The installation success of epoxy floor coatings is dependent on two major aspects: proper concrete surface preparation and the use of top quality products. The entire epoxy floor coating installation is only as good as how concrete surface was prepared.
Preparation Process
Concrete surface preparation is the first and most crucial step in the installation of epoxy floor coatings.
The preparation process aims to make sure that the epoxy material will bond well with the concrete surface shown in the site Epoxy floors NYC. A successful epoxy floor coating installation depends on the proper bonding between the epoxy material and the concrete surface underneath.
Epoxy will bond well with the concrete surface when under these conditions:
- Clean and free from any dust, dirt, grime, existing sealants, and grease.
- Repaired chips and cracks.
- Oil spots removed and the concrete surface is degreased.
- There is no presence of moisture.
These conditions are only achieved with proper concrete surface preparation. When the concrete surface is improperly prepared, the epoxy coating will crack, peel, separate, and discolor. This means the epoxy material did not bond well with the concrete surface. Get more professional assistance for epoxy floor coating on http://www.palmbeachepoxypros.com/
Preparation Methods
There are three preparation methods to ensure the concrete surface is in an epoxy installation condition.
Diamond Grinding
This method will make the concrete surface smooth making it ready for epoxy coating installation. A diamond grinder with various sizes of grit sanding pads will move side-by-side in a swaying motion to make the entire concrete surface smooth.
After the grinding process, the concrete surface is heavily vacuumed to get rid of any residue and to keep the environment dust-free.
Acid Etching
This method entails the application of an acid solution to the floor. A stiff bristle broom or scrubber is used to spread the acid solution across the floor. The acid solution is allowed to sit on the floor.
Spent acid is then removed through power washing. Once the floor is dry, it is then heavily vacuumed to remove any remaining residue.
This method is often used when the epoxy floor coating installation is a DIY project.
Shot Blasting
This method will flatten the concrete surface by pelting metallic beads on the floor to blast away any damages and stains. The shot blasting machine captures all residue thus there is no need to vacuum after the shot blasting process.
Any of the methods will thoroughly clean the concrete surface making it ready for successful installations of epoxy floor coatings.
