Coating is a protective, decorative surface applied to worn or damaged concrete to bring it back to strength, stability and good looks without the expense of a full replacement. It is an easy solution to two of the most prevalent issues with concrete in Phoenix West Valley: harsh UV and heavy pedestrian use. No matter if you’re looking for Pool Deck Resurfacing to chill out a hot backyard, or epoxy flooring to safeguard a garage or warehouse flooring, you need to know how coatings function to determine which type will be best for your building.

Whether it’s from the heat of the sun, pool chemicals, or foot or vehicle traffic, Arizona concrete is put to the test year round. One of the best options for resisting that wear, without having to rip out and replace the slab below, is concrete coating. In this guide, you will find out what concrete coating is, how it’s easier than epoxy flooring, and what kind of coating process you can expect from a professional to look like.

What Is Concrete Coating?

A Concrete Coating is the application of a semi-solid or liquid material to an existing concrete slab for protection, repair or aesthetics. This means stains, epoxy systems, acrylic sealants and textured overlays. A coating adheres to what’s underneath without destroying the concrete, and forms a new protective surface layer over the top, saving time and money and eliminating the mess of demolition.

There are two primary functions of coatings:

• Protection — to protect concrete against UV rays, moisture, chemical spills and heavy traffic.
• Decoration — Applying colour, texture or pattern to make a plain slab more decorative.

Common Types of Concrete Coating

Coating Type	Best For	Key Benefit
Pool Deck Resurfacing	Pool decks, patios, walkways	Cool-touch, slip-resistant surface
Epoxy Flooring	Garages, warehouses, showrooms	High-strength, chemical-resistant finish
Acrylic Sealants	Driveways, sidewalks	Affordable UV and moisture protection
Concrete Overlays	Interior floors, patios	Custom color, texture, and design options
Metallic Epoxy	Showrooms, decorative floors	High-gloss, marbled visual effect

Pool Deck Resurfacing: Why It Matters in Arizona

The surface temperatures of bare concrete pool decks can get extremely hot in the Arizona summer and are not safe to walk on barefoot. Old “Kool Deck”, or even plain concrete with the broom finish, will also crack, pit and fade over the years with sun exposure and pool chemicals. The solution to this is using a pool deck resurfacing material that is textured, slip-resistant and engineered for constant exposure to water and UV and will remain cooler.

Comfort is not the only reason for resurfacing, it is about safety. Concrete around a pool must be cracked free of cracks and uneven surfaces, or it could present a tripping hazard and become slippery when wet. With proper installation, a coating will bring your deck back to life and give it a clean, updated look that’s coordinated with your home’s style.

Epoxy Flooring: Strength Meets Style

Epoxy flooring has been a popular concrete coating material for garages, commercial buildings and industrial facilities. It is applied in a liquid state and then hardened to form a continuous surface that is resistant to oil stains, chemical spills, abrasion and heavy equipment traffic. However, epoxy flooring can also be tailored to suit the interior design aesthetic of commercial spaces, such as retail showrooms, restaurants, or warehouses, offering a range of custom colors and flake patterns that enhance the overall appearance and style.

Epoxy will not stain like bare concrete and is porous, making it easier to clean and resist years of use.

Pool Deck Resurfacing vs. Epoxy Flooring: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Pool Deck Resurfacing	Epoxy Flooring
Ideal Location	Outdoor pool decks, patios	Garages, warehouses, commercial floors
Primary Goal	Cooler surface, slip resistance	Chemical/stain resistance, strength
Sun & UV Exposure	Formulated for constant outdoor exposure	Best suited for indoor/covered areas
Surface Feel	Textured, cool-to-touch	Smooth, glossy, or textured
Typical Lifespan	Long-lasting with proper sealing and maintenance	Long-lasting with proper application and traffic care
Customization	Colors, textures, decorative patterns	Colors, metallic effects, flake systems

Both systems fall under the broader umbrella of concrete coating, but the surface, exposure, and use of the space determine which one fits your project.

