Question 1

Is concrete cleaning right for my project?

Accepted Answer

Concrete Cleaning suits driveways, paths, car parks, outdoor areas when the existing substrate, traffic load, and finish expectations match the system. Surface Master checks preparation requirements, access, cure timing, and maintenance needs before recommending a scope, so the quote is based on performance rather than guesswork.

Question 2

What preparation is included before work starts?

Accepted Answer

Every project starts with a substrate assessment and preparation plan. Depending on the surface, this may include grinding, cleaning, repair review, moisture checks, masking, and staged access planning. Your written quote confirms inclusions, exclusions, finish options, and expected handover timing before work proceeds.

Question 3

Can you remove oil stains from a concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use industrial degreasers and hot-water extraction to remove most oil stains from concrete.

Question 4

Should I seal my concrete after cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Sealing after cleaning is recommended, especially for driveways and outdoor areas. It prevents future staining and makes maintenance easier.

Question 5

What does concrete cleaning involve?

Accepted Answer

Professional concrete cleaning involves pressure washing, degreasing with alkaline or acidic cleaners appropriate to the contamination type, and in some cases light abrasive preparation. It removes oil, grease, efflorescence, stains, and biological growth.

Question 6

Is concrete cleaning the same as pressure washing?

Accepted Answer

No. Pressure washing removes surface dirt and loose material but does not remove embedded oil contamination or prepare the surface for coatings. Professional concrete cleaning uses appropriate chemical treatments matched to the contamination type.

Question 7

How does concrete cleaning differ from grinding?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning removes surface contamination — oil, stains, biological growth. Grinding mechanically removes surface material to create a bonding profile. Most coating projects require both: cleaning to remove contamination, then grinding to prepare the profile.

Question 8

When is cleaning needed before coating?

Accepted Answer

Concrete cleaning is required before coating when: oil or grease contamination is present; the surface has efflorescence or mineral deposits; previous coating residues affect adhesion; or biological growth has penetrated the surface.

Question 9

Can you clean contaminated concrete before epoxy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surface Master Australia addresses contaminated concrete before any coating system is applied. Oil-contaminated concrete requires degrease treatment followed by diamond grinding to confirm contamination removal before priming.

Question 10

Does cleaning prepare concrete for epoxy?

Accepted Answer

Cleaning prepares the surface by removing contamination. It does not replace diamond grinding, which creates the mechanical bonding profile. All Surface Master Australia epoxy projects include both cleaning and grinding as standard preparation.