Epoxy vs. Polyaspartic: What’s Best for Your Portland Concrete Floor?

Summer in Portland is the best time to enjoy your outdoor space. But if your concrete patio is cracked, stained, or covered in moss, it may be time for an upgrade. One of the best ways to get more life out of your concrete is by applying a protective coating. Before that can happen, though, there’s some prep work to do. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a local crew like Portland OR Concrete Coatings, getting your patio ready ahead of time helps the job go smoother and last longer. Here's what to expect—and how to get started. Why Summer Is the Best Time to Coat Your Patio in Portland Let’s start with timing. Summer in Portland gives you: Dry weather : Concrete coatings stick best when the surface is completely dry. Longer days : More daylight means more time for prep, cleaning, and coating. Warm temperatures : Most coatings cure faster and more evenly in warm temps. Trying to coat your patio in the rainy season? That’s tough in Portland. Moisture in the concrete can keep the coating from bonding, leading to bubbles, peeling, or spots that never dry right. So if your patio needs work, now’s the time. Step 1: Clear Off the Patio Start by removing everything from the area. That includes: Patio furniture Planters and flower pots Rugs or mats Toys, grills, or tools You’ll want the entire concrete surface exposed so it can be fully cleaned and coated. Tip: If you have any grass or plants touching the concrete, trim them back. This helps the coating crew move freely and keeps the edges clean. Step 2: Inspect the Concrete Next, take a close look at the surface. You're checking for: Cracks Pitting Stains Mold or moss Uneven surfaces Some of this is cosmetic, but some of it can affect the outcome of the job. If you're hiring Portland OR Concrete Coatings, we’ll do a full inspection and take care of most of these problems during prep. What can be fixed: Small to medium cracks Surface-level stains Chipping or flaking Pooled water areas (can often be leveled) If you have deep damage or large chunks missing, that might require repair before coating. Step 3: Clean the Surface This part is key. The cleaner the concrete, the better the coating will bond. Here's how to do it: 1. Sweep Use a stiff broom to remove leaves, dirt, dust, and debris. 2. Power Wash Use a pressure washer (or rent one) to blast away moss, mildew, oil, and stuck-on grime. Note: Be careful around cracks—you don’t want to widen them. Keep the spray at a slight angle. 3. Degrease (if needed) If there are oil or food stains, use a degreaser made for concrete. These can be found at most hardware stores. Let everything dry completely. This can take a full day or more depending on the weather and how soaked the slab is. Step 4: Check for Moisture This step is often skipped—but in Portland, it’s important. Moisture trapped in the concrete will keep coatings from bonding. Here’s an easy way to test: Tape down a 2’x2’ piece of clear plastic onto a dry section of your patio. Leave it for 24 hours. If moisture forms under the plastic, the concrete still has water in it. Wait until the surface stays dry before moving forward. Step 5: Repair Small Cracks or Damage If you're doing the job yourself, use a concrete patching kit to fill in small cracks. Let it cure completely before applying any coating. If we’re handling the coating, we’ll take care of this part. Our team grinds out cracks, fills them with industrial-grade material, and smooths the surface before coating. Step 6: Decide on the Finish There are a few different types of patio coatings. Each one offers different benefits: Epoxy : Great for strength and durability. Better for covered patios since UV rays can cause yellowing. Polyaspartic : Good for open patios. Handles sun, water, and temperature changes better. Stains and sealers : Add color and a natural finish. These are more about looks than strength. You can also choose: Smooth or textured surface Flake or solid color Matte or glossy finish A coating expert will help you decide what works best for your patio and how you use it. Step 7: Let the Crew Do Their Job If you’re working with Portland OR Concrete Coatings, we’ll: Re-clean and prep the surface Grind down the top layer to open the pores Patch cracks and damage Apply your chosen coating (and topcoat, if needed) Let it cure based on weather and product used Most jobs take 1–2 days from start to finish. Step 8: Keep It Clear While It Cures Once the coating is applied, avoid walking or placing furniture on it until it’s fully cured. Light foot traffic might be okay after a few hours, but full use usually takes 24–48 hours. Pro tip: Don’t drag heavy furniture back onto the patio. Lift it to avoid scratching the surface. Bonus Tips for Portland Homeowners Trim back overhanging trees : Less leaf litter means less cleaning later. Clean your coated patio regularly : A quick sweep or rinse every few weeks will help it last longer. Re-seal if needed : Some coatings may need resealing every few years depending on use. Wrapping It Up Getting your patio coated is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your outdoor space. It protects your concrete, keeps your space safer, and makes everything easier to maintain. In Portland, waiting too long can mean more moisture, more moss, and more repairs. So if your patio is showing signs of wear, summer is the best time to take care of it. Clear the space. Clean the surface. Let a trusted local crew handle the rest.