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Equipment specifics:For most applications you will need pump-up sprayers, brushes, rollers, extension poles, wet/dry vacuum, squeegee, buckets, tape and plastic. The equipment start-up cost runs anywhere from $600-$3,000, depending if the surface requires abrasion or grinding prior to application.
Who typically applies this coating?Trained and sometimes certified decorative concrete installers may perform this work. It is important to obtain references so that these can be passed on to future clients.
Key barriers to entry:Reputation is critical for this arena. By joining some of the local associations, you can begin to build contacts and win bids. Most of the decorative coating and flooring options are specified by architects who belong to these associations.
Finding these jobs:ConcreteNetwork.com is a widely used website search engine for general contractors or specifiers to locate reputable contractors for decorative concrete installations. Concrete Décor and The American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) are some additional locations where this type of specialty contractor is found.
Coating process:Achieving a long-lasting coating begins with formulating a complete concrete preparation strategy. Your H&C or Sherwin-Williams Representative is a great resource to walk through all courses of action needed prior to application.
If the concrete has been poured recently, it must cure for at least 28 days to ensure good adhesionof the new coating. The surface must also be clean, dull, dry and sound prior to coating. H&C® Concreteready™ Cleaner Degreaser is a heavy-dutycleaner with the strength todissolve – and reduce – oil and grease stains that may contaminate concrete and masonry surfaces.
At this point, the substrate should have the texture of 120 grit sandpaper – giving the coating or stain something to grab onto. If the surface profile is inadequate, H&C® Concreteready™ Etching Solution can help.
When the prep work is complete, you’re ready to apply your coating system. There’s just one more thing to keep in mind: temperature is critical. Not just the ambient temperature, but also the surface temperature and the temperature of the coating itself. All three of these temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees.
