Preparing Concrete Before Epoxy: DIY Tips & Professional Advice

Before installing any flooring system — whether epoxy flooring, metallic or decorative epoxy, polished concrete, self-leveling floors, tile, or laminate — the condition of your concrete is critical. Proper concrete preparation ensures adhesion, durability, and a flawless finish.

In this article, we explain what floor preparation involves, why it matters, and how AD Technology, a professional flooring contractor, handles it for both residential and commercial flooring projects. We’ll also answer a common question: do you need to prepare the floor yourself before epoxy installation?

Why Concrete Preparation Matters

Concrete preparation is the foundation of a successful flooring project. Skipping this step can lead to:

  • Poor adhesion, causing coatings or epoxy floors to peel or bubble
  • Uneven surfaces and visible imperfections
  • Premature wear and damage, reducing your floor”s lifespan

Even minor cracks, spalls, or moisture issues can compromise the final result. In fact, up to 70% of the success and longevity of your flooring depends on how well the substrate is prepared. The quality of the final finish reflects the quality of the surface preparation. While the exact process depends on the flooring system and your specific project, the takeaway is clear: a properly prepared concrete base is essential for a durable, beautiful floor.

What Concrete Preparation Involves

AD Technology provides comprehensive concrete preparation services to ensure a flawless, long-lasting floor for both residential and commercial flooring projects. Our process includes:

  • Cleaning and Debris Removal – Remove dust, dirt, oils, and any contaminants from the surface. A clean substrate is essential for proper adhesion, whether you’re installing epoxy flooring, metallic finishes, or decorative coatings.
  • Grinding & Sanding
    • Initial Grinding: Use a heavy-duty grinder to remove old coatings, adhesives, or uneven high spots. This opens the concrete pores for better adhesion.
    • Light Sanding: After initial grinding and any repairs, perform light sanding to smooth the surface and remove fine debris. This step ensures a uniform texture, which is critical for achieving a smooth, durable finish.
  • Concrete Repairs – Address cracks, spalls, and damaged areas using appropriate repair compounds. Proper repairs prevent imperfections from telegraphing through the finished floor.
  • Floor Leveling (if necessary) – Apply self-leveling compounds to create a flat, smooth surface. Essential for tile, laminate, polished concrete, or epoxy applications. For deep pits, consider a staged fill approach to ensure uniformity.
  • Moisture Testing – Check the concrete for excess moisture, which can interfere with adhesion and shorten the lifespan of coatings. When necessary, install a moisture vapor barrier to protect your floors and guarantee epoxy longevity. Learn more about vapor barriers here.
  • Priming – Apply the correct primer to improve bonding for your chosen coating, overlay, or decorative finish. Priming is crucial for ensuring a durable, long-lasting floor.

We tailor our preparation approach depending on the flooring system you choose — whether it’s metallic epoxy, polished concrete, self-leveling floors, or commercial epoxy coatings — ensuring maximum durability, performance, and a flawless final result.

Preparation requirements vary depending on your space:

  • Residential Flooring: garages, basements, kitchens, and living rooms often require minor leveling and crack repair.
  • Commercial Flooring: high-traffic areas like showrooms, offices, and industrial spaces may require extensive leveling, moisture mitigation, and substrate reinforcement.

With AD Technology, you get peace of mind knowing your concrete is ready for a flawless, long-lasting floor. No matter the project size, we handle all prep work professionally, saving you time and ensuring long-lasting results.

Can You Skip Concrete Preparation?

Technically, you could try installing flooring over untreated concrete, but we absolutely do not recommend it. Proper concrete preparation is critical for a durable, long-lasting, and visually perfect floor. Without preparation:

  • Adhesion may fail
  • Epoxy coatings, polished concrete, self-leveling floors, or tiles could wear unevenly
  • Floors may look imperfect or even become unsafe

Could you do it yourself? Possibly — but it depends on your experience, tools, and knowledge of flooring systems. The reality is that any professional epoxy installer or flooring contractor will still prepare the concrete before installation.

Why? Because proper surface preparation is the foundation of a successful project. Professionals bring:

  • Years of experience in concrete repair, floor leveling, and epoxy preparation
  • Specialized equipment for grinding, moisture testing, and priming
  • Expertise to address cracks, spalls, and uneven surfaces

Skipping this step or attempting it without experience compromises adhesion, durability, and the overall look of your flooring. Proper preparation ensures your floor performs beautifully for years to come.

