Diamond Grinding
Professional installers grind the slab with diamond tooling to remove the smooth top layer, old sealers and contamination, and open the pores so the coating can grip. Acid etching, common in DIY kits, is less consistent. Ask how the floor will be prepared and whether dust collection is used.
Repairs
| Problem | Typical fix | Published cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cracks and chips | Clean out and fill with a repair material | $25–$250 for basic patching (Angi) |
| Salt scaling and pitting | Grind and fill, or resurface if widespread | Resurfacing $3–$7 per sq ft (HomeGuide) |
| Oil-soaked stains | Degrease and grind | Usually part of prep |
| Control joints | Fill or honor them in the coating | Ask the installer |
Wide cracks or one side higher than the other can point to movement under the slab. Have that assessed before coating.
Moisture
Water vapor moving up through a slab can push a coating off. HomeGuide notes professionals may need to run moisture tests to make sure the concrete is suitable. Garages on grade without a vapor barrier are the usual suspects. Ask whether a moisture test is part of the quote and what happens if the reading is high.
New Concrete
A new slab needs time to cure before coating. Many coating manufacturers specify about 28 days. Check the product’s data sheet, since some systems allow less.
Old Paint and Sealers
Coatings don’t bond reliably to old paint or sealer. These have to be ground off, which takes more time. Tell the installer if the floor has ever been painted or sealed.
Clearing the Garage
Everything has to come off the floor. Angi suggests budgeting at least $100 for temporary storage if you need it.
Request a Garage Floor Coating Quote
Two quick questions. An independent coating company that works in your area will contact you to look at the slab and quote it.
Please note: Sioux Falls Garage Floor Coatings refers homeowners to independent coating installers. We are not a contractor.