Concrete coatings for commercial flooring are versatile, cost-effective, and sturdy. These qualities are why more businesses, factories, warehouses, office buildings, schools, and other structures are having concrete coated.

One reason for the increase in concrete coating use is that developers and architects are discovering that it is reliable and takes quite a bit of wear and tear over time. With the right knowledge and skill, surface coatings in Minneapolis are becoming more strikingly beautiful with the many textures and colors that are available. From lobbies to retail store floors, concrete and coatings are the perfect marriage for floors that need to look great while being protected for the long-term.

However, there are some myths that have come about regarding coated concrete. It has become widely known that coated concrete gives a floor the functionality that it needs, but the myths can cause some individuals to question whether or not coating their existing concrete floors is the right option. The following are some of those myths:

1. All processes and products used to change the color of concrete and its detail are coatings

This is actually not true because there are acid-etch stains and overlays that can change the look and feel of concrete. There are also water-based concrete stains that can change the color. There is no real chemical reaction with the concrete, which means these acrylics will fade and not offer the floor any protection.

2. Coatings bridge concrete’s porous surface, trapping moisture that may be present

This is a myth that has individuals thinking that the concrete is being set up for failures. While coatings do bridge the porous concrete, protection from water penetration is provided in the process.

3. The cure time is 30 days

Curing takes much less time than 30 days. The curing time can vary from product-to-product, but they can typically undergo normal traffic rather quickly, minimizing the amount of downtime for the floor and for the business.

4. Concrete block fillers are difficult to apply, heavy, and unnecessary

Concrete block surfacers weigh a lot less than the traditional block fillers. While this may have been true at one time, it is not true anymore.

5. Coating will not work well with chalking concrete

Chalking concrete should not be topcoated directly, but it can be properly prepared and then coated. There are concrete conditioners that can prepare the concrete for coating. The coating then deeply penetrates into the substrate of the substrate to secure the chalky surface and create a stable base for long-term coatings.

The concrete coating professionals working on your flooring will be able to determine what steps need to be taken to ensure the concrete coating will last for a very long time. They will also take the time to clean, dull, dry, and free the surface of defects so that the coating is not set up for failure. Even if concrete has cracks and other defects, those can be repaired prior to coating so you don’t have to worry about concrete replacement beforehand.