Industrial Floor Preparation

Understanding Industrial Floor Preparation

The success and long-term performance of any resin flooring system begins with the substrate beneath it. Proper industrial floor preparation ensures that coatings, screeds and primers bond effectively, providing strength, durability and resistance to wear and certain chemicals.

At Monarch Resin Floors, we use industry-approved methods in line with FeRFA Guidelines to achieve the required surface profile (CSP) before the installation of epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic system. Each project is assessed individually to ensure that the preparation method suits the condition and type of concrete substrate.

Monarch offers a wide range of services depending on the needs of each client. One of which is the preparation of industrial floors ready for the installation of resinous products.

Preparation Techniques

Industrial floors are prepared using several key techniques, often combined to deliver the correct mechanical bond, surface profile and long-term performance. Each method is selected according to the substrate condition, the type of resin system to be applied, and the environment in which it will operate. All processes follow FeRFA Guidelines for substrate preparation and cleanliness.

Method Description Purpose / When Used Typical Application
Shot Blasting Uses steel shot propelled at high speed to remove laitance, weak concrete, and existing coatings. Produces a clean, textured surface with strong mechanical keying. Applied when a deep surface profile is required for resin screeds and epoxy coatings. Prevents delamination and ensures bond strength on older or contaminated concrete. Resin screeds, epoxy coatings, polyurethane systems
Diamond Grinding Employs rotating diamond segments to abrade and smooth the concrete surface. Produces a finer, level finish suitable for coatings and thin film systems. Used for removing sealers, adhesives, or light coatings, and for blending edges after shot blasting. Ideal for fine-tuning the surface before priming. Resin coatings, decorative quartz finishes, industrial refurbishments
Priming Application of a compatible resin primer to seal the surface, promote adhesion, and reduce air release. Primers may be epoxy-based, moisture-tolerant, or water-dispersed depending on conditions. Essential before applying most epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic systems to prevent osmotic blistering and improve long-term adhesion. All resin flooring types
Repairs & Jointing Damaged or cracked substrates are reinstated using resin repair mortars, epoxy fillers, or semi-rigid joint compounds such as Monarjoint. Ensures the substrate is sound before coating. Performed before preparation and priming to eliminate weak areas and stabilise movement joints. Prevents reflective cracking and joint breakdown. Resin floor repairs, joint reinstatement, floor levelling

Note: The appropriate method or combination of methods depends on the substrate condition, environment, and chosen flooring system. Always seek professional advice before specification or installation. For guidance, contact Monarch Resin Floors for a free site survey or visit our contact page.

Why Preparation Matters

Every successful resin flooring system begins with the correct industrial floor preparation. Without proper preparation, even the most advanced epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic systems can fail long before their expected lifespan. The process is not just about cleaning or roughening a surface, it is about creating the correct conditions for adhesion, strength and performance.

Surface preparation determines how well the resin bonds to the substrate, how long the system will last, and how effectively it resists wear, chemicals, and mechanical impact. A well-prepared floor also provides a smoother and more consistent appearance, reducing imperfections that could affect hygiene or drainagePreparation methods such as sanding and mechanical cleaning are also essential when coating mezzanine deck boards. This process is outlined further on our mezzanine resin coatings page.

Key Benefits of Professional Floor Preparation

  • Improved adhesion: Correct shot blasting and diamond grinding techniques remove laitance, dust and contamination, providing a clean surface for the resin to chemically and mechanically bond to.
  • Extended durability: Floors installed on a sound, properly profiled base experience fewer cracks, delamination issues and premature wear.
  • Consistent finish: Thorough preparation ensures that the resin spreads evenly across the surface, maintaining the correct film thickness and finish.
  • Enhanced chemical and thermal resistance: Properly prepared and primed substrates resist hot water, cleaning agents, fuels and solvents more effectively.
  • Hygienic and easy to clean: Preparation eliminates weak points, creating a seamless surface free of dirt traps, ideal for food, drink and pharmaceutical environments.
  • Reduced maintenance costs: A stable and well-bonded floor requires less long-term maintenance, offering better value throughout its lifespan.

