How to Prepare Concrete Floors for Flake Systems

Flake systems look great—but they only perform as well as the surface underneath them.

Whether you're installing a one-day garage floor or a commercial flake system, prep is everything.Without a clean, profiled, dry slab, even the best products will bubble, peel, or fail.

This guide walks through exactly how to prepare concrete for a successful flake system, from diagnostics to mechanical prep to primer recommendations.

What Makes a Slab Flake Systems-Ready?

Before you touch a grinder, ask yourself:

• Is the slab clean and dry?

• Is it structurally sound?

• Is the surface open enough for resin penetration?

• Are cracks or joints prepped and filled?

• Do I have the right profile (CSP 2–3)?

You’re not just coating the floor—you’re bonding to it. And bond strength starts with prep.

Step-by-Step Prep Checklist

1. Remove Surface Contaminants

• Degrease with a heavy-duty concrete cleaner

• Use a scrubber or stiff broom—don’t rely on rinsing alone

• For oil or hydraulic spots, use a poultice or solvent-based degreaser

Contaminants will repel coatings and cause delamination.

2. Grind or Shot Blast to Profile

• Diamond grind with a planetary grinder to CSP 2–3

• Shot blasting can be used for larger industrial areas

• Feather edges and verticals with hand grinders

Proper profile = mechanical grip. Smooth = slippery failure.

3. Repair Cracks & Joints

• Chase cracks with a V-groove blade

• Fill with flexible polyurea joint filler (e.g., Metzger McGuire)

• Sand flush after cure

• Avoid rigid fillers that will crack under thermal shift

4. Moisture Testing

• Use ASTM F2170 (probe) or F1869 (calcium chloride)

• Look for MVER readings under 3–5 lbs unless using a vapor barrier system

• Always check corners, cracks, and areas near walls or doors

High moisture? Use a moisture vapor barrier epoxy primer before your base coat.

5. Clean Before You Coat

• Vacuum thoroughly

• Tack cloth or microfiber mop for final pass

• Don’t coat over dust—it weakens adhesion and clouds finish

Tips for Better Flake Performance

• Always roll primer/basecoat perpendicular to final topcoat

• Don’t skimp on coverage—check your mil thickness!

• Broadcast flake while the basecoat is still wet

• Scrape and vacuum flake before sealing

• Use a polyaspartic or UV-stable topcoat for long-term clarity

Recommended PNW ECS Products

• Kretus SL Epoxy Basecoat

• Duravel MVB Primer

• Citadel Flake Blends (Standard & Custom)

• Kretus Polyaspartic 92 or Citadel Polyurea-1 HD Topcoat

• Metzger McGuire Polyurea Joint Filler

Conclusion

Flake floors might be beautiful—but without proper prep, they’re built on borrowed time.

By following a consistent concrete prep process—grinding, repairing, testing, and cleaning—you give your system the best chance to bond, perform, and last.

At PNW ECS, we’ve got the tools, media, and expert insight to help you prep it right the first time.

📍 Have Questions About Prep?Come by Sandy or Fife with photos or MVER readings—we’ll spec the full system, including basecoat, flake, and topcoat.