Bloomington Garage Floors Blog

The most commonly used method of Concrete Prep is by grinding.  Some painting companies that think they can also do epoxy will try to acid-etch the floor, but we assure you, that this method should be avoided.  Grinding will open up the pores on the concrete so the epoxy or polyaspartic can penetrate the concrete cap.  Grinding will also flatten the slab.  But, there's a catch to grinding only application methods.  First, most floor coating companies recommend that the surface be profiles to a CSP 3 to provide the best adhesion.  In order to achieve this CSP 3, the contractor will have to shot blast the surface.  Shot blasting is also good because it will remove the dust in the pores left behind by the grinder.  We have upgraded our equipment in January 2022 to be able to both grind the floor using our 20" diamond grinder and shot blasting the floor to get it clean and profiled.   Reject anyone that suggests just acid washing the concrete as their prep for epoxy or polyaspartic.  Is they are only applying an acrylic sealer, cleaning is acceptable, but not for epoxy or polyaspartic.   Grinding is margin if it is properly cleaned.  Prior to buying the shot blaster, we would vacuum, blow out, and then acetone mop the floor.