Guidance by Scenic City Garage Coatings. Reviewed October 6, 2026. Planning information; onsite suitability is confirmed by the contractor.
Find the treatment history first
An invoice, labeled container or builder record is more useful than guessing from sheen. Tell the assessor when a treatment was applied and whether wax, oil, cleaners or another finish has been used since. Record “unknown” when the product cannot be identified.
What a water observation cannot tell you
Beading or darkening does not name the chemistry, establish adhesion or define how much preparation a new system requires. Do not coat the slab simply because a small wet patch soaked in. Likewise, do not assume every glossy area needs the same removal method.
Discuss retaining an existing coating separately from removing old paint or treatment. The selected system and actual substrate determine the scope.
Ask for a preparation decision
The proposal should say whether the old material will remain, be abraded or be removed; how suitability will be checked; and what happens if preparation exposes an unexpected surface. Ask that edges and old patched spots be considered, not only the open center of the garage.
For an assessment request, describe the history and share photos of shiny, discolored or differently treated areas. Avoid conducting destructive tests or using solvents on an unknown floor before the contractor has evaluated it.
