or coatings, which are best removed by sandblasting or vacuum shotblasting.

Once the concrete is clean and free of contaminants and debris, the surface needs to be roughened in order to maximize the bonding of the epoxy coating. Acid etching is a quick and effective method of creating a suitable surface, but may be undesirable due to the harsh chemicals used in this process. Mechanical preparation is an alternative to this. Finally, it is important that the floor be protected from moisture intrusion, as this can severely hamper proper bonding of the epoxy coating.