Mechanical preparation has a measurable purpose
Grinding or shot blasting should remove unsound surface material and create a clean profile appropriate for the installed coating. A visually scratched slab is not the goal by itself. The profile, cleanliness, and soundness of the remaining concrete matter.
ACI guidance emphasizes removal of bond-inhibiting materials and following the coating and repair manufacturer’s written requirements. Fortress Floors KC’s concrete coating process shows how those preparation decisions fit into the full installed system.
For an exposed vehicle space, the same preparation questions should be answered in the written scope for a professional garage floor coating.
Contaminants can survive a quick pass
- Oil and automotive fluids
- Curing compounds, densifiers, and sealers
- Adhesive, paint, or previous coating residue
- Tire dressing, silicone, and detailing products
- Deicing salts and weak surface concrete
- Dust left after preparation
Cracks and joints are different promises
| Condition | Conversation to have |
|---|---|
| Dormant crack | Repair material, preparation, appearance, and compatibility |
| Moving crack | Why movement can transfer through or reopen |
| Control joint | Whether it remains visible, is filled, or is honored |
| Expansion or isolation joint | How movement will continue to be accommodated |
| Spall or broken edge | How unsound concrete is removed and rebuilt |
Moisture is not visible from the surface
A slab can appear dry while transmitting moisture vapor. The applicable test, location, timing, and acceptable limit depend on the coating system and manufacturer instructions. Below-grade basement slabs and garages with drainage or foundation history deserve a candid moisture conversation.
Walk the edges before approving scope
- Garage apron and door termination
- Stem walls, curbs, steps, and vertical faces
- Floor drains and cleanouts
- Expansion material and perimeter joints
- Post bases, equipment pads, cabinets, and fixed objects
- Where chip and topcoat stop
Questions before accepting the proposal
- What mechanical preparation equipment is included?
- How will oil, sealer, adhesive, or old coating be identified and removed?
- What moisture assumptions or testing apply?
- Which cracks and joints may remain visible or reopen?
- How are spalls and weak edges rebuilt?
- What slab-related failures are excluded from the warranty?