Too often the blame and responsibility is placed on poorly explained surface preparation which also fails to provide suitable answers. Correct surface preparation is critical to coating success, but coatings can still fail despite the best preparation. Below are eight common, useable reasons why coatings fail, as well as possible cures to these problems and a very Subjective Frequency Rating for each failure type. We give it our Subjective Frequency Rating of 8 out of 10. Concrete tends to hold and retain water for a much longer period than most people can or will wait prior to coating.
Floors can have dry areas and damp areas, including some damp areas that never dry out.
Touching the surface to test for dryness can be a misleading method for determining moisture. High humidities can be as detrimental as moisture. Many coating products do not recommend applications when humidities exceed 75 or 85 percent. In some places, such as along the Gulf Coast, these humidities are the daily norms. Many locations can also expect frequent thunderstorms, showers, or rainy periods during certain times of the year.