Purchasing & Getting Started

Who can purchase products from COAT?
COAT is primarily a trade supplier serving professional contractors, applicators, designers, builders, and other industry professionals. Certain technical systems may require training or approval before purchase.

Do I need to be a certified contractor to purchase Forcrete?
Yes. Forcrete is a professional installation system and requires appropriate product training before contractors can purchase and install the system.

Can homeowners purchase materials directly?
COAT is contractor-focused. For professional installation systems, homeowners should work with a trained or approved contractor rather than attempting installation themselves.

How do I open a contractor account?
Contractors can contact COAT with information about their company, trade experience, location, and the materials they are interested in. Our team can recommend the appropriate products and training pathway.

Do you offer contractor or trade pricing?
Yes. Trade pricing is available for qualifying professional accounts. Pricing may vary by product, order volume, and contractor status.

Can I order samples before committing to a project?
Yes. Samples and sample materials are available for many of our finishes. Contractors can also produce their own project-specific samples after completing the appropriate product training.

Can you help me determine how much material I need?
Yes. Provide the project square footage, substrate, application area, and selected system, and our team can assist with estimated material quantities. Final quantities remain the contractor's responsibility and should include an appropriate allowance for site conditions and waste.

Training & Installation

I already install microcement. Do I still need Forcrete training?
Yes. Experience with microcement is valuable, but every professional system has its own preparation requirements, application methods, mixing procedures, layer build-ups, and sealing protocols. Forcrete training ensures you understand the complete specified system.

Who is Forcrete training intended for?
Training is designed for experienced tradespeople with a background in trowel-applied materials such as microcement, plaster, stucco, concrete, coatings, or similar architectural finishes. This is consistent with COAT's current professional-training positioning.

Is Forcrete suitable for beginners?
Forcrete can be learned by contractors with relevant trade experience, but it is not a DIY or entry-level consumer product. Professional application skills and hands-on training are important to achieving the intended performance and appearance.

Is training hands-on?
Yes. Training focuses on practical installation, including substrate preparation, reinforcement, base coats, finish application, texture development, detailing, and sealing.

Does completing training make me an approved installer?
Training provides the technical foundation required to work with the system. Approval or certification may additionally depend on demonstrated workmanship and compliance with Forcrete installation standards.

Do you provide technical support after training?
Yes. One of the major advantages of working with a professional system is continued access to technical support for substrates, specifications, installation details, and troubleshooting.

Products & Specifications

What products does COAT carry?
COAT specializes in architectural surface finishes including microcement, mineral plaster, clay, terrazzo, lime-based finishes, and other specialty surface systems for residential and commercial environments.

What is the difference between microcement and plaster?
Microcement is generally selected where greater durability, water resistance, and suitability for floors or wet environments are required. Decorative plaster is primarily selected for its texture, depth, movement, and architectural appearance.

Which product should I use for my project?
It depends on the substrate, location, traffic, exposure to water, desired appearance, and performance requirements. COAT can help contractors select the appropriate system rather than simply choosing a product based on appearance.

Can COAT products be used commercially?
Yes. COAT supplies finishes suitable for residential, retail, hospitality, wellness, and commercial environments.

Are technical data sheets and specifications available?
Yes. Technical documentation is available for professional systems, including installation requirements, coverage, substrate considerations, and system build-ups.

Can architects specify these products?
Yes. COAT can assist architects, designers, and specification professionals with product selection, samples, technical information, and project-specific system recommendations.

Substrates & Jobsite Conditions

What substrates can Forcrete be applied over?
Forcrete can be installed over a range of properly prepared substrates. Suitability depends on substrate stability, moisture, movement, existing coatings, contamination, and the intended application.

Can I install over drywall/sheetrock?
Yes, the surfaces must be finished to a minimum of level 4 finish and primed with acrylic paint primer.

Can I install over tile?
Yes, many existing tiled surfaces can be resurfaced when they are sound and properly prepared. The existing assembly must be evaluated before installation.

Can I install over concrete?
Yes. Concrete is a common substrate, but moisture, cracks, movement, curing compounds, contamination, and surface profile must be evaluated before installation.

Can it go over radiant heating?
Yes, provided the substrate and heating system have been commissioned.

Do cracks need to be repaired before installation?
Yes. Existing cracks should be evaluated rather than simply covered. The appropriate repair or reinforcement method depends on whether the crack is static or subject to continued movement.

Does microcement hide an uneven substrate?
No. Thin architectural finishes generally follow the underlying surface. Substrates should be brought to the required flatness and condition before installation.

Performance & Expectations

Will every installation look exactly like the sample?
No. These are hand-applied architectural finishes. Natural variation in movement, texture, tone, and trowel pattern is part of their character. Samples should be treated as an indication of the intended finish rather than a manufactured color standard.

Can you guarantee an exact color match?
Minor variation should be expected with mineral and hand-applied finishes. Contractors should follow consistent batching, mixing, application, and sampling procedures, particularly on larger projects.

Can damaged areas be repaired?
Yes, many installations can be repaired. However, because these are continuous hand-applied surfaces, localized repairs may retain some visible variation. The appropriate repair method depends on the damage and finish.

Ordering & Project Support

Can you ship directly to my jobsite?
Yes, subject to location and order requirements. Contractors should ensure that someone is available to receive, inspect, and properly store the shipment.

What should I do when my order arrives?
Inspect all materials immediately for quantity, damage, batch information, and accuracy before beginning installation. Any discrepancies should be reported before materials are used.

How should materials be stored on site?
Products should be stored according to their technical requirements and protected from inappropriate temperatures, moisture, contamination, and other jobsite conditions.

Can COAT review my project before I quote it?
Yes. For unusual substrates, wet areas, commercial environments, exterior applications, or technically demanding projects, contractors are encouraged to contact COAT before pricing or beginning the work.