When it comes to car park refurbishment, the focus is often on the finished result: clean bay markings, sharp directional arrows and fresh floor coatings. But the long-term performance of any car park line marking or car park floor coating system depends almost entirely on what happens on the surface underneath.
Surface preparation is the foundation that determines durability, safety and lifecycle cost of a car park.
In high-traffic environments such as multi-storey car parks, retail centres and commercial facilities, the concrete substrate is subjected to constant turning forces, braking, oil contamination, moisture and general abrasion. Over time, this causes surface weakening, laitance build-up, cracking and contamination. Applying new coatings directly onto a compromised surface almost guarantees premature failure.
A successful car park surfacing project starts by correcting those underlying issues.
The first step in many car park refurbishment projects is heavy mechanical grinding.
This process removes old coatings, surface contaminants and weakened top layers of concrete. It exposes sound substrate beneath and creates a level, uniform surface.
Grinding is essential because coatings adhere only as well as the material they are bonded to. If the top layer of concrete is weak or contaminated, the new system will eventually lift or peel under traffic loading. By removing these unstable layers, the surface becomes structurally reliable and ready for further preparation.
Following grinding, captive shot blasting is often used to create the correct surface profile for new car park floor coatings.
This method propels steel shot at the concrete in a fully enclosed machine, simultaneously vacuuming debris back into the unit. The process roughens the surface slightly, creating a mechanical key that allows primers and coatings to bond effectively. It also removes embedded dust and oil residues that are not always visible.
In enclosed or operational car parks, captive shot blasting is particularly beneficial.
Because the system is self-contained, it prevents dust spreading into surrounding areas and reduces disruption to other parts of the building. For facilities managers, this makes it one of the most practical and controlled preparation methods available.
The result is a clean, profiled surface that significantly improves coating adhesion and longevity.
Before any car park line marking or coating system is installed, structural defects must be addressed. Cracks, holes and damaged areas allow water ingress and can lead to further deterioration if left untreated.
Concrete repairs restore the integrity of the surface and ensure a smooth, even substrate. Without this step, new coatings may fail prematurely due to movement or moisture penetration beneath the surface. Proper repairs protect both the new coating system and the long-term condition of the car park structure.
Once preparation and repairs are complete, a polyurethane (PU) primer is applied. The primer seals the substrate and enhances adhesion between the concrete and the final coating system.
This stage is particularly important in car park surfacing projects where durability is critical. The primer acts as a bridge layer, locking into the prepared surface and creating a stable base for anti-slip coatings and line markings.
Without an appropriate primer, even well-prepared surfaces can experience inconsistent bonding or reduced lifespan.
In busy car parks, bay striping and directional markings are exposed to constant tyre scrub, tight turning movements and braking forces. If the underlying surface has not been properly prepared, paint systems can wear prematurely, flake, or lose slip resistance.
A well-prepared substrate allows car park line marking to last significantly longer. It improves resistance to wear and tear, maintains visibility and helps preserve anti-slip performance in wet conditions.
For asset owners and facilities managers, this translates to fewer maintenance cycles, reduced downtime and lower long-term costs. More importantly, it contributes to a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians.
Effective car park refurbishment and resurfacing is not simply about applying new coatings. It is about investing in the structural integrity of the surface before the final finish is installed.
Heavy grinding, captive shot blasting, concrete repairs and PU priming work together to create a stable, high-performance base. Only then can car park floor coatings and line markings deliver the durability, safety and professional finish that modern facilities demand.
Learn more about our work on the UK’s car parks at Roadgrip Car Parks or contact us to discuss your project.