Causes

Power float finished floors can result in a smooth, impervious finish which provides a surface to which paint coatings do not readily adhere. Laitence is the ‘fatty scum’ brought to the surface during the final trowelling procedure, unless effectively removed can result in poor adhesion of the paint coatings. Industrial workshops may require specialist treatments to remove heavy oil / grease surface contamination.

Solution:

Remove any site debris and vacuum clean the floor area. Any oil or grease from site plant/works must be removed with a suitable emulsifying de-greaser. Areas to be coated should be acid etched to remove surface laitance, using a proprietary diluted mortar cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residues. Allow to dry. The use of blast cleaning equipment is an effective method of surface preparation but should only be undertaken by experienced specialists in order to prevent damage to floor screeds/surfaces.