The Ultimate Guide to Garage Floor Preparation

The success of your epoxy floor coating project largely depends on proper surface preparation. A well-prepared surface ensures maximum adhesion and longevity of your coating.
The first step is to thoroughly clean the surface, removing all dirt, oil, and existing coatings. Any cracks or damage should be repaired using an appropriate concrete patching compound.
Next comes the crucial step of mechanical preparation. Diamond grinding opens up the concrete's pores and creates the perfect profile for epoxy adhesion. This step also removes the weak surface layer of concrete called laitance.
After grinding, it's essential to vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust. The surface should then be inspected for moisture content - high moisture levels can cause coating failure.
Finally, any remaining dust should be removed with a tack cloth just before coating application. Remember, you can't over-prepare a floor, but you can definitely under-prepare it.