Screen sanding
- An abrading technique using an open-mesh silicon carbide screen on a buffer or planetary machine to scuff a cured coating between layers. Screen sanding restores mechanical tooth between recoats when the chemical recoat window has lapsed, ensuring intercoat adhesion on long projects or maintenance recoats.
Shot blasting
- A mechanical surface preparation method that propels small steel shot at the slab and recovers it via vacuum. Shot blasting opens the concrete profile to CSP 4–9 quickly and uniformly, removes contamination, and is the preferred prep for high-build mortars, urethane cement, and any system requiring deep mechanical bond.
Silane / Siloxane
- A family of penetrating, breathable water repellents used to seal exterior concrete — driveways, patios, pool decks, masonry — without forming a surface film. Silanes penetrate deeper and protect against chloride intrusion; siloxanes form larger molecules that bead water at the surface. Both preserve the natural concrete look.
Solids content
- The percentage of a liquid coating, by weight or volume, that remains as cured film after solvents and water evaporate. 100% solids epoxy and polyaspartic leave nothing behind; 50% solids product loses half its volume to evaporation. Solids content directly drives film build, VOC emissions, and price.
Spall
- A flake, chip, or shallow crater in the concrete surface caused by freeze-thaw, rebar corrosion, impact, or rebar that was placed too close to the surface. Spalls must be saw-cut, undercut, primed, and patched with polymer-modified mortar before any coating is applied; coating over a spall guarantees a return failure.
Specification
- The written document that defines every measurable element of a floor install — substrate moisture readings, prep method, CSP target, primer, mil thickness, broadcast media, topcoat chemistry, gloss level, cure schedule, and warranty. A real spec is the contract; a verbal scope is a dispute waiting to happen.
