Pros in the garage floor coating business talk about “concrete prep” all the time, but what does that actually mean? In short, it’s the process of getting the surface ready so the coating bonds to the concrete floor securely. Without it, even the best products won’t last.
Whether it’s a residential garage or a large commercial floor, concrete preparation is the first and most important step in installing durable concrete coating systems.
Why We Use Propane Grinders
The go-to tool for professional concrete prep is the propane-powered grinder. These machines have the strength to grind concrete evenly and the speed to handle big spaces without dragging extension cords across the floor. They’re more efficient than other grinders, and they’re better at achieving an ideal CSP (more on that in a bit).
Propane grinders are also extremely safe. Propane has a narrow flammability range, and the machines produce near-zero emissions, meaning they can even be used indoors without concern. The end result is consistent, reliable prep work—the kind that makes a garage floor coating last.
Tools We Don’t Use
Not all prep methods hit the mark. Acid etching or water jetting may sound like quick solutions, but they leave the concrete too smooth, which means the coating can’t grip well. On the other end of the spectrum, heavy-duty options like sandblasting or rotomilling are unnecessarily rough for residential garages. Even electric grinders, while cheaper upfront, don’t offer the power or efficiency of propane units. They’re slower, less effective, and add more labor than value.
Grinding for the Right CSP
So what exactly are we grinding for? The answer is the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP). This is the scale that measures how smooth or rough a surface is, from CSP 1 (very smooth) to CSP 10 (very rough).
For garage floor coatings, the sweet spot is CSP 3–4. That’s rough enough for the coating to “hook into” the concrete, but not so rough that it compromises the finish. This Goldilocks zone is what ensures long-term adhesion.
Why DIY Doesn’t Work
DIY garage floor kits almost never address proper concrete prep. Without professional grinding to achieve the right CSP, the coating may look good at first but will fail quickly. Moisture, hot tires, and daily garage wear will cause peeling and cracks in no time. That’s why cutting corners isn’t worth it.
Call or email Garage Floor Coatings of Michigan today, and we’ll show you how proper concrete prep leads to a garage floor coating that’s built to last.