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.
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:
That’s why concrete preparation is often the difference between a 1-year failure and a 10-year flawless finish.
Start by removing:
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.
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.
Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings are only as smooth as the surface beneath them. Any:
…must be patched with a proper concrete filler and smoothed before coating.
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:
At DFW Flake & Epoxy, we use diamond grinders with HEPA filtration to create the ideal surface profile for long-lasting adhesion.
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.
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:
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.