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 always 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. Determining 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 can be difficult but in this article 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 damp, it will not be able to accept the new coating. Since this is very important, you must be sure that you have checked for moisture properly. One simple way to check is to place a piece of plastic over a section of the floor and seal all the edges with tape. After 24 hrs or more see if there is any condensation under the plastic. If you find there is water, 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 mentioned, surface preparation is a very important part of the process. Whether it is removing greasy stains, scraping debris, or moisture inspection, the old concrete needs to be well prepared before the application of epoxy coating starts. Unfortunately these processes are notas 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?
If there is floor paint on your existing concrete, you shouldn’t apply a new epoxy coating until the paint is completely removed. The paint is not a good base for epoxy, and if you want your new resin flooring to adhere successfully the paint has to be completely removed. Also, if any concrete sealers have been applied installation of epoxy flooring over it will be a failure unless properly removed. If you are not sure whether your old concrete is suitable for epoxy coating application or not, we suggest you contact our flooring experts so we can provide professional guidance and a cost 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, so choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. No matter if it is a commercial or residential property, top coating is always a good investment because it assists water and chemical-resistance. It helps give peace of mind 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 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. We have all the necessary equipment to provide first-class service for properties of any size and purpose.
