Concrete preparation should follow the selected coating system and the actual floor condition. A generic checklist helps collect information, but it does not replace substrate acceptance and preparation instructions.
1. Assess soundness and use
Record weak concrete, cracks, movement, previous repairs, screed type and expected traffic. Investigate structural or damp issues first. Paint and primer cannot make a failing slab sound.
2. Confirm moisture readiness
Use the coating manufacturer’s specified assessment method and limits. A surface that feels dry, a taped-plastic check or a calendar interval does not certify every slab. New concrete needs both the concrete and coating readiness requirements met.
3. Identify contamination
Record oil, grease, wax, silicone and residues. Select a cleaner and method approved for the surface and proposed coating. Do not mix cleaners or assume stronger concentration is better.
4. Remove weak surface material
Assess dusting, loose material and the surface profile required by the system. Obtain appropriate preparation equipment and competent help where needed. Do not prescribe grinding or chemical etching indiscriminately.
5. Assess retained coatings and sealers
Identify the previous product and its adhesion. Confirm compatibility; an unknown sealer or a glossy appearance alone cannot establish readiness. Unsound material needs an approved removal method.
6. Plan repairs
Distinguish cosmetic defects from moving cracks or structural damage. Use repair materials approved with the coating and meet their curing requirements. A filler is not an automatic remedy for every crack.
7. Remove preparation residues
Follow the approved cleaning and dust-control procedure. Residue-removal requirements differ between mechanical and chemical methods. Confirm readiness rather than merely checking that the surface looks clean.
8. Confirm primer requirements
Use the selected topcoat’s substrate-specific instructions and a compatible primer where required. A generic extra sealer or unrelated bonding product is not an automatic upgrade. Compare concrete primers and sealers within the approved system.
9. Check application conditions
Confirm temperature, humidity, moisture and ventilation limits. For exterior work, allow the required weather window. Use safe handling and application controls from the current label and safety data sheet.
10. Apply and plan access
Calculate quantity from confirmed coverage and coats, use the specified tools and follow recoat windows. Read drying and curing guide before returning people, vehicles or equipment. Choose floor paints for the exact traffic and exposure, with a separately approved system for wet rooms.
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