Recommended Epoxy Coatings Based on CSP
Epoxy coatings are finishes that are most commonly used on concrete substrates to enhance smoothness or aesthetics. Examples of concrete surfaces commonly coated with epoxy finishing are driveways, emergency room entrances, laboratories, warehouses, outdoor events spaces, and residential and commercial decks.
When you choose epoxy and other polymer coatings for concrete, you’ll encounter something called CSP. This is an important detail that you need to consider if you’re planning to apply epoxy coating by Life Deck on concrete surfaces.
What Is CSP?
Concrete surface profile or CSP is a numerical designation that indicates the roughness of concrete with CSP 1 as the smoothest and CSP 9 as the roughest (CSPs are designated by the International Concrete Repair Institute or ICRI).
Is it important to determine the CSP of concrete when selecting epoxy coating? Yes, because you need to find the best match for your concrete flooring. If the epoxy coating is incompatible with the CSP, the outcome might not be as smooth or durable as you expected.
For instance, a finish that’s not self-leveling is unlikely to create a smooth finish if the concrete underneath is too rough. Concrete that’s too smooth can be a problem, too, because the epoxy might not cling as effectively to the substrate as it usually does to rough surfaces.
CSP Profiles and their Matching Finishes
Let’s take a closer look at the nine CSP profiles and their ideal coatings and applications.
CSP 1: Low solids sealers like acrylic and low-viscosity epoxy primer with a urethane topcoat work best with this surface.
CSP 2: Thin-mil coatings and low-viscosity primers are recommended for CSP 2 concrete. CSP 2 is common in residential projects and flooring for industrial sites with light activity.
CSP 3: Created with a brush blast, this profile is best used with over 60 MILS. The output with thinner epoxy coatings is unlikely to be as refined and polished.
CSP 4: This concrete surface is created with a medium shot blast that creates a light “scarifying” effect. Since its roughness is more pronounced, thick and self-leveling epoxy coatings and urethane overlays are needed to ensure a smooth surface.
CSP 5: Processed with a medium-heavy shot blast and scarifying, a CSP 5 will need thicker coatings, too. Aggregate-filled epoxy or urethane overlays can also work for this.
CSP 6: Produced with a heavy shot blast, the CSP 6 needs thicker coatings and overlays.
CSP 7: Also created with a heavy shot blast, thicker coatings and overlays are best for CSP 7 substrates.
CSP 8: This rough texture needs thick overlays and concrete, as well.
CSP 9: The roughest profile for concrete, CSP 9 surfaces can be achieved using an ultra-high pressure water and flame blastings water jetting and flame busting
Choose the Correct Epoxy Coating Based on CSP
Life Specialty Coatings can give you more detailed information on why certain coatings or overlays are ideal for specific CSP designations. We’ve handled epoxy coatings for over 55 years and counting: you can rest assured that our advice on epoxy coatings will be spot on.
Consult our epoxy specialists and ask for advice on which sealants to use for your property. Contact Life Specialty Coatings via phone call or email today.
