The secret of painting floors successfully is dependant on correct surface preparation.
By following a few simple guidelines the risk of failure can be minimised.
Ensure new concrete or screeded surfaces have fully dried out
This can be tested by taping a piece of polythene or laying a rubber mat onto the surface. Leave overnight and see if it has 'sweated' by the following morning. If it is noticeably darker under the polythene or rubber mat, then the floor is still drying out and must not be painted.
Ensure the substrate is thoroughly clean
Degrease using the recommended degreaser then wash with fresh water and allow to dry.
Etch new and hard, smooth power floated surfaces
Use a recommended acid etch then wash with fresh water and allow to dry. This procedure may need to be repeated until the surface is free of laitence (loose cementicious material) and has a rough grainy profile.
Vacuum Blast Cleaning or Scarifying
These may be more appropriate methods of surface preparation for larger areas. Contact us for advice.
Existing coatings
If in evidence they must be clean, sound, well adhered, well feathered and well abraded.
For further information see the Brewers Protective Coatings leaflet Floor Preparation Procedure (12KB).
