How can I prepare my concrete floor?

Ideal for DIYers with a small area size. Abrading can be done with abrasive materials such as sandpaper. Correct surface preparation is essential before coating and can help ensure good adhesion. The sanding creates a key for the coating to adhere to when applied.

If you have a larger area, a hand sander would allow you to get the job done more quickly and effectively. Once complete we advise you vacuum the area to completely remove any dust or dirt prior to coating.

Mechanical grinders can generally be hired locally for your flooring project. These hand held machines are safe to use and offer both precision and control. Dust must be thoroughly cleaned up afterwards by vacuuming to ensure it does not adversely affect adhesion of your coating. If dust is a problem there are mechanical grinders that can be hired with vacuum attachments.

Acid etching can be effective for floors where the laitance is thin. It is recommended only if grinding or sanding is not feasible as, in cases of thick laitance, it may not be 100% effective. However if carried out correctly, acid etching can be a quick and effective solution.

 
Acid etching provides the following benefits:
• It can easily corrode laitance with less effort than sanding.
• Provides a textured surface (often referred to as a key) to help subsequent coatings adhere.
• Helps clean the substrate.

 
Acid etching works by breaking down the top layer of cement and removing it. You can find our most highly recommended product for Acid Etching here.