Concrete coatings are the most effective way to protect concrete surfaces from wear and tear. When concrete is first poured it must be cured with oils and water in order to form a smooth, glossy finish. Once the concrete has been formed it must be coated with a liquid or paste coating. Most concrete coatings are latex based; however, there are a few coatings that are oil based and even vinyl based. Regardless of the type of coating used, the surface must be sealed before it can be used, otherwise the coating will just wash off when it becomes wet.
Project Concrete
Concrete surfaces need to have regular maintenance to avoid concrete coatings from becoming ineffective. A concrete surface should be polished at least once a year, more often if there is heavy traffic or when special surfaces such as pools are being used. Certain cleaners will cause degradation of the concrete coatings, so it is important to carefully read the labels to make sure the cleaner does not contain ingredients that could degrade the coatings. It’s also important to pay attention to any equipment and materials around the garage or house that could cause abrasion damage, such as prying tools, heavy bags, and so on.
There are other types of concrete coatings available for use on concrete floors and walls. Some are referred to as epoxy coatings, which bond to the surface directly, without any additional preparation. Other types of concrete coatings bond to the surface using an epoxy polymer compound that can be applied by wiping or spraying. Other epoxy coatings are sold as systems that include both the coating itself and various additives that can provide protective, waterproofing, or slip resistance. Still others are sold as sealants that merely prevent moisture from penetrating the surface, which can be useful in applications where water is not likely to be present.