1. Dust and Contaminant Removal: Even new concrete can accumulate dust and other contaminants during the curing process or while it's being handled and transported. Cleaning the surface thoroughly ensures a clean, dust-free substrate, promoting better adhesion of coatings or sealers.

2. Opening the Pores: Surface preparation methods like acid etching or mechanical abrasion can open up the pores of the concrete. This is crucial if you plan to apply coatings or sealers, as it allows these products to penetrate the surface effectively, creating a stronger bond.

3. Enhancing Adhesion: If you plan to install tiles, overlays, epoxy, or resinous flooring, preparing the surface provides a slightly roughened texture, which significantly improves adhesion. This helps prevent delamination or peeling of the applied materials over time.

4. Removal of Curing Compounds: Some new concrete surfaces are treated with curing compounds to aid the curing process. These compounds can create a barrier that inhibits proper adhesion. Surface preparation methods help in removing such compounds, ensuring the new finish bonds well with the concrete.
5. Ensuring Even Absorption: If you plan to stain the concrete, preparing the surface ensures that the stain is absorbed evenly. This results in a more consistent and attractive finish.

 

To summarize, while your new concrete may look flawless, proper preparation is still essential to ensure any subsequent treatments or coatings adhere well and provide the desired results in terms of aesthetics, durability, and longevity.