Key takeaways
- Diamond grinding is the professional standard; acid etching is not.
- Cracks, pits and joints are repaired before coating.
- Oil and old sealers must be removed.
- Moisture should be tested, not guessed.
Why prep matters
A coating has two jobs: look good and stay bonded. Both depend on the surface it grips. Most failures trace back to a slab that was smooth, sealed, dusty, oily or damp when the coating went on.
Grinding, not etching
A planetary diamond grinder with a dust collector removes sealers, laitance and old coatings and leaves an open, even profile. Acid etching is inconsistent and can leave residue; it is not equivalent to grinding.
Repairs
Cracks are routed and filled, pits and spalls patched, control joints filled with a flexible filler. Repairs are ground flush so the coated floor looks flat.
Contamination and moisture
Oil and grease are degreased and ground away; suspect spots are tested. Moisture is checked with meters or in-slab tests, especially on new slabs and basements.
Clean and ready
Dust is vacuumed before the first coat. That is why professional prep takes time, and why it is worth the money.
Related services
Ready for a firm answer on your own garage? Design your floor or call 800-207-0499 for a free estimate.