# Surface Preparation for Epoxy and Coatings

> Surface preparation is diamond grinding a concrete slab to the correct concrete surface profile so that epoxy flood coats, waterproofing membranes and polyurethane coatings bond properly instead of failing later.

- **Provider:** Industrial Concrete Grinding and Cutting PTY LTD (ICGC)
- **Page:** https://icgc.com.au/surface-preparation-epoxy-coatings/
- **Service area:** Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern Rivers, Australia
- **Phone:** 0408 709 770

## Key facts

- Coatings fail when the substrate is not profiled correctly. Preparation determines whether the coating bonds.
- The slab is ground to a specified concrete surface profile (CSP) to suit the coating system being applied.
- Applies to epoxy flood coats, waterproofing membranes and polyurethane coatings.
- Grinding runs with HEPA extraction, controlling silica dust exposure on site.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can you grind over existing coatings or paint?

Yes. Our diamond grinders remove paint, epoxy, polyurethane, adhesive residue, and most other coatings. We grind back to clean concrete, then prepare the surface for whatever comes next.

### Why does surface preparation matter before epoxy coating?

Coating failures are almost always caused by poor surface prep. Epoxy applied over laitance, oil, adhesive, or a poorly profiled surface will delaminate, sometimes within weeks. Recoating after failure costs two to three times the original job. Proper surface preparation is always cheaper than fixing a failed coating.

### What surface preparation do you do for epoxy coatings?

We diamond grind or scarify concrete to the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) specified by your coating system. This creates the mechanical key needed for proper adhesion. We also remove existing coatings, oil, and other contaminants that prevent bonding. Our equipment and process match the CSP requirements of every major epoxy and polyurethane coating system used in Australia.

### What CSP profile do you grind to?

We grind to the Concrete Surface Profile specified by your coating manufacturer. Thin coatings like polyaspartic and thin-film epoxies typically need CSP 2 to 3. Thicker flood coats and self-levelling epoxies need CSP 3 to 4. Slurry systems and heavy industrial coatings may need CSP 5 or higher. Tell us which coating system is going down and we will match the profile exactly.

### Can you prepare concrete for waterproofing membranes?

Yes. We prepare concrete substrates for waterproofing membranes on balconies, roof decks, planter boxes, and wet areas. The surface profile for waterproofing membranes is typically smoother than for epoxy, so we adjust the grind to suit the product specification.

## Related pages

- [Dust-Free Concrete Grinding](https://icgc.com.au/dust-free-concrete-grinding/): HEPA-filtered extraction, silica control, and working in occupied buildings.
- [Tile and Adhesive Removal](https://icgc.com.au/tile-adhesive-removal/): Tile stripping plus adhesive grind-off, done in-house rather than subcontracted.
- [Concrete Honing, Grinding and Polishing](https://icgc.com.au/concrete-grinding-polishing-honing/): The grinding service that underpins every finish. Equipment, process and sectors served.

## Contact

- Phone: 0408 709 770
- Email: admin@icgc.com.au
- Request a quote: https://icgc.com.au/get-a-quote/
- Based in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, serving Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern Rivers, Australia