Surface Preparation
Every great epoxy floor starts with the right preparation. At PNA Coatings, we take surface prep seriously because it is the key to a strong bond and a floor that lasts. Cutting corners at this stage can lead to peeling, bubbling, or coatings that wear out too quickly. That is why we follow a step-by-step process to make sure your concrete is ready before the first layer of epoxy is ever applied.
Grinding the Surface
We do not pressure wash concrete. Instead, we mechanically grind the entire surface using industrial grinders. Grinding removes dirt, oils, and old coatings while also opening up the pores of the concrete. This creates the perfect profile for epoxy to bite into, ensuring maximum adhesion. Whether it is a new slab or a floor with years of buildup, we grind until the surface is clean and properly profiled.
Vacuum and Clean
After grinding, we vacuum thoroughly to remove all dust and debris. Even the smallest particles can affect how epoxy bonds, so we make sure the floor is spotless. In some cases, we also wipe down or blow out joints and edges to remove hidden dust. The goal is a completely clean surface, ready to receive repairs and coatings.
Patching and Repairs
If the concrete has cracks, spalls, or joints that need attention, we repair them at this stage. Using epoxy patching materials, we fill, level, and smooth the surface so that the final coating is seamless. Proper repairs not only improve the look of the floor but also prevent weak spots that could cause future problems.
Base Coat / Primer Application
Once the grinding, cleaning, and patching are complete, we apply the primer or base coat. This first coat soaks into the concrete and locks onto the prepared surface. It is the foundation for everything else to follow — whether it is metallic designs, color flakes, or quartz. With the right prep and a quality primer, the rest of the system bonds tight and performs the way it should for years to come.
Our Floor Primers
Repair & Joint Primer
This primer is used to fill cracks, joints, spalls, and small voids before the system begins. It strengthens weak areas in the concrete and ensures a smooth, even surface. With proper patching, the final floor looks seamless and holds up without hidden weak spots.
Typical ranges: Pot life 30–90 min; light traffic 10–24 hrs; full cure 2–7 days.
Best for: Hairline cracks to small spalls; control joints that need filling/edge stabilization.
Oil-Stop Primer
For floors exposed to years of oil stains, especially in garages and workshops, we use oil-stop primers. These seal off contamination and stop oil from bleeding through into the new epoxy system. It’s a critical step for long-term adhesion and a flawless finish in high-use areas.
Typical ranges: Pot life 45–60 min; coverage 150–250 sq ft/gal; recoat 8–24 hrs.
Best for: Garages, auto bays, industrial slabs with oil spots.
Vapor Barrier Primer
When moisture is present in the concrete, a vapor barrier primer is essential. This type of primer locks out moisture that can cause bubbling, peeling, or early failure. It’s commonly used on basements, ground-level slabs, and anywhere water vapor might rise through the floor.
Typical ranges: Pot life 30–60 min; coverage 80–130 sq ft/gal; recoat 10–24 hrs.
Best for: Ground-level slabs, basements, or anywhere moisture is suspected.
Primer / Basecoat
This is the “glue layer” of the system. The primer or base coat bonds directly to the concrete and ties the entire epoxy system together. By soaking into the slab, it provides the strong foundation needed for metallic designs, flake floors, quartz, or solid colors.
Typical ranges: Pot life 45–60 min; coverage 200–300 sq ft/gal; recoat 8–24 hrs
Best for: Almost every system; it’s the “glue” layer.
Fast-Set Primer
For projects that need a quick turnaround, we use fast-set primers. These speed up cure times while still creating a strong bond to the slab. Ideal for garages, retail stores, or businesses that need their floor ready for traffic as soon as possible.
Typical ranges: Pot life 15–30 min; light traffic 6–12 hrs; full cure 1–3 days.
Best for: Garages, retail, or facilities that need to reopen quickly.