Polyurethane cement or Epoxy over old concrete
One of the most common questions when it comes to installing polyurethane cement or epoxy flooring is whether it can be used as new flooring over old concrete. In most cases, it is possible, but you must remember that the concrete should be well-prepared to ensure that the coating will adhere properly.
Although there are different DIY techniques for installing flooring over old concrete, the only guaranteed way to avoid costly repairs is to hire a team of professionals who will inspect the site and suggest the best solution for applying your polyurethane cement or epoxy flooring over your old concrete. Whether you want to apply an epoxy coating to achieve a glossy finish on your floor, or the surface simply needs to be ground and polished after years of use, we will give our best to explain in which cases you can instal resin layer over the old concrete.
The Floor Has to Be Stain-Free
The first step you should take is to remove all stains for your existing concrete flooring and scrape all debris. Although this might not seem like a complicated task, you shouldn’t forget that areas like corners might be hard to reach. You will have to inspect the entire surface thoroughly because this is the only way to ensure that the concrete surface will be prepared for the cleaner that needs to be applied before the epoxy coating.
Double-Check for Moisture
If your old concrete is too damp, you have to know that it will not be able to accept the new coating. Since this is very important, you will have to be sure that you have checked for moisture properly. This process might last up to 24 hours in case you decide to tape a piece of plastic over the section of the floor and seal all edges to see whether there will be condensation. If you find there is water on plastic, you will need professional assistance to remedy the moisture issue before installing the epoxy flooring.
Professional Floor Preparation Is The Key
It is definitely possible to install epoxy flooring over the old concrete, but as you can see, surface preparation is the most important step of the process. Whether it is cleaning of greasy stains, scraping debris, or moisture inspection, the old concrete needs to be well prepared before the application of epoxy coating starts. It is not as simple as it seems and diamond grinding and shot blasting play a major role in whether the resin floor installation will succeed.
When Shouldn’t You Apply Epoxy Flooring Over the Old Concrete?
In case there is floor paint on your existing concrete, you shouldn’t apply a new epoxy coating until it is completely removed. This is not a good base for epoxy, and it has to be completely removed if you want your new resin flooring to adhere successfully. Also, if there are concrete sealers that are peeling off, installation of epoxy flooring over it will be a failure. If you are not sure whether your old concrete is suitable for epoxy coating application or not, we suggest you contact flooring experts so they can provide a professional estimate.
Don’t Forget to Apply Protective Top Coat
When you have finally managed to make your old concrete look as good as new, you should consider applying a quality top coating that will protect the epoxy flooring for a long time. There are many different options available on market, so you will be able to choose the one that suits your needs and your budget perfectly. No matter if it is a commercial or residential property, top coating is always a good investment because it is water-resistant, non-toxic, and chemical-resistant so you can rest assured that your flooring will not degrade back to the damaged state.
Are You Ready to apply Polyurethane cement over old concrete?
As you can see, it is possible to install polyurethane cement or epoxy flooring over the old concrete, but in most cases, you will need help from experienced flooring specialists to prepare the surface well and achieve the desired effect. You can choose from various colours and styles. Whether it is a restaurant, warehouse, garage, coolroom or home interior, you can completely change the look of your worn-out flooring.
Just in case you don’t know who to call – you can always count on Diamond Grind We have been serving Sydney and regional NSW for many years and successfully dealt with all the challenges that refurbishment of the old concrete flooring brings. Our goal is to create floors that last, and because of that we use only high-quality products and possess all necessary equipment to provide first-class service for properties of any size and purpose.
