Any good contractor will tell you that one of several secrets to a strong, long-lasting garage floor coating is in the concrete prep work that happens before the first coating ever touches the floor. Without it, even the highest-quality coatings won’t bond right, and problems will show up sooner than you think. But how does this preparation actually work? Let’s break it down.
What CSPs Mean
The big factor in all of this is called the Concrete Surface Profile (CSP). Think of it as a simple scale that measures how smooth or rough the concrete is.
A “1” on the CSP scale means the floor is glass-smooth, while a “10” is extremely rough and uneven. For a garage floor coating to really grip the concrete, you need the surface to land somewhere in the middle—specifically, a CSP of 3 or 4. That range is just right, rough enough for the concrete coating system to lock into but not so rough that it causes new issues.
How Propane Grinders Get It Right
To hit that sweet CSP range, contractors rely on grinding the concrete. Propane-powered grinders are the workhorses here. They’re more powerful than electric grinders, cover space quickly, and don’t leave you dragging cords all over the garage. And despite the word “propane” in the name, they’re very safe to use. Propane has a narrow flammability range, and these grinders produce near-zero emissions, which means they can even be used indoors without worry.
For large or small spaces, propane grinders consistently deliver the right texture to get that CSP 3–4. That’s why we love them.
Why Other Equipment Doesn’t Measure Up
Not every prep method is created equal. Acid etching and water jetting might sound like solutions, but both leave the floor too smooth for long-term results. On the other end, methods like sandblasting or rotomilling go way too far, leaving a surface rougher than necessary for residential garages. Even electric grinders, while cheaper upfront, tend to be slower and less powerful, meaning more labor and less consistent results.
None of these options give you the same reliability that propane grinding does. Period.
What Happens Without Proper Prep
Skip this step, and you’ll see the effects before long. A garage floor coating that goes on top of concrete without the right CSP will eventually start peeling, lifting, or cracking—especially in the spots that see the most wear, like where your car tires roll in and out. It might look fine for a while, but the lifespan of the coating will be cut way short.
Concrete Prep: Don’t Skip It!
At Garage Floor Coating Inland NW, we’re passionate about doing things right, and that starts with the concrete prep. We don’t cut corners because we know how much the right CSP matters. If you want a garage floor coating that looks incredible and lasts, get in touch with us today. We’ll prep the surface the right way first, then deliver a floor that holds up for years to come.