From the bottom up: Preparation is key to a good bond coat. A pro from New Image Pool Interiors in Fresno, Calif., sandblasts the surface to remove the top layer and roughen it up.
Right technique: Spraying the bond coat material is pricier because of the equipment investment, but it also helps assure the right, stippled texture for proper adhesion of the finish coat. Above, while applying the bond coat material, crews hold the hopper gun perpendicular to the surface to assure the most material will stick. Otherwise, it will hit the substrate at an angle and some will bounce off. The compressor should be adjusted to release the right amount of air.
From the bottom up: A pro makes sure the substrate’s moisture content is below 20 percent. During winter, this prevents ice from forming overnight once the bond coat is applied.
From the bottom up: An applicator rolls on the bond coat.
Home-brewed catastrophe: Some applicators make their own bond coat products to save money, but it can result in premature failures such as this.