So, you’ve seen the DIY YouTube industrial floor coating fails, and now you’re curious to know how the pros do it? Despite what you may have read or seen online, there is a significant difference between DIY and professional industrial floor coating installation in Vancouver. But that’s why most people pay to have the job done.
When the finished product matters, don’t leave it to chance. Here are eight steps professional contractors go through to ensure their industrial floor coating application turns out perfect every time.
Assessing the Current Conditions
You may or may not be surprised to hear that the most critical steps to a professional-looking industrial floor coating have very little to do with the actual epoxy installation and everything to do with the preparation that happens beforehand.
This preparation begins with a thorough assessment of the existing surface, looking for signs of dirt, grease, oil, chemical contamination, or any other evidence of surface damage.
Cleaning
Once any potential contaminants or areas of damage have been identified, any required decontamination and repair must take place. An industrial floor coating will not adhere as effectively to surface stains, and this is where so many DIY installation projects fail.
An industrial floor coating contractor will use heavy-duty specialized cleansers and a pressure washer to remove any stains, leaving only a clean surface.
Testing
Before they begin your industrial floor coating application, your Vancouver contractor will want to test the area to ensure that all contaminants have been completely removed. This process will include testing the pH level of your concrete and verifying the moisture content present in your concrete.
If the results come up within acceptable limits, they will move on to the next step.
Shot Blasting and Diamond Grinding
This is one of the most important steps in preparing concrete for professional floor coating installation. Both shot blasting and diamond grinding are used to create a smooth application surface.
Shot blasting is typically the preferred method, as it delivers the best bonding profile. However, diamond grinding is often used when the existing surface has minor imperfections, such as pits or divots that need to be corrected, or older coatings and paint that need to be removed.
This type of work results in a lot of dust, so afterwards, another thorough cleaning will be required.
Hand Grinding
A hand grinder with a dust shroud is used to get into the places where the diamond grinder or shot blaster couldn’t. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth, even surface.
Choosing the Appropriate Coating
An industrial floor coating contractor works with clients to help determine the most appropriate floor coating for their needs. There are dozens of options, and when evaluating which is best, a good contractor will consider:
- Exposure to chemicals, heat, or moisture
- Type and level of traffic
- Work safety requirements
- Space requirements
There is no one-size-fits-all for industrial floor coatings, and selecting the right material is essential to long-term functionality.
Joint Caulking
In another frequently missed step, a professional floor coating installer will always ensure joints are caulked. This helps prevent dirt and debris from getting into the crevices, prolonging the life of the floor coating.
Cure Time
And finally, the cure time. While business owners are understandably impatient to get back to work, a professional floor coating installer in Vancouver will ensure sufficient time has passed for the floor coating to cure before giving the go-ahead to resume activity.
This just gives you an idea of how professional installation differs from DIY floor coating applications. Individual cases will vary and may require additional steps. For more information on your project, contact a licensed professional for industrial floor coating in Vancouver.
