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How to Prep Concrete for Epoxy Floor Coating in DFW
March 17, 2025

Whether you're upgrading your garage or polishing your commercial floors, epoxy and polyaspartic coatings can deliver stunning, durable results. But here’s the secret: the success of your floor depends on how well the concrete is prepped.

At DFW Flake & Epoxy Floor Coatings, we take prep seriously—because it’s the foundation (literally) of a long-lasting coating. In this guide, we’ll break down how to prepare your concrete for floor coating, why it matters, and what to avoid if you want the best results.

Why Concrete Prep Matters

Concrete might look solid, but it’s full of tiny pores, dust, oils, and inconsistencies that affect how well a coating sticks.

Without proper prep, you risk:

  • Peeling or flaking epoxy
  • Air bubbles and fish eyes
  • Poor adhesion
  • Shortened lifespan of your floor

That’s why concrete preparation is often the difference between a 1-year failure and a 10-year flawless finish.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Concrete for Coating

1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Start by removing:

  • Dirt and dust
  • Grease and oil stains
  • Paint residue or adhesives

For garages or driveways, degreasing is especially important to remove automotive fluids that can repel epoxy.

💡 Pro Tip: Household cleaning isn’t enough—professionals use industrial degreasers and pressure washing.

2. Check for Moisture Issues

Concrete is porous and absorbs water. If your slab is holding moisture, it can cause blistering or delamination under the coating.

Use a moisture test (like the plastic sheet test or moisture meter) to check. If moisture is an issue, you’ll need to address drainage or apply a vapor barrier primer.

3. Repair Cracks and Spalling

Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are only as smooth as the surface beneath them. Any:

  • Cracks
  • Holes
  • Spalled areas

…must be patched with a proper concrete filler and smoothed before coating.

4. Mechanically Profile the Surface

This is the most critical step—and often skipped in DIY projects.

To ensure a strong mechanical bond between coating and concrete, the surface needs to be etched or ground to create a rough texture.

There are three main methods:

  • Acid Etching – Not recommended unless absolutely necessary (poor depth, messy, inconsistent).
  • Shot Blasting – Good for industrial spaces, creates heavy texture.
  • Diamond Grinding – The gold standard. Smooth, controlled, and perfect for residential and commercial installs.

At DFW Flake & Epoxy, we use diamond grinders with HEPA filtration to create the ideal surface profile for long-lasting adhesion.

5. Remove All Dust

After grinding, the surface must be cleaned again. Even fine dust can prevent coatings from sticking. Professionals use industrial vacuums and tack cloths to ensure zero contamination.

Why Hire a Pro for Concrete Prep in DFW

Many failed epoxy jobs come down to poor prep. DIY kits often skip or rush these steps, leading to coatings that peel, stain, or look uneven.

Professionals bring:

  • Industrial-grade grinders and vacuums
  • Moisture mitigation experience
  • Crack and repair expertise
  • Knowledge of surface profile standards (CSP levels)

Hiring a company like DFW Flake & Epoxy ensures your floor starts strong and stays strong.

If you want your epoxy or polyaspartic floor to look flawless and last for years, don’t skip the prep. It’s the unsung hero of every high-performing floor.

📞 Need help prepping your garage or commercial concrete? Contact DFW Flake & Epoxy Floor Coatings for expert surface prep and coating services in the DFW area.