Concrete Surface Preparation
Acid Etching Concrete. It looks clean, but is it? Industry experts agree: Knowing what you're working with — both internally and externally — is a key to successfully preparing a concrete surface for accepting cementitious toppings.
by Joan C. Stanus
A slab may look clean and sound, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is.
If unfamiliar with the original pour, contractors almost have to be concrete detectives before they can begin a job that involves applying toppings. Even if the surface looks good, what lurks beneath, if left alone, can break the bond between the concrete and toppings and, eventually, cause long-term headaches for contractors. The solution is to prepare well and eliminate surprises.
"Your system will only be as good as the surface underneath," notes Dean Owen, president of Arizona Polymer Flooring. "As with all specialty coating applications, proper surface preparation is a crucial element of success."
"It doesn't matter how pretty the finished job is, if the topping doesn't stick, who cares?" adds Charles Leland, vice president of SureCrete Design Products. "If you don't do the best prep work you can, you risk losing the job or having lots of callbacks."
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