Integration with Repairs and Priming

In many industrial environments, preparation and repair work go hand in hand. Cracks, spalls and damaged joints are reinstated using resin floor repair compounds or semi-rigid materials like Monarjoint. Once repaired, the surface is mechanically prepared again and primed with a suitable epoxy or polyurethane primer to seal the concrete and ensure consistent adhesion across the full area.

Skipping these stages can lead to costly future failures, including delamination, cracking and water ingress beneath the resin surface. Proper preparation avoids these risks and ensures the installed floor performs as designed.

In summary: correct industrial floor preparation safeguards your investment, delivers the expected performance, and ensures compliance with FeRFA and manufacturer standards. Whether through shot blasting, diamond grinding, priming or resin repair, every step is crucial for a durable, hygienic and long-lasting surface.

To discuss your project or arrange a site survey, please contact Monarch Resin Floors, specialists in industrial floor preparation and resin flooring installation across the UK.

Sunderland grey resin floor preparation stage before shot diamond grinding
Sunderland grey resin floor in warehouse

FAQs

What is the purpose of floor preparation before resin installation?
It removes contaminants and laitance to create a clean, textured surface that ensures strong adhesion and long-term performance.

When should shot blasting be used instead of diamond grinding?
Shot blasting is used when a deep mechanical key is required or to remove thick coatings. Diamond grinding is suited to lighter finishes and final smoothing.

Why is priming important?
Priming seals the substrate, promotes adhesion, and prevents air bubbles or moisture from affecting the resin system.

Can new concrete be prepared immediately?
New concrete typically requires curing for at least 28 days. We carry out moisture tests before preparation to ensure readiness.

Do you offer preparation as a standalone service?
Yes. Monarch provides mechanical preparation and priming services as part of full installation or independent contracts for other contractors.

Why Choose Monarch Resin Floors

Choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right resin flooring system. Even the best epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic products will only perform well if they are installed over a correctly prepared surface. With more than thirty years of experience, Monarch Resin Floors provides a complete service from preparation and repairs to installation and aftercare, ensuring every floor meets the highest standards for durability, performance and safety.

Monarch has installed industrial resin flooring throughout the United Kingdom in environments such as food and drink production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, warehousing and engineering facilities. We are proud members of the Resin Flooring Association (FeRFA) and hold both SafeContractor and Constructionline accreditations which confirm our compliance with recognised industry standards.

All preparation, installation and maintenance work follows FeRFA guidance and manufacturer specifications from trusted suppliers including RESDEV, Remmers and KDR. This ensures that every installation is technically correct and delivers reliable long-term performance.

We offer a complete range of industrial floor preparation and repair services including shot blasting, diamond grindingresin floor repairs and priming. By managing these stages in-house, we maintain full control over quality and consistency from start to finish.

Our team understands that no two floors are the same. Whether the substrate is aged concrete, damp or exposed to heavy traffic, we adapt our methods accordingly to create the correct surface profile for each project. We also provide technical advice on system specification and maintenance to ensure that every floor performs as intended throughout its service life.

Based in Dronfield, Derbyshire, Monarch operates nationwide, delivering professional advice, site surveys and installations across South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and the surrounding areas. As a family-run company that spans three generations, we take pride in honest communication, reliable service and expert craftsmanship.

Whether you require a new resin floor installation, resin floor repair or industrial floor preparation, our specialists can recommend the most suitable system for your environment, performance expectations and budget. All recommendations are guided by FeRFA standards and supported by manufacturer data.

Get in touch

We would love to speak with you about your resin flooring project.
Feel free to reach out using the below details or fill out the contact form and a member of our team will get in touch with you within 48 hours.

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We never pass on any of your information to third parties and will only get in touch about the flooring project your enquiring about. 

We never pass on any of your information to third parties and will only get in touch about the flooring project your enquiring about. 

Your information is not shared with third parties

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