It’s All About Preparation!

They say the three most important things in real estate are “location, location and location.” Similarly, the three keys to coating surfaces are “preparation, preparation and preparation.” Proper surface prep is crucial. Doing it right ensures coatings meet performance expectations, while poor prep can lead to failure and costly rework.

CoatingsPro, the official publication of AMPP, the Association for Materials Protection and Performance recently featured an interesting and informative article on important considerations when performing surface prep.  We’ve summarized it for you below. 

What Is Surface Prep & Why Is It Important?

Surface prep involves steps taken to ensure maximum coating adhesion specific to the surface type. Experts note that all painting professionals have experienced coating failures at some point, highlighting the importance of adequate prep. You have two choices: either prepare thoroughly or cut corners and risk financial loss when your coating fails.

Concrete Surface Preparation

For concrete surfaces such as floors in manufacturing facilities or parking structures, prep begins with removing spalling concrete and addressing cracks. 90% of floor coating failures arise from improper preparation. A strong chemical bond starts with effective mechanical bonding.

 Industry associations such as the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) provide information detailing surface prep standards. Its Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) includes prep details like  grinding and scarification, along with information on tools such as diamond grinders and scarifiers.

Steel Surface Preparation

For steel surfaces, the standards for preparation methods include solvent cleaning and waterjet cleaning. Factors like welds and caustic exposure must also be considered. Advanced blasting technologies continue to evolve, with innovations reducing user fatigue and enhancing safety.

Rooftop Preparation

Rooftop surface prep presents unique challenges due to weather and safety risks. Despite this, thorough prep is crucial to avoid issues like rust and delamination. Experts recommend strategies for assessing and cleaning roofs, such as infrared scanning and power washing. It's important to ensure that cleaning solutions are thoroughly removed to avoid future problems.

The article also emphasizes that if a coating requires two coats, it’s crucial to allow the first coat to cure without delays. Roofs exposed for more than 30 days usually need additional prepping before recoating.

After the Coating

Surface preparation doesn’t stop once the coating is applied; post-application activities include monitoring and touch-ups to prevent future failures and subsequent coats.

In Summary

The CoatingsPro article is packed with insights on effective surface prep for different materials. Proper preparation is key to successful coatings, so we encourage you to read the full article for a deeper understanding.