When should the surface to be treated be free of standing water?

The correct answer is that the surface to be treated should be free of standing water before applying the prime coat. This is crucial because standing water can significantly affect the adhesion of the prime coat to the underlying surface. If water is present, it can prevent proper bonding, leading to future issues such as peeling or failure of the coating. Ensuring a dry surface promotes better adhesion and enhances the overall durability and performance of the treatment being applied.

In the context of resurfacing, while having a clean and dry surface is important throughout the entire process, the prime coat specifically requires free-standing water to achieve optimal application conditions. Thus, addressing water presence directly before applying the prime coat is a critical step in maintaining the integrity of the roadway treatment. Other scenarios, such as before resurfacing or after rainstorms, emphasize the importance of a dry surface but do not pinpoint the immediate requirement relevant to the prime coat application.