Every question we get asked about concrete surface preparation, answered straight.
Questions
How It Works
Why can’t the installer just acid-etch instead of grinding?
Acid etching works only on bare, uncontaminated concrete. If the slab has any sealer, oil or previous coating, etching won’t open the surface enough for the primer to bond. Diamond grinding removes all of that and reaches the correct CSP regardless of what’s on the slab.
What happens if moisture testing is skipped?
Epoxy applied over a slab with high vapor emission will blister and delaminate, often within the first summer. Cobb County’s older basements are a known risk. Once blistering starts, the entire coating has to be stripped and the prep repeated, at full cost.
How long does surface preparation take before coating can start?
Grinding, degreasing and crack repair typically take one day on a standard residential garage. Moisture testing adds up to 72 hours if a calcium chloride test is used. The installer schedules coating only after the test result confirms a safe moisture level.
Is crack repair included in the estimate, or is it extra?
Every prep step, including crack filling and spall repair, is listed on the itemized written estimate before work begins. Nothing is added as a surprise charge on the day.
Does the concrete need to be a certain age before prep can start?
New concrete should cure for at least 28 days before grinding and coating. Freshly poured slabs still off-gas moisture at levels that will prevent proper primer adhesion. The installer confirms the slab age and runs a moisture test before scheduling prep.
What surface profile is needed for an epoxy coating?
Most epoxy and polyaspartic systems specify CSP 2 or CSP 3, a slightly rough, open texture similar to 60-grit sandpaper. The installer grinds to the profile stated in the coating manufacturer’s data sheet, not a generic standard.
Get a Written Estimate for Your Floor
Every enquiry receives an itemized written estimate covering surface prep, materials, layer thickness and cure times, no booking until you’ve approved it.