Title: Preparing Concrete Surfaces for Coatings

Author(s): Robert W. Gaul

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 6

Issue: 7

Appears on pages(s): 17-22

Keywords: acid treatment (concrete); adhesion; clean-ing; coatings; concrete finishes (hardened concrete); drying; dusting (concrete); evaluation; finishes; laitance; moisture; parting agents; preparation; surface defects.

DOI:

Date: 7/1/1984

Abstract:
While great care is usually taken in selecting and installing coatings (barrier systems) to protect concrete from aggressive environments, insufficient attention is given to the concrete surface to which the barrier system will be attached. Merely specifying a clean, dry, and sound surface is inadequate because these terms do not precisely define requirements. To assure opti-mum barrier system performance, a systematic approach is necessary to identify surface condition requirements for each barrier material, evaluate the existing condition of the surface to be protected, and use proper methods to correct deficiencies in that surface.