Behind the Work: How We Prep Concrete for Long-Lasting Coatings
When you see a flawless epoxy floor — smooth, glossy, and built to last — what you’re really looking at is the result of proper preparation. At Epoxy Don, we know that the secret to every durable, professional epoxy coating starts long before the first layer is poured.
Whether we’re installing a metallic epoxy in a Las Vegas garage or a flake system in a Henderson showroom, every project begins with one essential step: perfecting the concrete surface. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we make that happen.
Why Concrete Prep Matters
Epoxy coatings are designed to bond with concrete — not just sit on top of it. That bond is what makes an epoxy floor so durable and long-lasting. But for that to happen, the concrete surface needs to be properly prepared. If it isn’t, even the best products won’t adhere the way they should.
Think of it like preparing a wall before painting: if you don’t clean or sand it first, the new coat won’t stick evenly and will start to peel. Concrete works the same way. The better the surface prep, the stronger the bond — and the longer your epoxy floor will look and perform like new.
Step 1: Inspecting and Testing the Surface
Before we touch any tools, our experts inspect the concrete for signs of previous coatings, oil stains, cracks, or moisture. Each floor is different — a garage in North Las Vegas might have decades of car oil buildup, while a brand-new floor in Paradise might just need a light grind.
We use moisture meters and visual checks to ensure the surface is sound. If there’s excess moisture in the slab, we’ll address it before coating, since trapped water vapor can cause bubbling later.
Step 2: Mechanical Grinding for a Clean Slate
Once we know what we’re working with, we mechanically grind the concrete. This isn’t your average “light sanding.” We use industrial-grade diamond grinders that remove old coatings, stains, and weak surface layers.
The goal is to open up the pores of the concrete — creating what we call a “profile.” This textured surface helps the epoxy bond tightly and evenly. The result? A coating that looks beautiful on day one and still performs years down the road.
Step 3: Repairing Cracks and Imperfections
No one wants to see cracks or pits showing through a finished floor. After grinding, we repair any visible damage using specialized patching materials that bond to the concrete.
This step not only improves appearance but also prevents weak points from affecting the strength of the coating. By the time we’re done, the floor is perfectly smooth, clean, and ready for epoxy.
Step 4: Cleaning and Dust Removal
Even a small amount of dust can interfere with adhesion. After grinding and repairs, our crew vacuums and wipes the surface using HEPA-filtered equipment. This ensures a completely dust-free workspace — a critical step for achieving a professional finish.
Clean surfaces mean stronger bonds, smoother finishes, and longer-lasting coatings. Skipping this step (or rushing it) is one of the biggest reasons DIY epoxy floors fail.
Step 5: Priming and Moisture Control
Before applying the main epoxy coat, we often use a primer designed specifically for the type of system we’re installing. The primer seals the surface, enhances adhesion, and helps prevent moisture from moving through the concrete.
This step is especially important in Las Vegas-area garages and warehouses, where temperature swings and humidity can vary dramatically between summer and winter.
Why Our Prep Process Makes a Difference
Many installers rush the prep stage — but we don’t. At Epoxy Don, our reputation is built on coatings that not only look great but last for years under real-world use. Proper prep gives our clients confidence that their investment won’t chip, peel, or fade.
From Henderson to Boulder City and Pahrump, our team brings the same attention to detail to every project, whether it’s a residential garage, a retail floor, or a commercial warehouse.
Ready to Transform Your Floors?
If you want a floor that looks incredible and stands up to time, don’t settle for shortcuts. Let Epoxy Don show you how true professionals do it — from surface prep to the final shine.
We proudly serve Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Spring Valley, Boulder City, and Pahrump with premium epoxy flooring systems built on craftsmanship and care.
Contact us today!
for your free on-site estimate and see what makes our floors last longer — starting from the ground up.
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