Our Step-by-Step Concrete Coating Process

We don’t use a one size fits all coating because every property is unique. That’s exactly how we work on a project; from start to finish.

Step 1: Free Consultation and Site Assessment

We give a free quote, no obligation. We do a walk-through and assess the state of the existing concrete and discuss with you what you want, be it a pool deck resurfacing, epoxy flooring or a commercial use. First, we take measurements to determine how many square feet of carpeting are needed and determine any cracks, drainage problems or structural issues that need to be addressed.

Step 2: Surface Preparation

This is the crucial step that makes the difference between years of durability or months of failure! The surface is thoroughly cleaned, and then the surface is ground or diamond abraded to remove old coatings, sealers or contamination and open up the pores in the concrete. The new coating will be properly bonded if it is prepared properly.

Step 3: Repair the Root Cause

Prior to any coatings being applied, cracks, spalling or failing concrete is repaired. A coating to a non-repaired damage just covers it up for a while. We address the root of the problem, and not just the cosmetic problem.

Step 4: Apply the Coating System

For different projects, we use the right system:

• The deck is covered with a textured, anti-slip overlay that is meant to be exposed to the sun and water all the time.
• An epoxy base coat is applied to garages and commercial floors, and flakes or metallic pigments can be added if desired. 
• Acrylic sealants or decorative overlays can be applied to driveways and patios. 

All layers are applied ensuring even coverage, curing time between layers is observed and the texture is uniform. 

Step 5: Seal and Protect

A topcoat sealant helps to retain the color, control the gloss, and adds another layer of UV and moisture protection. This last step is what makes the coating fade and wear resistant in Arizona climate. 

Step 6: Final Walkthrough and Follow-Up

After curing, we walk you over the finished coating, addressing any questions you may have about care and maintenance, and cleaning up the work area completely. We also check back two weeks following project completion to make sure you’re happy with the outcome. 

How to Maintain Your Concrete Coating

While a good concrete coating should last, a little regular care will make a huge difference: 

• Regularly sweep or rinse pool decks and floors of debris.
• Don’t drag heavy or sharp furniture across the surface
• Promptly clean up spills on epoxy floors to avoid staining.
• Re-apply a sealant as recommended for UV resistance.
• If you see cracks, peeling or discoloration, call a professional for an inspection.

Closing Thoughts

While it might seem like a simple process, a DIY concrete coating kit typically will never look as good as a concrete coating system professionally installed, and this distinction will usually be evident in the first year of exposure, particularly in a climate as extreme as Arizona’s. The right surface preparation, right system for the space and a contractor who backs up the job are the keys to the right outcome, from cooling down a sun-baked pool deck to a garage or commercial floor after years of wear.

Before hiring a company to coat your concrete, look at their website for licensing information, pictures of their finished work, and coverage maps of their area to determine if they will do the work for you. No matter which contractor you select, you should request information on surface preparation, warranty coverage, and the coating system recommended for your room or deck—that’s what you’ll need to know if you want the finished product to last for years or have to be redone in the fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the differences between concrete coating and concrete resurfacing?
The term “concrete coating” is used for any type of protection or decoration that is applied to concrete, and resurfacing is a term used for applying a new overlay over an existing concrete slab that is in a state of wear.

2. If my deck does not have cracks in it, do I need to resurface my pool deck?
Yes, resurfacing also yields a more heat-resistant and slip-resistant surface, and even undamaged decks can get a more modern and cooler surface.

3. What is the curing time for epoxy flooring?
The cure time is dependent on system and coverage and will be determined during your complimentary consultation, depending on the type of coating you are using. 

4. Can epoxy flooring be used outdoors?
Generally, epoxy is best applied to garages, showrooms and covered commercial facilities, and not to areas that are exposed to water and constant direct sunlight. 

5. Do you offer free estimates for concrete coating projects?
NLKD Concrete Coatings offers free estimates and consultations for all types of pool deck coatings, epoxy floor coatings and more.