Yes, you can apply floor coating over old concrete—as long as the surface is properly evaluated and prepared. In fact, restoring old concrete with the right coating is a cost-effective way to extend its life, improve safety, and enhance appearance.
Here’s a complete guide on how to do it right: ✅ Can You Apply Floor Coating Over Old Concrete?
Yes, but only if:

• The concrete is structurally sound (no severe cracking or crumbling)
• It's clean, dry, and free of contaminants (like oil, grease, or sealers)
• Surface preparation is done correctly (grinding, shot blasting, or scarifying)

🛠 Step-by-Step: How to Apply Floor Coating Over Old Concrete
1. Inspect the Concrete

• Check for:
  • Cracks, spalls, or surface damage
  • Moisture issues (efflorescence, dampness, water seepage)
  • Old coatings or sealers that could prevent adhesion

💡 Tip: Tape a plastic sheet to the floor for 24 hours. If moisture forms underneath, you may need a moisture barrier or vapor control primer. 2. Repair Any Damage

• Fill cracks with epoxy crack filler or polyurethane joint sealant
• Patch spalled or pitted areas with a concrete repair mortar
• Grind down high spots or uneven patches

3. Prepare the Surface

• Use diamond grinding, shot blasting, or scarifying to:
  • Remove old coatings, sealers, laitance
  • Open the surface for mechanical adhesion
• Vacuum thoroughly to remove dust and debris

✅ The surface should feel like 120-grit sandpaper. 4. Prime the Surface (Optional but Recommended)

• A good epoxy or polyurethane primer:
  • Improves adhesion
  • Seals pores in old concrete
  • Helps bond the topcoat more effectively

🌧 If the floor has high moisture, use a moisture-tolerant primer or vapor barrier epoxy. 5. Apply the Floor Coating
Choose the coating type based on the area’s needs:

Coating Type	Ideal For
Epoxy	Garages, warehouses, dry processing areas
PU (Polyurethane)	Commercial kitchens, labs, areas with thermal shock
PU-Cement	Food processing, wet zones, high-impact floors
MMA	Freezers, fast-turnaround areas

• Use rollers, squeegees, or notched trowels depending on product specs
• Apply in even layers—typically 1–3 coats
• Allow proper curing time (usually 8–48 hours before foot traffic)

6. Optional Add-Ons

• Anti-slip aggregates for safety
• Topcoat for UV resistance or gloss control
• Color flakes or quartz for decorative appeal

🔄 Summary Checklist
✅ Concrete is structurally sound
✅ Repairs and cracks are addressed
✅ Surface is ground or blasted for adhesion
✅ Primed (especially if old, porous, or damp)
✅ Coating applied according to specs
✅ Proper curing time observed ⚠ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping surface prep
• Applying over dirty or oily surfaces
• Ignoring moisture issues
• Choosing the wrong type of coating for the environment

📌 Final Thoughts
Refinishing old concrete with a floor coating is entirely doable, and can transform aging floors into seamless, durable, and hygienic surfaces—perfect for industrial, commercial, or even residential settings.