Understanding CSP-2 and CSP-3: What Concrete Surface Profiles Mean for Floor Coatings

When it comes to long-term floor coating performance, concrete surface preparation is one of the most important steps in the entire process. Whether you’re working with epoxy, polyaspartic, or urethane floor coatings, proper adhesion begins with getting the concrete floor to the correct surface profile.

At Barrydowne Paint, we help flooring professionals across Northern Ontario achieve consistent results with the help of Onfloor surface preparation equipment. Whether you rent or own one of our Onfloor machines, this guide will help you understand what CSP-2 and CSP-3 mean—and how to achieve them for successful floor coating applications.

What Is CSP?

CSP stands for Concrete Surface Profile, a standardized rating developed by the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI). It defines the roughness or texture of a concrete floor after mechanical preparation. The scale ranges from CSP-1 (smooth) to CSP-10 (very rough).

The right surface profile is essential for ensuring mechanical adhesion between your coating and the substrate. If the profile is too smooth, your floor coating may delaminate. Too rough, and you risk using too much material or creating surface imperfections.

Why CSP-2 and CSP-3 Are Common in Floor Coating Systems

In most commercial and light industrial environments, CSP-2 and CSP-3 are the most frequently specified profiles for floor coating systems.

• CSP-2 is typically used for thin-film polyaspartic coatings, clear sealers, or urethane topcoats.
• CSP-3 is ideal for high-build epoxies, decorative flake or quartz broadcast floors, and polyaspartic systems that require more “bite.”

Choosing the correct profile ensures better coating performance, increased lifespan, and a reduced risk of failure in your floor system.

Using Onfloor Machines to Achieve CSP-2 and CSP-3

At Barrydowne Paint, we recommend Onfloor surface preparation machines for most concrete floor prep needs. They offer consistent, dust-free grinding with a wide range of tooling for different floor coating system requirements.

To Achieve CSP-2:

• Use diamond grinding heads (medium to fine grit)
• Ideal for smooth concrete floors receiving sealers or thin polyaspartic coatings
• Produces a light, uniform profile without damaging the concrete surface

To Achieve CSP-3:

• Use carbide pucks or more aggressive diamond tooling
• Designed for concrete floor systems requiring high-build epoxy or flake broadcast coatings
• Provides better anchoring without excessive material removal

Onfloor equipment, available for both rental and purchase at Barrydowne Paint, features integrated vacuum ports for dust-free floor preparation, making it the go-to solution for commercial and industrial coating contractors.

Matching Surface Profile to Floor Coating System

Coating Type	Recommended CSP	Onfloor Tooling Suggestion
Clear sealers / urethanes	CSP-2	Medium to fine diamond heads
Polyaspartic thin-film topcoats	CSP-2	Medium diamond heads
Epoxy base coats (20–40 mils)	CSP-3	Carbide pucks or aggressive heads
Decorative broadcast floors	CSP-3	Carbide pucks + vac system

Why Barrydowne Paint Recommends Onfloor Equipment

Onfloor systems offer:

• Precise control over concrete floor texture
• Quick change between diamond and carbide tooling
• Safe, dust-free operation on job sites
• Repeatable results across large and small floors

We carry:

• Onfloor grinders
• Diamond heads
• Carbide pucks
• HEPA vacuum systems

Our industrial team can also help you determine the right tooling combination based on slab hardness, coating type, and floor size.

Supporting Every Step of Your Floor Coating Project

Barrydowne Paint is more than a product supplier. We’re your floor coatings and surface prep partner, offering:

• On-site assessments of concrete floor condition
• ICRI surface profile guidance
• Coating system recommendations based on use-case and budget
• Full-service rental and sales support for Onfloor prep equipment

Contact Barrydowne Paint today to speak with an industrial coatings specialist, schedule an equipment rental, or explore your options for owning an Onfloor machine.

We’re here to help you start every floor coating job with confidence—starting from the ground up.

Available in-store or online at barrydownepaint.com