Concrete Preparation
Concrete Preparation
Any Decorative Concrete Service is dependent upon a properly prepared concrete surface.
Depending on the age, existing flooring, previous flooring, paint, glue, sealer etc., the concrete requires preparation prior to service. The main issue associated with concrete grinding and preparation is always dust. With the use of industrial vacuums we eliminate this problem. East Coast Decorative Concrete utilizes the best possible equipment to provide a save dust free environment.
-
- Preparing a concrete floor for epoxy coating. Grinding with the use of industrial a vacuum provides a dust free service.
-
- Properly Prepared Concrete
Micro-Topping / Staining Service
Micro-Topping and Skim Coat
Why Micro Topping And Overlays Are Needed
In some cases the concrete floor is less than ideal for a decorative finish. This is most commonly due to cracked or damaged concrete. At this point, micro topping, overlay or a skim coat are the perfect solutions. These self-bonding materials are applied at 1/8th to 1 inch thick over the existing concrete. This, ultimately, provides a prefect new floor to stain, dye, polish or seal for the unique look to suit the needs of your home or business.
How The System Is Installed
First, the existing concrete prepared with the use of concrete grinders or etched. This step will remove any contaminants that could prevent the material from bonding. Glue, pain, existing coatings or sealers for example.
Second, damaged areas are repaired and cracks are filled. Expansion joints are also filled and leveled.
Third, the Micro Topping is mixed and applied. Application methods include trowel, squeegee and gauge rake depending on the material used. After the designated cure time the floor is ready to be sealed, stained or polished.
Micro Topping And Skim Coat Locations
- Residential – Homes, Condos, Apartments, Patio and Garage
- Hospitality – Restaurant, Hotel, Transportation Centers
- Commercial – Retail, Office, Lobby, Art Gallery, Studio
Concrete Staining
Transform Your Slab With Custom Concrete Staining
East Coast Decorative Concrete specializes in concrete staining, acid stain, concrete dye and colored epoxy floors. We are proud to be the leading decorative concrete flooring service in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Central Virginia and Maryland.
All things considered, Stained Concrete Floors are quickly becoming the building industry standard for both commercial and residential construction. Services include, acid staining, concrete dye and seal, integral color systems and more. The professionals at East Coast Decorative Concrete will help guide you through the process every step of the way. Our Staining Services include;
- Acid Stained Concrete
- Concrete Dye & Seal
- Pigmented Coatings
- Metallic Epoxy
- Concrete Staining
- Variegate Polyaspartic
- Solid Color Polyaspartic
- Microtoppings
- Concrete Overlays
- Concrete Sealing
Stained Concrete Benefits
- Versatility
- Economical
- Low Maintenance
- Longevity
- environmentally Friendly
Acid Staining
One of the first innovations developed for concrete flooring was Concrete Acid Stain. Incidentally, acid stain is still in use to this day. The color palate is primarily earth-tones. As a result, projects resemble the look of natural stone, marble, and wood. A unique marbling effect is produces due to the reaction of inorganic salts with the calcium and lime in the concrete. Stained Concrete provides beautiful colors, at the same time, remain UV stable making this process ideal for use on exterior and interior surfaces.
Concrete Dye
Concrete Dyes are primarily used in addition to the concrete polishing process. Mid-way through the process the dye is applied to allow absorption into the concrete. From here on, the surface is polished, closing the surface behind the dye. For this reason, the color will never fade or ware over time.
Water Based Concrete Stain
Water Based Concrete Stains provide an another decorative concrete option. Incidentally, these products are used in the same way and offer a wider variety of colors than acid stains.
Where Is Stained Concrete Used?
Commercial Use
- Restaurant
- Office
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Schools
Residential Use
- Patio
- Basement
- Kitchen
- Walkway
Concrete Polishing
Concrete Polishing
As a concrete polishing contractor and installer we see what works and consequently what doesn’t work in the flooring industry. By and large, if you are looking for a durable and stunning flooring option, polished concrete is the answer.
Every owner desires an eye-catching facility, however, sacrificing durability or incurring high maintenance coast is not an option. For this reason, Concrete Polishing has been the “go to” flooring option in restaurants, retail, hospitality and residential locations. As a matter of fact, decorative concrete flooring has replaced carpet, tile and VCT in a large percentage of new construction. This is happening in all over Northern VA and Washington DC for several reasons. Presently, it has become the norm due to its appearance, durability and ease of maintenance. Moreover, polished concrete has the lowest cost over the lifetime of the floor and can reduce utilities coast by 15%. Not to mention the fact that architects and general contractors are able to meet material reuse and LEED credits with polished concrete.
“After replacing the floor in our restaurant twice in under 10 years, we decided to go with polished concrete. It looks great and it’s easy to clean.”
Versatility
Several options exist with polished concrete. For example, the concrete may be stained or dyed, apply a company logo, segmented with decorative saw cuts and much more. You can choose the level of finish desired for the project from satin to high-gloss. Another benefit is the wide variety of concrete dye colors available.
The Concrete Polishing Process
Polishing concrete starts with grinding and leveling the existing surface with the use of metal bonded diamond abrasives. Grinding will remove paint, glue, epoxy and expose the desired level of aggregate. From here on, course to fine grit resin bonded diamond abrasive passes are preformed. As a result, the surface takes on a reflective finish. During the process, a hardener is applied to improve durability of the surface. In addition, a color dye can be applied to customize the look of the floor.
Where Can I Find It?
Ironically, you may have been walking on polished concrete and not realized.
- Retail Space
- Restaurant
- School
- Office
- Hospital
- Residential Basements
- Hospitality
Getting Started
Starting Out
What is the current condition of the concrete? Is it a new pour, old slab? Does it have carpet, tile, paint or glue?
Concrete preparation is the primary concern to ensure a service is properly completed or installed. In an ideal world the concrete will be clean and free of obstruction prior to any service, however this is rarely the case. The most common issues that need to be resolved prior to a decorative concrete application are;
- Removal of Tile, Linoleum, VCT, Carpet, Glue, Paint, etc.
- Filling of Holes, Blow Outs and Cracks
- Removal of Carpet Tack Strips
In the vast majority of services the concrete must be mechanically resurfaced exposing the slab free of any obstruction. This is accomplished with the use of concrete grinding/polishing machines, diamond tooling and dust extractors.
The Next Step – Evaluating The Slab
Every concrete slab will require an evaluation to determine which service is ideal for application, aesthetics and durability.
Choosing Your Finish
Due to the volume of options available in decorative concrete flooring industry, you should start with color, aesthetics and durability needs of your home or commercial facility. Once you have decided on a few options your installer will help guide you through the process.
Decorative Concrete Installation
A few things will be needed by your installer in order to provide service. The following is a basic list;
- Power – Usually 30 amp 220 volt outlets (If grinding or polishing)
- Access to the home or facility
- Continuous Water Source
Additional Factors
When deciding on how to proceed with your decorative concrete flooring, make sure you ask your installer about the following;
- Will there be any dust created during the process?
- Will there be any harmful fumes or VOC’s?
- Should the base boards be removed?
- What is the maintenance?
- Is the floor slippery?
- How often does the sealer or coating need to be reapplied?
- How long will the installation take?