Granite Grip vs. SpreadRock: Comparison and Best Applications

An ugly walkway, driveway, or patio porch can ruin the whole picture of a house. Concrete resurfacing products can help us breathe life into these areas and make our houses stand that much taller.

Below we cover two Concrete coating products, their application methods, and how they compare.

Granite Grip

Granite Grip is a ready-to-use decorative floor coating that can be used for interior and exterior surfaces such as masonry, stone, and brick. It is also conducive for horizontal surfaces with thin cracks, such as garage floors, driveways, pool decks, and porches.

Once dry, it appears multi-speckled. Granite Grip is a good choice for residential use and is designed to allow coloring additions per user preferences.

Granite Grip is prohibited for use on surfaces in industrial areas. It should also not be applied on vertical surfaces and any areas subject to hydrostatic pressure.

Tools used for application include; a brush, a roller cover, an extension pole, and a paint tray.

Application process

Step one: Prepare your surface

Before starting the process, the surface should be clean, dry, and free from all dirt or liquid contaminants.

New surfaces may require etching. Remove oil and grease stains mechanically or using an industry-grade chemical to enable the Granite Grip to adhere to your surface. Be careful while using any acid solutions. Protect your eyes using goggles and immediately wash away any acid that splashes onto your skin.

For previously coated surfaces, remove peeling paint by scraping it down to its original concrete appearance.

Remove all dust residue by dabbing your surface with a clean damp cloth. After etching, your concrete surface should feel like ‘120-150’ grit sandpaper.

Take as much time as you need to avoid problems down the line.

Step Two: Prepare the Granite Grip

Mix the buckets of your Granite Grip and stir thoroughly to achieve a uniform color for your surface.

Do not be tempted to thin the Granite Grip. An alteration of this kind may cause product failure.

Step Three: Hairline cracks

Pour some of your mixed Granite Grip into a small container. Use a regular brush to coat each of the small cracks on your surface, typically 1⁄8 inch or less. Start with a thin coat and successively make the coat wider. Allow the cracks to dry before recoating or using your roller for the final coat.

Step Four: First coat.

Your first coat should be light. It might not look very appealing in the beginning but do not despair. A thin coat allows the Granite Grip to bond with the etched cracks, providing a good base for subsequent coats.

Pour the coating on your surface in a circular shape of at least 25 cm in diameter. Spread from the center outwards. Use the product when the temperatures are between 50 to 90 degrees, and do not apply it in direct sunlight.

Exert moderate pressure on your roller as you apply the first coat of Granite Grip. Paint your surface in sections. You can have fun with it by painting in random directions. The goal is to avoid regular and repetitive painting patterns.

Consider using a texture sprayer for larger projects. Spray in sections and then use a roller to spread the Granite Grip.

Give your surface at least three to four hours to dry before recoating. Allow more time to dry in cooler temperatures.

Step Five: Multiple Coats

The number of coats you use will depend on how thin you apply your coats and how you want your surface to look.

It should be easier to add subsequent coats. Applying your coats under direct sunlight may cause them to bubble. Cut any bubbles out and apply light coats over the faulty areas. Remember to give these areas enough time to dry before applying the next coat.

After 24 hours, your surface will be ready for light foot traffic. Heavy traffic should wait until 72 hours.

Give your surface 30 days before cleaning the covered surface. It is advisable to use mild detergents to avoid premature product failure.

SpreadRock

SpreadRock is a spreadable stone coating for concrete surfaces. It provides an instantaneous uplift to various concrete surfaces, including masonry, drywall, and planters.

It is readily applied using a scraper, trowel, or squeegee. This coating requires an equally short time to dry.

Its design enables it to withstand significant changes in temperature and chemical damage. Whether applied to your garage or on industrial floors, SpreadRock will remain durable. This makes it suitable for various uses, from porches, bathrooms, and pool decks to basement floors, foundation walls, and light industrial floors.

