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As a concrete contractor, you’ll likely recommend that many of your clients coat their flooring in epoxy. This innovative sealant provides moisture protection and increases durability—two key factors for commercial use. Here’s a useful guide to preparing concrete for this coating to ensure it will properly adhere and create the waterproof membrane the client wants.

Epoxy Coating Prep for Concrete Contractors

Clean the Concrete

Once the concrete is poured, leveled, and has cured for 30 to 60 days, you’ll need to remove every speck of dust and debris to create an even surface. Most concrete contractors use brooms and vacuums for this process. Those working in settings with grease, such as restaurant kitchens or mechanic shops, may also use a degreaser to remove oil when doing an epoxy coating on an older floor. These situations will also require an additional step to remove old sealant before moving on to adding the new layer.

Perform Etching

It’s essential to create pores in the concrete for the epoxy to adhere to and to create a smooth, unblemished surface. To do so, use an etching solution that will open these tiny pores by eating away at a thin top layer of the concrete. Spread the mix over the bare floor and let it bubble and fizz away.

Protect the Walls

Adhere painter’s tape along the edge of the room to ensure you’ll avoid getting the epoxy coating on the walls during application. Some concrete contractors also put up a foot or two of plastic sheeting along the bottom of the walls to further protect them from potential splatter and make it easier to roll out the epoxy solution.

Create the Epoxy 

concrete contrators Pinellas County FLBecause epoxy is quick-drying, it comes in two parts—a catalyst and the resin—that must be kept separate until the time of use. To mix them, follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much of each part to use, and thoroughly stir them together before pouring the solution into paint roller tins and beginning the application.

 

Concrete contractors interested in purchasing materials for their next job should contact Pro-Crete Systems of Florida in Pinellas County, FL. The company offers over 30 years of experience and knowledge to help you select the perfect waterproofing and reinforcement systems, concrete insulation, flooring toppings, and more. Call the Largo-area company at (727) 526-8090 or visit the website for information on their services.

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