Surface Prep

Surface Prep is the process of preparing a surface for the installation of coatings, concrete overlays, or toppings.  Floors must be effectively prepped to ensure good adhesion of the new material being applied.

The concrete surface profile, or CSP, is a standardized measure for the ‘roughness’ of a surface that is defined by the International Concrete Repair Institute.

The industry standard for concrete floors receiving a coating is a CSP 3.  This is achieved through grinding or shot blasting. Both of these processes remove the weaker cream at the surface while simultaneously removing any surface contaminates.  After a good vacuuming the exposed surface will have a texture or profile like sandpaper. This allow for a good mechanical bond between the new coating and the existing concrete surface.

 For wood substrates, sanding the surface is usually adequate to clean and create the appropriate profile.

Any topical contaminates such as glues, adhesives, paints, and patch materials are typically removed during the surface prep process. 

Methods of Surface Preparation (From least to most aggressive)

• Floor Scraping
• Sanding
• Diamond Grinding
• Shot Blasting
• Scarifying
• Shaving