When coatings applied to concrete surfaces fail, the cause usually is inadequate surface preparation. For a coating to bond properly, the concrete surface must be sound, clean, dry and free from surface defects. The surface also should be rough enough to establish a good mechanical bond. If the surface is not properly prepared, the coating is likely to separate from the concrete, wasting both time and money.
Before applying a decorative or protective coating to a vertical or horizontal concrete surface, review this checklist of recommendations for avoiding coating failures caused by inadequate surface preparation. The list addresses cleaning and roughening of concrete surfaces, repairing surface defects, and inspecting and testing surfaces before coating application.
