Our Method for Preparing and Installing Industrial-Grade Flooring

Don’t Let Your New Floor Coating Fail You

Choosing the right floor coating is important, but it’s only half the story. At CPC Floor Coatings, we follow a meticulous process to ensure your floor performs exactly as it should, from the first step of concrete floor preparation to the final cure.

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How CPC Prepares Concrete for Coating: 4 Essential Steps

At CPC Floor Coatings, we adhere to proven surface preparation standards to ensure every floor coating we install bonds properly, performs reliably, and lasts as long as possible. Our concrete surface preparation method is designed to catch issues early, prevent coating failures, and protect your investment. Here’s how we do it:

Assessment and testing of existing concrete

Removal of incompatible, previous coatings

Concrete surface repairs and texturizing

Deep cleaning and debris removal before application

Assessment and Testing

Before we recommend or install any floor coating system, we start with a thorough evaluation of your facility. Our team listens closely to your concerns and conducts key tests to uncover hidden conditions that could impact long-term performance. For example:

• Moisture Test — Water vapor coming up through the concrete, whether from the ground or part of the concrete’s ongoing curing process, can cause floor coatings to bubble or blister quickly.

• Curing Compound Test — Occasionally, a chemical compound is added to concrete shortly after it’s poured to assist with the curing process. This compound can interfere with some floor coatings.

• Oil Deposit Test — Grease and other oils may leave residues that can interfere with a coating’s ability to bond with the concrete.

Removal of Previous Floor Coatings

To ensure maximum durability and adhesion, we usually prefer to remove any existing floor coatings so the new system can bond directly to clean, sound concrete. In some cases, certain compatible coatings can be applied over existing layers, but only if our team confirms the conditions are right. We also eliminate any paint, adhesives, or surface residues that might cause future issues.

Does My Concrete Floor Really Need a Professional Moisture Test?

Surface Preparation For Older and Existing Industrial Floor Coatings

Repairing and Preparing the Concrete Surface

Uneven or damaged concrete can lead to issues during coating installation, and even create safety hazards once the floor is in use. At CPC Floor Coatings, we inspect the entire surface and repair any cracks, spalling, or joint damage before we move forward. Our experienced team also knows how to spot smaller imperfections or hidden weaknesses that might go unnoticed until after the coating is applied.

Thorough Cleaning

Once the repairs and surface profiling are complete, we perform a deep clean to remove all contaminants, dust, and debris. Depending on the needs of your facility, this may involve:

• Pressure washing

• Steam cleaning

• Degreasing

Finally, we ensure the floor is completely clean and dry immediately before coating, because even the smallest contamination can compromise the coating system.

Surface Preparation for Industrial Facilities

How To Know Your Industrial Flooring Surface Is Properly Prepared

What to Expect During and After Coating Installation

At CPC Floor Coatings, we tailor the installation process to match the specific system being applied, whether it’s epoxy, urethane, or another high-performance coating. For example, a multi-layer epoxy system requires precisely timed applications that chemically bond for long-term durability.

During installation, our team closely monitors key environmental factors that can impact cure times and final coating performance (like temperature and humidity), and takes steps to in stall in the right environment. We also keep you informed about when the floor can safely handle foot traffic, equipment, or full production, so there’s no risk of damaging the system before it’s fully cured.

How do I choose the right contractor?

Choosing the right floor coating contractor is critical. At CPC Floor Coatings, we know every step matters. Ask contractors about their prep process, equipment, and how they handle curing conditions. A rushed or incomplete job can lead to coating failure and costly downtime.

What types of coatings does CPC offer?

CPC Floor Coatings offers a range of high-performance coating systems to meet the demands of industrial and commercial facilities, including:

We’ll recommend the best system for your environment, traffic load, and safety requirements.

How long before I can use the floor after coating?

Cure times vary depending on the coating system and environmental conditions. Light foot traffic is often possible within 24 hours, but heavy equipment or full production may need to wait 3–7 days. At CPC Floor Coatings, we’ll give you a clear timeline so you can plan around it. Read more in our blog about the time needed for epoxy to dry or cure.

How long does it take to coat a concrete floor?

Installation time depends on the area’s size, the condition of the concrete, and the type of coating system. Most projects take 1 to 3 days, including surface preparation. For larger or more complex jobs, we’ll provide a detailed timeline during the planning phase.

How do you clean concrete before coating?

After repairs and surface profiling, we perform a deep clean to remove dirt, oil, dust, and debris. Depending on your floor’s condition, we may use pressure washing, steam cleaning, degreasing agents, or acid etching. The floor must be completely clean and dry before coating begins. Read more in our blog on the steps to properly clean your existing concrete surface.

How to prepare a concrete surface for coating?

At CPC Floor Coatings, we follow a multi-step preparation process to ensure long-term coating performance. This includes:

Testing for moisture, oil, and curing compounds
Removing incompatible, existing coatings
Repairing cracks or damage
Thoroughly cleaning and drying the floor before application

Why does concrete surface preparation matter for effective floor coating?

Proper surface preparation is critical to the success of any concrete floor coating. Without it, even the most expensive or high-performance coatings can fail prematurely. Here’s why concrete floor preparation matters:

Ensures Proper Bonding – Coatings adhere best to clean, profiled concrete. Poor prep leads to peeling, bubbling, or delamination.
Maximizes Durability – A well-prepared surface helps the coating perform as designed, lasting for years under heavy use.
Improves Appearance – Smooth, even application starts with a clean and properly profiled surface.
Prevents Premature Failure – Skipping or rushing the prep process can lead to blistering or surface cracking and delamination in as little as a few months.
Protects Your Investment – Surface prep ensures you get the full value and performance out of your flooring system.

Think of preparation as the foundation. Get it right, and the rest of the system will work as intended. Read more in our blog about what buyers need to know about floor surface preparation.

Can you put a coating over concrete?

Yes, floor coatings are specifically designed to be applied over concrete surfaces. However, the concrete must be properly prepared to ensure the coating bonds well and performs as expected. In some cases, old coatings may need to be removed first.

Read to Talk to an Expert?

If you are in the Southeastern U.S. and want to make sure your next floor coating will last for years to come, call CPC Floor Coatings at (864) 855-0600 or contact us online. We work with a wide range of clients in the industrial, commercial and healthcare industries throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee.

We’re very particular about our process, because we know how important it is to do each step right so that problems don’t arise. We have a 40-year history in the floor coatings industry, and we’ve built a reputation for quality work without shortcuts.

Whether you’ve already decided on a particular floor coating solution or just want to talk about what’s possible, the experts at CPC Floor Coatings will be happy to help you find the best solution for your facility.