How to Hard-Coat Concrete

A hard-coat finish protects concrete in several ways -- the epoxy layer adds a moisture-proof barrier, prevents damage from normal wear and, in some cases, blocks UV rays. The benefits are also aesthetic, as it maintains the shine of polished concrete and gives it a high-gloss finish. Fresh concrete must cure for at least two weeks before applying hard-coat; the hard-coat process itself takes several days, including drying time.

Detergent
Nylon scrub brush
Push broom
Bucket
Sulfamic acid
Roller tray
Long-handled paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the concrete with a heavy-duty detergent and water. If there are stains on the concrete, scrub them with a nylon scrub brush. Rinse the concrete well.
- 2
  Deglaze, or etch, the concrete if it's new and very smooth. Add 1 lb. of sulfamic acid to 1 gallon of hot tap water. Stir to dissolve with a wooden spoon. Apply the acid solution to the concrete surface with a spray bottle, then scrub with a push broom or nylon scrub brush. Allow the acid to sit for 10 minutes, then mop or vacuum the concrete.
- 3
  Rinse the concrete well, then sprinkle with baking soda to neutralize the acid. Scrub with a push broom or scrub brush broom, then rinse again.
- 4
  Allow the concrete to dry for at least 48 hours.
- 5
  Pour the mixed hard-coat into a paint roller tray. Coat a long-handled paint roller with hard-coat. Roll a thin layer of hard-coat over the entire surface of the concrete. Allow the coat to dry overnight.
- 6
  Apply a second coat of hard-coat. Allow the hard-coat to dry for 24 hours before using the concrete normally.

How to Identify HVAC Sheet Metal

How to Hang Drywall on Aluminum

Building Materials & Supplies