Concrete – Creating Opportunities for Coatings

By Cynthia Challener

Concrete continues to be widely used in the construction industry, as this cost ­effective, versatile, and sustainable material attracts growing interest for both commercial and residential applications. Stamping, stain­ing, and other techniques provide methods for making concrete floors, walls, patios, walk­ways-and even countertops-attractive. All
of these surfaces, whether new or previously installed, must be protected and maintained.

Coatings, from block fillers to penetrating and reactive sealers to specialty elastomerics to more conventional resin systems, provide the necessary protection. Thus, demand for these materials, along with other surface prepara­tion and maintenance products, is increasing as well. Those raw material and coating suppli­ers that can provide easy-to-use, environmen­tally friendly solutions that achieve the desired performance at a reasonable price will be able to capitalize on the opportunities currently pre­sented by the marketplace.