Start with the construction method: tack coat, prime, surface dressing, slurry seal, cold mix, or recycling. Then evaluate aggregate chemistry and surface condition: acidic siliceous aggregates often favor cationic systems, while other contexts may accept anionic, depending on proven compatibility. Run coating and adhesion tests, plus breaking behavior checks with local water and filler. Consider climate and timing: fast breaking for spray and chip, slower for mixing operations. Finally, confirm your equipment can deliver uniform spray at the required viscosity and pressure without shear-induced breaking.