How do you protect concrete structures?

Concrete is a great engineering material. However, it can easily be attacked by a variety of everyday chemical compounds and can even be destroyed by hostile industrial compounds. Concrete is also susceptible to abrasion and impact forces.
Any applied concrete protection system must be capable of defending the underlying concrete from the particular environment.

What is concrete protective coating?

A concrete protective coating is an applied coating that adheres to the concrete surface and protects the concrete from the environment.

What is anti-carbonation?

An anti-carbonation coating protects exposed concrete from the entry of carbon dioxide into the concrete structure. If carbon dioxide enters a concrete structure, it can cause the pH of the structure to become less alkaline and, in reinforced concrete, spalling (“concrete cancer”) can develop.

Can crumbling concrete be repaired?

Crumbling (weak or spalling) concrete can be repaired by removing all loose material, preparing the exposed surface for adhesion, priming with a suitable epoxy binder and filling the void with epoxy mortar or epoxy concrete.

What is the best concrete coating?

The word “best” is not definitive. It does not specify what the performance requirements are for the coating. For example, is the coating simply an architectural wall finish? Is it a floor coating? Is it for internal use or external use? Is it required to protect the concrete from hostile chemicals? The choice of coating will depend upon the service environment and the required service life. Please ask for more advice.

What are the different types of concrete coatings?

There are many different types of concrete coatings, and they are formulated using a variety of different chemistries. Concrete coatings are generally built using organic chemistry although some are built using inorganics The organic chemistries include epoxies, polyurethanes, polyaspartics, and acrylics.
They all have their specific uses and applications.

How do you protect concrete in water?

Concrete will not dissolve in water. Think of all the dams in the world that have been in regular contact with water for decades. However, thin layers of concrete may not be waterproof and may require the application of a suitable coating. Typically slabs-on-ground are protected from water entry on the underside to restrict water transmission (through cracks) or water vapour transmission to the working or living space above.

How long do concrete coatings last?

The lifespan of concrete coatings will depend on the adequate consideration of several factors:

• adequate analysis of the service environment – what is the coating system expected to protect against?
• adequate analysis of the proposed protective system – will the selected system function adequately?
• detailed analysis of the total application process – the environment, surface preparation, application and commissioning

How do you paint over old concrete?

The term “paint” generally refers the product used for household walls or ceilings. “Coatings” are products that possess additional adhesion and durability and these can be used for floor protection or general heavy-duty protection.
In any case, all concrete needs to have the surface prepared in advance for adhesion. Today, manufacturers recommend diamond grinding to adequately remove the weak laitance on the surface and expose firmly held aggregate within the concrete before coating commences.

Do I need to prime concrete before painting?

Consult the coating manufacturer for direction, since some products are self-priming. Prepared concrete has a porous surface structure and priming is generally recommended if the surface is excessively porous and if the physical demands on the coating are of a high order.

How do you get paint to stick to concrete?

Successful coating adhesion is achieved by preparing the surface of the concrete slab, removing the surface laitance layer and exposing firmly held aggregate. A diamond grinder is generally the best equipment to achieve this. This will also remove contamination and any prior coatings.

Can you just paint concrete floors?

Successful floor coating results from selecting an appropriate floor coating product for the service conditions, preparing the surface of the concrete slab and applying the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

How soon can you paint after etching concrete?

The acid etching process for adhesion uses dilute hydrochloric acid to erode the concrete surface and remove the weak laitance layer. Suitable PPE must always be worn and care must be taken with this hazardous process. Additionally, the surface must then be neutralised after the acid has been adequately washed away safely and suitably disposed of.
Additionally, the concrete must be allowed to thoroughly dry before any coating application.

Can I paint over sealed concrete or existing paint?

The success of overcoating any existing concrete sealer or coating will depend upon the inter-coat adhesion between the new coating and the existing sealer or coating and the adhesion of the existing coating to the concrete slab. In many cases, the brand and composition of the existing sealer or coating is unknown, which possibly leads to an adhesion test or removal. Always discuss with the coating manufacturer in advance.

Can I apply epoxy over sealed concrete?

The success of overcoating any existing concrete sealer or coating will depend upon the inter-coat adhesion between the new coating and the existing sealer or coating and the adhesion of the existing coating to the concrete slab. In many cases, the brand and composition of the existing sealer or coating is unknown, which possibly leads to an adhesion test or removal. Always discuss with the coating manufacturer in advance.

Can you paint over a sealed garage floor?

The success of overcoating any existing concrete sealer or coating will depend upon the inter-coat adhesion between the new coating and the existing sealer or coating and the adhesion of the existing coating to the concrete slab. In many cases, the brand and composition of the existing sealer or coating is unknown, which possibly leads to an adhesion test or removal. Always discuss with the coating manufacturer in advance.

What is the best concrete floor paint?

The word “best” is not definitive. It does not specify what the performance requirements are for the coating. For example, is the coating simply an architectural wall finish? Is it a floor coating? Is it for internal use or external use? Is it required to protect the concrete from hostile chemicals? The choice of coating will depend upon the service environment and the required service life.

Does concrete sealer wear off?

The lifespan of concrete sealers or coatings will depend on the adequate consideration of several factors:
– adequate analysis of the service environment – what is the coating system expected to protect against?
– adequate analysis of the proposed protective system – will the selected system function adequately?
– detailed analysis of the total application process – the environment, surface preparation, application and commissioning

How long does sealer last on concrete?

The lifespan of concrete sealers or coatings will depend on the adequate consideration of several factors:

• adequate analysis of the service environment – what is the coating system expected to protect against?
• adequate analysis of the proposed protective system – will the selected system function adequately?
• detailed analysis of the total application process – the environment, surface preparation, application and commissioning

Does concrete etch remove sealer?

The acid etching process is designed to work directly onto the concrete slab itself. It is not designed to work over a sealer or coating. Where sealers or coatings are in place, the acid etching process will not be effective.

Can you put a second coat of epoxy on garage floor?

A second coat of an epoxy coating should be applied within the manufacturer’s re-coat window. If an additional coat is required outside the re-coat window or after use, some surface preparation might be required to ensure sound adhesion.

Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?

The delivery choice generally depends upon the size of the project. Spray application requires more equipment set up and overspray protection time and this will really only suit larger projects. Professional applicators regularly apply areas up to 3000 m2 by roller. In general, always apply the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

How do you seal old concrete?

Older concrete slabs can be sealed adequately. Being old, the surface of the slab may be contaminated or damaged, but this can be rectified by diamond grinding to expose freshly held, clean aggregate that is suitable for adhesion. Always apply the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can you put too much sealer on concrete?

The application of too much sealer or coating can, depending on the product, lead to a soft, partially hardened finish or a glossy finish. Always apply the product in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What will remove concrete sealer?

Diamond grinding is generally the best way to remove a concrete sealer or coating.

Will straight bleach harm concrete?

While bleach itself is safe to use on concrete, understand that the product should be washed off thoroughly after application otherwise it can be transported to other locations where it is not desirable. Eg grass, carpet, etc

What does vinegar do to concrete?

Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid and hence it can attack the cement paste holding the concrete together. If vinegar is used on concrete, it should be washed off thoroughly after application otherwise it can be transported to other locations where it is not desirable. Eg grass, carpet, etc

Can you sand off concrete sealer?

Powered sanding by way of a Polyvac with a suitable screen might remove some sealers, but heavy duty sealers or coatings generally require diamond grinding.