Why surface preparation matters as much as the coating

By Jenny Yu.  

Sherwin-Williams H&C highlights the value of proper concrete preparation for longer-lasting results. 

When it comes to outdoor concrete coatings, success starts long before the coating is applied. In a recent episode of From the Ground Up™, host Karol Weyman sat down with Chris A. Loaiza of Sherwin-Williams H&C® to discuss why surface preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving long-term coating performance. 

Why surface preparation matters 

According to Chris, even the highest-performing coating systems can fall short if the surface is not properly prepared. “Surface preparation is extremely important; we're only as good as what we're going over,” Chris stated. “If we're going over a surface that's not properly prepared, we simply can't expect good, long-term or durable results.” 

To help contractors address those challenges, Sherwin-Williams H&C offers its ConcreteReady® line of surface preparation products engineered to help coatings bond properly. Chris noted that prep products are often overlooked despite their significant impact on project effectiveness. “H&C has a lot of products regarding different coatings, stains, clears and water repellents, but sometimes we overlook these prep products,” he said. “They only cover a small section of the store, and they’re not talked about often, but they play a very essential role.” 

Sherwin-Williams H&C solutions 

One of Sherwin-Williams' cornerstone offerings is the H&C ConcreteReady Cleaner Degreaser, a concentrated solution designed to remove common contaminants such as motor oil, brake fluid and grease. It also targets less visible substances that can interfere with adhesion, such as sunscreen and tanning oils. “First and foremost, our Cleaner Degreaser really plays a big part in trying to effectively remove those contaminants,” Chris explained. “If [contaminants] are present, that's going to affect the adhesion or the long-term durability of the product or system that's being applied.” 

For new or existing concrete slabs, H&C ConcreteReady Phospohoric Etching Solution helps prepare surfaces by chemically opening them in preparation for coating application. Chris pointed to power-troweled garage floors as a common application where the product can improve coating performance. 

Finally, Chris highlighted H&C ConcreteReady Single-Component Quick Patch and Repair as an underutilized but highly effective product for filling voids, divots and low spots often found on driveways, walkways and pool decks. The fast-setting formulation allows contractors to make repairs and apply coating soon after. “Customers can mix up what they need on site within five minutes, apply it to the surface, let it cure for about 30 minutes and then apply topcoat over it. No issues,” Chris said. 

For contractors looking to improve coating performance, reduce callbacks and deliver longer-lasting results, proper surface preparation is one of the most valuable steps in the process that you can’t overlook. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about surface preparation best practices and Sherwin-Williams H&C ConcreteReady products!