Concrete Surface Preparation
150–300 UAH/m²
Concrete looks solid — but it is the most common cause of delamination in industrial floors, protective coatings and waterproofing systems. Cement laitance, oil contamination, microcracks and low surface layer strength are invisible to the naked eye, yet they reliably destroy coating adhesion within the first season.
Sandblast preparation of concrete surfaces by TEHMAS opens the porous concrete structure, removes the weak layer and provides a surface profile of CSP 3–6 per ICRI Guideline 310.2 — the standard required by most industrial floor and waterproofing system manufacturers. After such preparation, epoxy coating adhesion to concrete exceeds 2.5 MPa — equal to the structural strength of the concrete itself.
We work with industrial floors, car parks, water tanks, tunnel walls and bridge abutments. Enclosed equipment with dust collection allows surface preparation without evacuating personnel from adjacent areas.
Concrete Surface Preparation
Concrete Preparation Process
Concrete Diagnostics
Surface layer strength measurement with Schmidt hammer and sclerometer. Pull-off test of existing coatings. Concrete moisture measurement with a moisture meter. Detection of cracks, voids and delamination zones — by tapping and ultrasound.
Defect Repair
Crack routing and filling with Sika or Mapei repair mortars. Void and cavity filling. Cutting of protrusions and irregularities with diamond tooling. This step is frequently skipped — and then clients are surprised why the floor has blistered.
Sandblasting
Treatment with dry abrasive (quartz or copper slag) or wet sandblasting depending on conditions. Surface profile CSP 3–5 per ICRI 310.2 is achieved. Cement laitance, oil stains and residues of old coatings are removed. Industrial vacuum — class M or H.
Result Verification
Pull-off test after preparation — minimum result ≥ 1.5 MPa for coating application. Moisture measurement: CM method or carbide bomb. If moisture > 4% — application only after drying or use of moisture-tolerant systems.
Priming and Handover for Coating
Application of low-viscosity epoxy penetrating primer to consolidate the surface layer and seal pores. Observing the recoat window between primer and topcoat per the material data sheet. Surface readiness report.
Applicable Facilities
Industrial Plants and Factories
Floor preparation in production workshops for polymer coating or self-levelling floor. Work without stopping production — by sections, at weekends or during night shifts.
Car Parks and Logistics Centres
Removal of oil contamination and the weak layer before application of epoxy or polyurethane flooring. Mandatory condition of the coating manufacturer's warranty.
Tanks and Liquid Containment Structures
Preparation of internal surfaces of potable and process water tanks for waterproofing. Safe materials certified for contact with drinking water.
Transport Infrastructure
Bridge abutments, tunnels, retaining walls. Preparation for waterproofing membranes and protective coatings against carbonation.
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Preparation
Can coating be applied to concrete without sandblasting — just degreasing?
Degreasing removes only surface contamination. Cement laitance and the weak surface layer remain. Adhesion will be to this weak layer, not to the concrete itself — the coating will peel together with it. Most industrial coating manufacturers require CSP 3+ as a warranty condition.
The workshop floor is constantly damp. What should we do?
If concrete moisture > 4% — standard epoxy systems are not applied. Two solutions: drying with infrared or convection systems to the permissible level, or application of moisture-tolerant polyurethane systems that allow up to 8% moisture. We recommend a specific solution after measurement.
How long does preparation of a 2,000 m² floor take?
With standard concrete condition — 4–6 working shifts. If repair work is required — an additional 2–4 days for repair mortar curing. Exact schedule after site inspection.
Does dust from sandblasting settle on adjacent equipment?
We use industrial class M and H dust collectors and protective covers for equipment. Dust levels in the work zone are within industrial standards. Adjacent zones are isolated with protective screens.
Is preparation needed for new concrete — just poured?
Yes, without exception. New concrete has a thick layer of cement laitance and requires a minimum cure time of 28 days. After curing — sandblasting or grinding to open the pores and ensure adhesion. Coating applied directly to new concrete without preparation is money wasted.
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