Surface preparation is the foundation of concrete coating success

By The Coffee Shops®.

Outdoor concrete coatings can only perform as well as the surface beneath them.

For contractors working on outdoor concrete projects, product selection often gets considerable attention. But according to Chris Loaiza of Sherwin-Williams, long-term success begins before the coating is ever applied.

Speaking with Karol Weyman on an episode of From the Ground Up™, Chris emphasized that the state of the surface, although often overlooked, is just as key to success as picking the correct product. "Surface preparation is extremely important," Chris said. "We're only as good as what we're going over, right?"

That principle shapes everything from cleaning procedures to product performance. Chris explained that even the most advanced coating systems can fall short when applied over contaminated concrete. "If we have a surface and it's dirty or contaminated, we can't expect to have great results," he said. "If we're going over a surface that's not properly prepared, we simply can't expect long-term results and durability."

Chris highlighted several products within the company's H&C® ConcreteReady® line designed specifically to address common concrete preparation challenges. The cleaner degreaser is formulated to remove visible contaminants such as motor oil, grease and automotive fluids, as well as less obvious substances including sunscreen, tanning oils and certain silicones that may interfere with coating adhesion.

He also discussed the role of H&C Etching Solution for preparing new or bare concrete surfaces and H&C ConcreteReady Quick Patch and Repair for filling voids and low spots before coating application.

According to Chris, preparation problems often surface only after the coating process has begun. Invisible contaminants can create defects that become obvious once material is applied. "What tends to happen is you get fish-eyeing or separation on the surface where these contaminants are present," Chris explained.

While coatings and decorative finishes may be the visible part of a project, the conversation underscored a simple reality: successful outcomes start with a properly prepared substrate. For contractors, investing time in preparation can help create a stronger foundation for durability, appearance and customer satisfaction.

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about surface preparation for outdoor concrete coatings.