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Before applying any garage floor coating, the condition of the concrete surface is the most important factor in whether it will last. Even the best concrete coating systems won’t hold up if the floor underneath isn’t prepared correctly. The key is creating the proper level of surface roughness, known as the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP).

What does “CSP” Mean?

The International Concrete Repair Institute developed the CSP scale to measure surface texture:

• CSP 1: Very smooth concrete
• CSP 10: Extremely rough concrete
• Ideal for garage floor coating: CSP 3–4

Why this matters:

• If the concrete is too smooth, the coating can’t bond well.
• If the surface is too rough, the finish may be uneven and unnecessarily stressed.
• A CSP of 3–4 creates the “Goldilocks zone” for strong, lasting adhesion.

Methods of Preparing Concrete

There are several ways to roughen a concrete surface, but not all of them hit the target CSP.

• Acid etching / low-pressure water jetting → Too smooth (below CSP 2). Coatings are more likely to peel.
• Sandblasting / rotomilling → Too rough (above CSP 4). Not needed for most residential garages.
• Grinding → Reliable way to achieve CSP 3–4.

Grinding Options

Not all grinders are the same. Professionals in Western Colorado typically rely on:

• Propane grinders → Stronger, faster, and more efficient than electric grinders. They cover large spaces quickly and don’t require cords.
• Electric grinders → Cheaper but less powerful, slower to use, and more costly in labor over time.

Why It Matters in Western Colorado

With Colorado’s climate—snow, mud, and freeze-thaw cycles—a garage floor coating needs every advantage it can get. If the prep step is skipped or done incorrectly, the coating will fail early. A properly ground surface ensures durability in all seasons.