Because SpreadRock is a stone overlay and not paint, coverage can vary due to several factors. You might need more product depending on surface roughness, dents, pits, and other flaws on your surface. Order an extra 25% material than calculated to be on the safe side.

Application process

Step one: Prepare your surface

Like with the Granite Grip, your surface should be clean and dry. Remove all dust, dirt, oil, and grease by wiping your surface down with a damp cloth or mild detergent. Preferably pressure wash your exterior surfaces for that wow factor.

Newly cured concrete surfaces need 30 days before applying SpreadRock. Freshly constructed masonry surfaces will require 48 hours before application.

Clean and etch the working area to allow smooth bonding between your surface and SpreadRock. You can either hack your surface using power tools or use chemical etchers. Use appropriate safety equipment such as eye goggles and gloves while undertaking this step.

Step Two: Mixing

Stir the SpreadRock thoroughly before application. Use drilling hand tools for a more desirable effect.

Step Three: Priming

Prime your surface using a textured primer. Roll a uniform coat of primer over your surface and allow it to dry fully. Outdoor surfaces will require one or two hours to be completely dry. The indoor surfaces will take three to four hours.

Step Four: Application

There are three methods you can use to apply SpreadRock.

Press a trowel firmly to spread a thin, even coat over your primed surface while working in manageable sections. Take care to only pause at natural breaking points such as expansion joints. Ensure that you apply new coats of SpreadRock over wet coats for uniformity. Allow the surface four to six hours before applying the second coat.

The squeegee tool has the advantage of being convenient. Pour out SpreadRock over your surface while standing. Spread it over the surface by pressing down firmly while applying it in thin coats. Ensure that you maintain wet edges throughout the application process. After 4-6 hours, you can apply the next coat.

Keep the nozzle of your texture sprayer 12 to 18 inches from your surface and spray a uniform layer of SpreadRock. Spread the sprayed material to a thin, uniform layer with a trowel or squeegee. Apply the SpreadRock while wet, wetting the edges to allow for bonding. Apply a second thin coat after 4 to 6 hours.

Whichever method you use, ensure temperatures are about 50 to 85 degrees up to 24 hours after applying SpreadRock. Two thin coats should be enough to achieve the desired results.

Cover coated surfaces for 6 to 8 hours to prevent exposure to wind or water elements. Avoid foot traffic for 24 hours after application.

Step Five: Sealing

Finish up the application by sealing the coated surfaces. Different surfaces require different sealers depending on their use. For example, a surface used for automotive purposes will require a different sealer than one used as a walkway.

Apply two thin coats of sealant 4 to 6 hours apart. Reseal residential surfaces every 2 to 3 years and commercial areas every 1 to 2 years.

Neglecting to seal your surface will leave it vulnerable to weathering.

Conclusion

Both coatings have a distinctive look. Before choosing either of them, it is wise to consider the nature of your surface, its purpose, and your preferred tools.

Both coatings are good choices for horizontal surfaces. However, when applying a coating to a vertical surface, SpreadRock is the better choice. You should not use Granite Grip for vertical surfaces.

Both coatings are suitable for residential areas. Granite Grip is more conducive for use where your surface has a number of hairline cracks. It will easily enter the thin and tough spots and adequately bond with your surface.

Granite Grip offers more versatility in the final design finishes. Still, SpreadRock is a sure choice to quickly renew your surface with its tried and tested simple classic design.

Whereas Granite Grip cannot be used in industrial areas, SpreadRock is manufactured to withstand the rough conditions of an industrial environment. As such, this makes it the better choice for surfaces that will experience any chemical accidents or UV damage.

The tool you are most comfortable working with may dictate your chosen coating. If you would prefer to work from a standing position using a roller, Granite Grip is the better option. If you have no problem working on your knees or using a trowel, SpreadRock is a good option.

At the end of the day, whichever of these two coatings you choose, rest assured that if you follow the steps above, your project will look as good as new in no time.