Roughen of "Profile" the Surface

The most important characteristic for a coating or overlayment bonding is the texture or "profile" of the concrete.

For Concrete polymer-modified overlays:

Contractors and manufacturers are split between roughening the concrete by mechanical profiling or acid etching. Large or difficult surfaces will usually be mechanically profiled.

For Floor Coatings in Industrial or Commercial Applications:

Mechanical profiling is the method of choice. Thomas Kline of Structural Preservation Systems notes that acid etching can provide adequate surface preparation for horizontal installations of coatings and toppings in areas that are well ventilated and require a spark and dust free environment. But they will not remove petroleum-based products or animal vegetable oils from the concrete.

William Perenchio of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. notes that acid etching should only be done when no alternative means of preparation is possible.

Again, the safest measure is to follow the floor coating manufacturers installation instructions.

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