Concrete Preparation for Epoxy Floor System

Applying an epoxy floor system for the first time can be a daunting task. Preparation and patience are key in order to begin. Before rushing in to apply your epoxy, you need to ensure that the concrete substrate is ready for the coating. Without being prepared properly, you could potentially cause adhesion issues and early degradation of the floor itself.

First step, you need to examine the concrete for any spots with potential damaging. This could include spalls, efflorescence, cracks that need to be filled, oil spills, etc. then a plan of action can be made. Any abrasions to the concrete need to be addressed first. Depending on the size of the cracks, Exterior Performance Coatings carries multiple types of Epoxy Crack or Joint Fillers to ensure you have a smooth floor  before beginning. We carry an Efflorescence blocker as well to remove any of that off the garage floor.

If moisture is a concern, consider applying a Moisture Vapor Barrier product. This helps protect the concrete and prevent future issues to your flooring system from moisture and extends the life of the coatings.

Finally, ensuring the concrete is ready to accept a coating system is important. We recommend using a concrete diamond grinder with an 18-30 grit diamond blade. The goal texture is to get 60-80 grit sandpaper feel of the floor. Once you complete this step, you are ready to start your flooring project!

Give us a call today at 630-675-4509 for any application assistance or product selection on your project!