Key takeaways
- The usual rule of thumb is about 28 days.
- Curing and drying are different things.
- Moisture tests tell you more than a calendar.
- Some moisture-tolerant systems can go on earlier.
The 28-day rule
Concrete reaches most of its strength in about 28 days, so that is the common rule of thumb before coating a new slab. Some sources say 14 to 28 days can be enough.
Curing versus drying
Curing is strength gain; drying is moisture loss, and it can take much longer than curing, especially in thick or enclosed slabs. A coating over a damp slab can blister.
Test, do not guess
A moisture test tells you whether the slab is ready. Moisture-tolerant primers can allow earlier coating when the readings allow.
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