In terms of having a durable epoxy coating, most people only consider the epoxy product. But it’s actually useless if it’s applied to a surface that hasn’t been prepared properly – no matter what the quality of the epoxy used might be. In truth, surface preparation is the most critical step involved in any epoxy application process.
The Importance of Surface Preparation
Epoxy works because of the chemical reaction that happens when it bonds to the surface it is applied to. If the surface it needs to bond with isn’t clean or dry, it cannot perform optimally. And what’s going to happen? Your epoxy coating won’t adhere to the surface and fail prematurely.
Surface preparation is much like preparing a painting surface with primer. Without it, you can forget about having anything worthwhile.
Step 1: Clean the Surface Thoroughly
The first step in applying epoxy is cleaning the surface. This includes getting rid of any grease, oils, or dirt that may be present. A suitable cleaning agent should be used that would not damage the surface material. In cases where the surface is concrete, washing and scrubbing using the right detergent may be required. Drying is crucial since any moisture left behind will interfere with the performance of the epoxy.
Step 2: Repair Cracks and Imperfections
The problem with epoxy coating is that it is never used for covering surface defects. As a result, you need to fix any cracks or holes on the surface first. Filling cracks with the appropriate material will make sure the surface is ready for further treatment.
Step 3: Profile the Surface
This step is essential since it will help create the optimal surface that is not slippery. While the surface is expected to be clean, you cannot apply epoxy to surfaces that lack roughness, as epoxy tends to adhere poorly. Profiling can be done using shot blasting, mechanical grinding, and acid etching.
It requires creating openings in the surface pores, cleaning away the thin film of cement dust, or laitance. The goal is a surface that feels almost like fine sandpaper, gritty enough for the epoxy to penetrate and lock in, but not so rough that it creates air pockets in the coating.
Step 4: Test for Moisture
The existence of moisture on the surface of the concrete floors is yet another major cause of the epoxy failure. Nonetheless, it is pretty difficult to diagnose this issue. One of the easiest ways of testing moisture on concrete surfaces is the plastic sheet test.
All that needs to be done is to stick a plastic sheet to the surface being tested. Make sure that all four edges are taped tightly. In 24 hours’ time, take it off the surface and look for signs of condensation underneath the sheet.
If there is, it means you need to trace and address the source of moisture to prevent the applied epoxy film from lifting or bubbling from below.
Wrapping Up
While surface preparation may not sound exciting at all, it forms the backbone of all successful applications of epoxies. Regardless of whether you are applying epoxy on garage floors, workshop floors or industrial floors, taking enough time to prepare the surface adequately will save you lots of time and money. Prepare the surface well, and the epoxy will do its part.
