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Concrete Floor Surface Preparation

Concrete Floor Surface Preparation

Concrete Floor Surface Preparation

Outside of controlling moisture vapor emissions, the single most important step in any concrete coating application is the preparation of the surface. Easily 90% or more of all coating failures can be traced back to the elimination of this critical step or simply performing it improperly. We at Bach Custom Coatings understand this integral part of the process and utilize a variety of techniques to obtain optimal results.

The preferred method of creating a suitable surface profile for most epoxies and high build coatings is by shot blasting. Using steel shot propelled in a controlled pattern at a high velocity, old coatings, surface contaminates, and other potential bond breaking materials are quickly removed. By opening up the pores of the concrete via shot blasting, the surface area of the slab can be increased by upwards of two to three-hundred percent. This creates an avenue for the concrete and the subsequent primer coat to form a tenacious bond.

Another means of preparing the surface is by diamond grinding. Using various "grits" of specially cut diamonds along with precision machinery, we are able to glide across the surface of the concrete removing old coatings, mastics and adhesives as we go. Besides creating a surface that the coating will adhere to properly, unevenness in the slab's terrain and other surface irregularities are also minimized during this process.

The third type of surface preparation is to chemically etch the concrete. While there are certain situations where this is a perfectly acceptable solution, overall it is the least desirable means of readying the slab for a coating application. Great care must be used to insure any and all of the chemicals used are neutralized and thoroughly rinsed to remove any residue, as even the smallest trace remaining can cause the coating that is applied afterward to improperly cure. Disposal of the inert chemicals, environmental considerations and drying time once the process is complete are all concerns when selecting this means of prepping the concrete.