Concrete Preparation: Your Go-To Guide

What Is Concrete Preparation?

When it comes to achieving a durable, long-lasting resinous floor coating, success starts long before the first layer of resin is applied. Proper concrete preparation is arguably the most critical step in the installation process, yet it's often underestimated. Whether you're working in a commercial, industrial, or residential setting, the integrity and performance of your resinous coating system depend heavily on how well the substrate is prepared. Inadequate prep can lead to a range of issues, including poor adhesion, bubbling, delamination, and premature failure. On the other hand, a well-prepared concrete surface provides the ideal conditions for the resin to bond effectively, ensuring a smooth, seamless finish that stands the test of time. In this blog, we’ll explore why concrete prep matters, the risks of skipping it, and the best practices for setting the foundation.

Risks of Skipping Concrete Preparation

Skipping or rushing through surface preparation might seem like a way to save time or cut costs, but it often leads to costly repairs and failures down the line. Resinous coatings rely on a strong mechanical bond to the concrete substrate and without proper prep, that bond is compromised. Here are some of the most common risks associated with inadequate or skipped concrete preparation:

1. Poor Adhesion

Resinous coatings won’t properly stick to dirty, smooth, or sealed concrete. Dust, oils, grease, curing compounds, and previous coatings create barriers that prevent the resin from bonding effectively. Without a strong bond, the coating can peel, flake, or delaminate—sometimes within days or weeks of application.

2. Moisture-Related Failure

Unprepared concrete can trap moisture below the surface. If moisture vapor is present and not accounted for, it can cause bubbling, blistering, or complete separation of the resin from the concrete. Moisture testing and proper surface profiling help mitigate this risk.

3. Uneven Finish or Aesthetic

Without proper grinding or shot blasting, the surface won’t be adequately profiled. This leads to uneven coating thickness, poor leveling, or an inconsistent texture. Even high-performance resins can’t compensate for a flawed base.

4. Shortened Lifespan

Ultimately, poor prep reduces the longevity of your coating system. What should last 10–20 years may fail in less than a year.

In short, cutting corners on prep in a gamble. The upfront investment in proper surface preparation pays off by ensuring your resinous coating performs as intended, beautifully, safely, and for the long haul. In the next section, we’ll dive into the different types of concrete prep.​

Types of Concrete Preparation 

​Not all concrete prep is created equal—and choosing the right method can make or break the success of your resinous coating system. Different coatings require different surface profiles, and the condition of the existing slab can also dictate your approach. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution, which is why understanding the available methods of concrete surface preparation is essential for any flooring contractor, installer, or facilities manager.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of concrete surface preparation, what they’re used for, and when to use them:

1. Industrial Diamond Grinding

Diamond grinding is a versatile and widely used method that involves using diamond-embedded grinding wheels to abrade the concrete surface. It’s best suited for smooth or newer slabs that require only a light profile, typically in the range of CSP 1–2. This method is ideal for prepping concrete for thin-mil systems such as epoxy or urethane coatings. It leaves behind a clean, flat, and relatively smooth surface while generating minimal dust when used with a proper HEPA vacuum system. However, diamond grinding may not be aggressive enough to remove heavy coatings, contaminants, or significant surface damage, making it less suitable for industrial or damaged floors.

2. Shot Blasting

Shot blasting, on the other hand, is a more aggressive method that propels steel shot at high velocity onto the concrete surface, effectively cleaning and profiling it in one step. It’s ideal for preparing substrates for thicker coating systems or when a stronger mechanical bond is required, typically producing a CSP profile between 3 and 5. Shot blasting excels in industrial settings and is effective at removing thin coatings, laitance, or sealers. It offers fast coverage over large areas and leaves a clean, dry surface ready for coating. That said, it can be too aggressive for decorative applications and may leave visible striping if not used uniformly.

3. Scarification

Scarification is the most aggressive of the three methods and is typically used to remove thick coatings, adhesives, or overlays, or to repair heavily damaged concrete surfaces. Using rotating cutting wheels or flails, scarifiers physically impact and grind away the top layer of concrete, creating a rough profile in the CSP 4–6 range. This method is highly effective for leveling uneven slabs or prepping floors for self-leveling underlayments or heavy-duty coatings. However, scarification can leave a grooved surface that may require follow-up smoothing, and it tends to produce more dust and vibration compared to grinding or blasting.

Each method has its place in the surface preparation process, and choosing the right one depends on your coating system’s requirements, the condition of the substrate, and the performance expectations of the finished floor.

Why Brilliant Epoxy Floors is the Right Partner for Your Flooring Project

Proper concrete surface prep is the foundation of any successful resinous coating system. Whether you're using diamond grinding for smooth, newer slabs, shot blasting for more aggressive profiling, or scarification for heavy-duty removal and repair, choosing the right method is critical to ensuring a strong bond and long-lasting performance. Skipping or rushing through this essential step can lead to a host of issues. Investing the time and effort into correct surface prep not only protects your flooring investment but also ensures a safer, more durable, and professional finish that stands the test of time. At Brilliant Epoxy Floors, you can trust us to get the job done right. Contact us today to get started on your flooring project, or find more information about our flooring solutions online!

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