I'm gearing up to apply epoxy on my garage floor once my new house is done. I've heard that prepping the concrete surface is crucial for a good finish. I was wondering if I can just ask my contractor to leave the concrete rough when they pour it, so the epoxy can adhere better. Would that be a good plan?
3 Answers
Definitely steer clear of using cure and seal products and having a super smooth troweled finish; those can create issues for adhesion. Also, think about what you'll do about water on the epoxy—once it's installed, the concrete won't absorb moisture anymore.
You might get away with doing nothing special to new concrete. I didn’t do any prep when I put down my shop floor, and it turned out great. Just make sure to check the instructions from the epoxy manufacturer—some might have specific needs. Also, don’t forget that construction debris like paint or mud can mess things up, so ask your contractor to protect the floor after pouring.
Yeah, having your contractor leave the concrete rough can definitely help the epoxy bond better! Just keep in mind that even if they do that, you'll probably still need to clean and etch the surface once it cures to ensure a strong hold.