Quality Epoxy Floors Begin with Surface Preparation
Epoxy resin floors rely on a strong foundation - often, a strong concrete foundation. And not every concrete floor is going to be the perfect specimen. Sometimes, it'll take a little bit of work to get it prepared. That's why XPS is here to help you learn the ins-and-outs of concrete flooring surface preparation.
An ounce of knowledge and careful preparation will go a long way towards strengthening your epoxy resin. Read our guide to learn what the veterans do to prepare concrete!
How Good Contractors Prepare Concrete Surfaces
Assess Your Concrete's Quality
1. Moisture Assessment
Oft-forgot, but easy to cover! There's no sense in ignoring the possibility that your concrete could contain moisture that would threaten your epoxy resin. No matter the testing route you go, even the most broad test is better than nothing. We've covered your moisture testing options in a separate guide.
Moisture issues may not be immediately apparent. Depending on your climate, they will also appear in different ways. It might be an inability to cure properly, or cracking from the seasonal cycle affecting the moisture.
2. Concrete Repair & Leveling
You don't have to settle for a broken, chipped or cracked concrete floor, so don't. Repairing your concrete is easy and provides a lot of benefits. Aesthetics or utility, repairing your concrete before installing epoxy resin on top of it is essential.
Whether it's a self-leveling compound or grinding, you'll need to take care of the evenness of your floors, too. Epoxy installed on an uneven surface can be unsafe! Whatever your floor cures as is how it'll stay, so try to get it perfect the first time through.
3. Ideal Concrete Surface Profile
Last, but most certainly not least, is ensuring your concrete has the right concrete surface profile (CSP) to bond with epoxy resin. We know; concrete looks beautiful smoothed out. But, for epoxy resin to have the best bond, it needs to be slightly roughened.
There are a few ways to assess and manage your CSP. While the industry no longer recommends acid etching, mechanical grinding still reigns. If your concrete is too rough, you may need to apply a slight top layer of concrete for your epoxy to be built on top of. XPS' online store provides any concrete surface profile management resources, such as grinders, that you'll need!
Prepare the Concrete Floor for Epoxy Resin
1. Cleaning & Surface Preparation
Concrete is a breeze to maintain and clean. That'll come in handy when you're preparing your concrete floors for epoxy resin! It doesn't need to be spotless, though the more thorough you are the better. Sweep any dust, mop with warm water and a gentle cleanser, and you should be good.
If you're going for a glossy, clear coat of epoxy resin for a polished concrete look, you'll want spotless concrete. It'll be worth the extra effort to have your perfect floors!
