Not sure what to expect when your concrete coating project begins?
Worried about the smell, noise, or how long your garage will be out of commission?
These are valid concerns, especially if this is your first time having a coating installed. Between prep work, drying time, and product complexity, it can feel like a lot to manage. But with the right plan in place, the process is straightforward and stress-free.
At Roe Painting, we've installed thousands of high-performance concrete coatings for home and business owners across Idaho and Nevada. We know the questions that come up and the small details that can make a big difference.
In this article, you'll learn exactly what to expect during your concrete coating project, including:
By the end, you'll know how to prepare, what to avoid, and how to make sure your coating lasts for years to come.
Most concrete coating projects take between 1 and 3 days to complete. For large, complex projects, it may take longer.
Here's what will influence the timeline of your project:
We'll walk you through the full schedule before we begin, so you'll know exactly what to expect and when your space will be back in use.
In most cases, you won't need to leave your home or business, but there are a few exceptions.
We work hard to minimize disruption and keep the job contained to the work area. That said, there are a few situations where stepping away, even temporarily, might be a good idea.
Many of the coatings we use are solvent-based, which means strong odors are present during application. While our team uses respirators when needed and follows all safety protocols, some home and business owners find the smell unpleasant, especially in enclosed spaces.
If you or someone in your home is pregnant, immunocompromised, or particularly sensitive to smells, we recommend staying out of the immediate work area during the application and curing phases.
If we're coating a garage, showroom, or common walkway, keep in mind that those areas will be off-limits until fully cured. We'll coordinate with you in advance so you can plan for alternative access or temporary parking if needed.
We offer night and weekend hours to keep your operations running as smoothly as possible. If you prefer the work to be done while your space is empty, we'll schedule accordingly.
Our crew typically starts work at 8:00 am and finishes around 4:30 pm, but project needs may shift those hours slightly. We'll confirm your exact schedule before your project begins.
Some coatings, especially fast-curing systems, require tightly timed application windows. That means we may need to work later or start earlier to ensure proper installation. On the flip side, some projects may require longer workdays depending on the product's curing time or if we need to complete a step before weather or temperature changes.
If you need installation to happen outside of normal business hours, we can schedule night or weekend work to avoid downtime. We'll align our schedule with yours to minimize disruption and keep things moving efficiently.
We'll need basic access to the work area, a few utilities, and a clear space to get started.
We'll review all of these needs with you before your project begins, so there are no surprises on installation day.
A clean, empty workspace is key to a successful installation, and we'll help guide you every step of the way.
Concrete coating isn't a quiet, odorless process, but we go to great lengths to minimize the impact on your daily life. Here's what you can expect, and how we manage it.
Our industrial-grade grinders and vacuums are loud during surface prep.
What you should do: If you're sensitive to sound, we suggest stepping away during the prep phase.
Most coatings have a strong smell during application.
What we do: We use proper ventilation and provide respirators for the crew. When the products are being applied, you should avoid the work area.
Grinding concrete is an important step of the prep process, but it does create dust. When it comes time to add decorative flakes or quartz sand to your coating, there may be some product that escapes the work area.
What we do: All grinders are attached to vacuums, and we mask off nearby areas when needed. We clean thoroughly at the end of the job so you're not left with a mess.
Installing a concrete coating is a multi-step process, and you'll never be left wondering what's going on. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions when it comes to communication during your project.
Who do I talk to during the project?
You'll meet your crew lead or project manager before your project kicks off. This is your main point of contact throughout the job. Talk to them about your questions, project adjustments, etc.
Will I get updates?
Absolutely. We check in daily to let you know:
If you ever need to reach us, just call or text your crew leader/project manager directly.
What happens on each step of the project?
Every project is a little different, but here's a typical breakdown of our steps. Curing time will vary based on the products used:
Step 1- Surface Prep: Grinding the concrete, cleaning, repairing cracks and spalled concrete, and applying a moisture-stop primer if needed.
Step 2- Base Coat & Flakes/Quartz: Installing the main layer(s) of your coating system and adding any design elements.
Step 3- Topcoat & Finish: Final clear coat, optional traction additives, and sealing the surface.
What if I have concerns or want to make a change?
Talk to us! We want to know if something feels off or if you have a question. It's your space, and we're here to deliver results that you'll love.
Once your final coat is applied, we're ready to clean up the job site and make sure you're 100% satisfied with the results.
Depending on the type of coating used, here's when you can safely use the space:
Coating Type |
Walk-On |
Drive-On |
|
Fast-cure polyurea/polyaspartic |
5 hours |
24 hours |
|
Standard epoxy |
24 hours |
48-72 hours |
|
Specialty commercial coatings |
Varies |
Provided in proposal |
Now you know exactly what to expect during your concrete coating installation, from the first grinding pass to the final topcoat.
We've covered timeline, prep steps, access needs, daily disruptions, and post-project cleanup, so there are no surprises along the way.
We know that concrete coatings come with some strong smells, loud equipment, and delicate timelines, but with the right planning and a professional crew, it doesn't have to be stressful or disruptive. In fact, many of our customers are surprised by how smooth the process turns out to be.
What's next? Download the Concrete Coating Prep Checklist below to help you get your space ready for installation day. It outlines exactly what to remove, disconnect, or plan for before we arrive.
At Roe Painting, we don't just coat concrete. We help you transform your space with high-performance, durable concrete floors.