Preparing Concrete Before Epoxy Yourself — Tips and Things to Consider

Thinking about tackling concrete preparation on your own? While it’s possible, there are a few key things to know before you grab a trowel and start pouring a self-leveling compound. Doing it right makes all the difference between a flawless floor and a finish that disappoints.

1. Assess Your Floor First

Start by looking closely at your concrete. Are there cracks, spalls, or uneven areas? Small imperfections might be manageable with DIY patching, but larger damage often requires professional tools and expertise. Also, check if your concrete is damp or has moisture issues — skipping this can lead to adhesion problems and bubbling in coatings like epoxy flooring.

2. Clean Everything Thoroughly

A clean surface is non-negotiable. Dust, dirt, oils, or old coatings can prevent new flooring from bonding properly. Sweep, vacuum, and, if necessary, wash the concrete. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Tip: If there’s old adhesive, it’s best to grind it off. For home DIY, a hand grinder can work, but always protect your eyes, lungs, and wear PPE. If you’ve never tried it before, practice in a small corner first, starting near the walls to get a feel for the process.

3. Repairs and Filling

Cracks and small pits should be filled with a suitable repair compound. Keep in mind: uneven or improperly filled cracks will show through your finished floor, especially under smooth coatings like epoxy or metallic epoxy flooring.

4. Leveling Matters

If your concrete is old, cracked, or uneven, self-leveling compounds are essential. Even slight waves can cause thin spots, bubbles, or an uneven epoxy finish. DIY leveling is tricky — achieving a perfectly flat surface often requires experience, a good flow of the compound, and proper tools like smoothing bars or spike rollers.

Tip for Deep Pits or Depressions: For floors with significant dips or deep spalls, consider a staged approach:

  1. Fill deep areas partially first to build up a base layer.
  2. Once this layer has cured, pour the full self-leveling compound over the entire surface.

This method helps prevent the compound from pooling excessively in low spots and ensures a uniform finish across the floor.

Learn more about floor leveling and professional vs. DIY methods here: Concrete Floor Leveling: DIY or Professional

5. Moisture and Vapor Barriers

Excess moisture is a silent enemy. Before applying coatings, test your concrete for moisture. If the floor is damp, you may need a moisture vapor barrier — something most DIYers can struggle to install correctly. Professionals know exactly how to handle it for long-term success.

Where we recommend vapor barriers: basements and garages — even if moisture levels appear normal. Learn more: Vapor Barrier for Flooring

6. Priming for Success

Primers improve adhesion and protect your coating. Skipping or misapplying primer can compromise the durability of your floor, even if the surface looks smooth and clean.

7. Know Your Limits

Some floors are more forgiving than others, but professional installers use specialized tools and techniques that are difficult to replicate at home. Even if you follow instructions perfectly, subtle errors can affect adhesion, smoothness, and longevity.

Bottom Line

DIY concrete prep can work for small, minor projects if you have experience and the right tools. But for uneven, cracked, or high-traffic surfaces — or when planning a premium floor finish like metallic epoxy, polished concrete, or self-leveling floors — hiring a professional ensures your floor will look amazing and last for years.

Pro Tip: Take photos and measurements before you start. It helps you see problem areas, plan repairs, and communicate clearly if you decide to bring in professionals later.

How We Can Help

At AD Technology, we provide expert residential and commercial floor leveling services, concrete repair, and complete surface preparation for all flooring types. Whether you’re planning epoxy flooring, metallic epoxy, self-leveling floors, or polished concrete, we make sure your substrate is perfectly prepared for a durable and flawless finish.

Need guidance? Schedule a free consultation with our flooring specialists. We’ll assess your floor, discuss your options, and help you choose the right system to meet your needs — all at no cost to you. Learn here how it works. 

From durable garage floors to decorative metallic epoxy and professional commercial coatings, we offer solutions designed for both performance and aesthetics. Explore the full range of our floor coating and leveling systems to see which solution fits your project: AD Technology Coating Systems.

Ready to start your flooring project with confidence? We will handle all concrete preparation, ensuring a smooth, level, and durable foundation for your new floor.