If you’ve ever wondered what exactly happens when you get a concrete coating installed, you’re not alone. The process is more than just “paint and go” — it’s a series of meticulous steps designed to ensure your floor not only looks amazing but lasts for years. At TruGrit Concrete Coatings, we’ve refined this process so that most projects can be completed in just one day without sacrificing durability or quality. From preparation to the final topcoat, every detail matters, and every step is rooted in precision, expertise, and a bit of grit.
Step 1: Floor Preparation
Every long-lasting floor begins with thorough prep work. Before we even touch a tool, we evaluate your floor during a complimentary consultation, checking for hardness, moisture levels, and overall structural integrity. We also test for moisture and identify any necessary repairs.
Once we’ve assessed the floor, we use professional-grade diamond grinders to open up the surface for optimal adhesion. Dust control is key — that’s why we use HEPA-filtered vacuums that capture about 95% of dust, keeping your space cleaner and safer.
Step 2: Repair and Resurface
Concrete goes through a lot — cracks, pits, and surface wear happen over time. We fix these imperfections using a polyurea mender, opening up cracks to ensure strong adhesion, overfilling them, and smoothing the surface to be perfectly level. This step is crucial for both the appearance and the performance of your coating.
Step 3: Basecoat Application
Here’s where the magic starts to show. We apply a polyurea basecoat — a material that’s stronger and more flexible than traditional epoxy. Starting with the edges and working toward the center, we ensure complete and even coverage. This base layer is what bonds deeply to your concrete, creating the foundation for the rest of the system.
Step 4: Chip Broadcasting
For both texture and visual appeal, we broadcast decorative flakes (or “chips”) across the wet basecoat. We take time to mix them uniformly so the color and texture are consistent throughout the floor. The chips not only enhance the design but also add slip resistance — a practical safety benefit.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
After the basecoat cures, it’s time for detail work. We scrape away any loose chips to create a smooth, even texture. Then, we vacuum the surface to remove all residual flakes, ensuring nothing interferes with the final protective coat.
Step 6: The Clear Coat
The process finishes with a polyaspartic topcoat, which seals everything in and adds UV stability, chemical resistance, and extra durability. This clear coat is what makes the floor resistant to fading, staining, and everyday wear and tear. Plus, our detailed edge work ensures a seamless, professional look from wall to wall.
About TruGrit Concrete Coatings
At TruGrit, quality, precision, and passion for innovation converge to turn ordinary surfaces into extraordinary ones. Our founders, Austin Webster and Ben Robinson, both have engineering backgrounds and decades of combined experience in construction and home services. Austin sharpened his skills as a mechanical engineer at Ford Motor Company in Detroit, while Ben’s civil engineering expertise grew during his time as a superintendent for Payne Family Homes in St. Louis.
Our team combines this technical expertise with a dedication to craftsmanship, customizing each project to meet the unique needs of our clients. We live by our motto — Embrace the Grit, Shield with Concrete Armor — because we believe every floor should be as tough as it is beautiful.
Why TruGrit’s Process Stands Out
While some companies might stretch an installation over several days, TruGrit’s trained team can complete most projects in a single day — without cutting corners. We use high-performance materials that outlast standard epoxy, and we approach each floor with an engineering mindset, ensuring every step is done for maximum longevity and performance.
We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” coatings. Instead, we customize our process for each project, whether it’s a residential garage, a commercial workspace, or an industrial facility. And when the job is done, you’re left with a floor that’s as tough as it is stunning.
From Grit to Greatness
Getting a concrete coating is an investment — not just in your home or business, but in the durability and beauty of your space. The TruGrit process ensures that investment pays off, combining careful preparation, top-tier materials, and expert application to deliver results that last.
If you’re in the St. Louis metro area and want to see your floor transformed in just one day, schedule your free consultation today. With TruGrit Concrete Coatings, you’re not just getting a coating — you’re getting concrete armor built to perform.