July in Atlanta means long days, scorching heat, and the occasional thunderstorm—but it also means now is the perfect time to plan ahead. If you’re considering a concrete coating project for your garage, patio, or shop floor, summer is the season to start preparing. Fall offers ideal conditions for floor coatings, and appointments fill up fast.
Getting your concrete ready now can save time, reduce stress, and help you take full advantage of Atlanta’s cooler weather when it arrives. Whether you’re coating for the first time or refinishing an old surface, here’s what you need to know about prepping your concrete for a successful fall install.
Why Fall Is the Ideal Season for Coating
Once the humidity drops and temperatures cool off, Atlanta hits a sweet spot for concrete work. Fall offers the most consistent conditions for coating application. Products cure more evenly, installers can work without weather delays, and you avoid the scheduling rush that often happens right before the holidays.
But coating projects don’t start with application day. Good results come from good prep. And now—during summer—is the time to start that process.
Step 1: Clear the Area
Start by planning to remove everything from your garage or patio. That includes boxes, tools, shelving, and anything mounted to the walls that could get in the way. Once the surface is fully exposed, sweep away dirt and debris. This isn’t your final clean, but it allows you to inspect the surface more easily and start organizing your space.
If you’ve been putting off decluttering, this is a great excuse to tackle it before fall arrives.
Step 2: Inspect the Surface
Take a close look at the concrete. Are there cracks? Stains? Uneven patches? Make a note of any issues now so they can be addressed before the coating is applied.
Summer storms and high humidity can introduce moisture concerns, so check for signs of dampness. If you’ve noticed water pooling or dark spots after rain, consider asking for a moisture test. Fixing any drainage or vapor issues now ensures a stronger bond when it’s time to coat.
Step 3: Remove Old Coatings or Sealers
If your concrete has an old sealer, paint, or failed coating, it will need to be removed. Coatings won’t bond properly to treated surfaces. This step may involve mechanical grinding or chemical stripping, depending on the condition of the surface.
Professionals often use diamond grinders to profile and clean the concrete thoroughly. DIY acid etching is less effective and doesn’t always reach deep enough to support a long-lasting finish.
Step 4: Profile the Concrete
Concrete needs texture for the new coating to adhere. This is called profiling. Smooth concrete won’t allow the coating to bond effectively, so the surface must be roughened to feel like medium-grit sandpaper.
Professionals grind the surface to the correct depth, creating a consistent profile that promotes adhesion and longevity. This step is critical. A coating applied over poorly prepped concrete will likely fail within a few years—or even months.
Step 5: Clean the Surface
After profiling, it’s time to clean thoroughly. Vacuum the surface and remove all dust, debris, or loose particles. Skip the hose unless your installer recommends it. Moisture can create bonding problems, especially if it gets trapped beneath the coating layer.
A dry, clean surface is essential for coating success, so schedule enough time between cleaning and application for the floor to fully dry.
Step 6: Plan for Final Repairs
Any lingering cracks, chips, or holes can be filled once the surface is cleaned. These repairs help create a smooth, even finish and prevent future damage from spreading beneath the coating. Fall is ideal for this type of detailed work—so getting your prep work done now helps you hit the ground running when the weather changes.
Why Planning in Summer Makes Sense
By tackling prep work in July or August, you set yourself up for a smooth, successful fall project. You’ll avoid the last-minute scramble when appointment slots are limited. You’ll also have more time to research product options, select colors or finishes, and customize the space to fit your needs.
Whether your goal is to clean up your garage before winter or add value to your home with a protective, polished finish, now is the time to act!
Ready to Transform Your Concrete This Fall?
Don’t wait until the last minute—Atlanta Concrete Coatings is already booking fall installations, and prime appointment slots are filling fast. Our professional team handles everything from surface prep to flawless application of premium polyaspartic and epoxy coatings.
Whether it’s your garage, patio, or commercial space, we have the tools and expertise to ensure lasting results.
Get ahead of the fall rush! Contact us today for your free consultation and secure your spot on our schedule. Great results start with great preparation—let Atlanta’s trusted coating professionals handle yours.