Floor prep for Polyaspartic

[ffjeeper]

I started my garage project more than a year ago. The power trowelled slab has been covered with cardboard since the first month passed. I have been meticulous keeping it covered during wiring, insulating, drywalling and painting. It is now time to start on the floor finish. I am sold on acid stain covered by polyaspartic. I've seen several threads discussing the prep required for epoxy, but nothing for polyaspartic. What is required? One manufacturer's website said that a surface profile of cps1 or cps2 is required. Will I have to work the surface before acid staining?

 

[Shea]

Acid stain needs to penetrate the concrete in order to work effectively. To get a good idea of how well your concrete will accept stain just sprinkle water on the surface to see how it absorbs the water. Since it has been power troweled, you most likely will need to prep the surface.

Most installers like to sand the surface with anywhere from 60 grit to 100 grit paper or possibly a screen-mesh sandpaper with a floor buffer. Try not to use anything too aggressive, like a cup grinder, because the stain will highlight any marks that are made.

Use the same buffing machine with a scrubby pad and detergent to clean the concrete real well afterwards. Use a shop vac to **** up the remaining water. A pressure washer works well also. Any dust, debris, or streaks that are left on the surface or in the pores will affect how well the stain takes. What ever you do, don't use acid to clean the concrete. It will diminish greatly the effects of the acid stain.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Shea is on the money.
However, you can get your slab ready for stain using a buffered acid as well. We offer this product.

Otherwise, the acid stain itself becomes the the prep medium for the poly. Remember to apply two coats as the first coat may get sucked in a bit.