What Are the Different Concrete Coating Types?
Concrete coatings are an excellent option for rooms that require durable, easy-to-clean flooring, such as garages, basements, and workshops. A high-quality coating will protect your concrete floor against damage from abrasions, chemicals, heavy equipment, and frequent foot traffic. Plus, with so many advanced options on the market today, you don’t have to settle for a plain gray floor in order to enjoy the benefits of a concrete coating—you can choose from virtually endless design options for a gorgeous, polished look. However, there are several different types of concrete coatings available, and it can be difficult to determine which is the best choice for your needs, preferences, and budget. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between two of the most common types of concrete floor coatings—epoxy-based and polyurea-based—and explain how polyurea-based coatings outperform epoxy-based coatings time and again.
What Is a Concrete Coating?
Before we dive in, let’s define the term concrete coating. A concrete coating is a liquid or semi-liquid covering that is applied to cured concrete flooring in order to protect it against damage and improve its aesthetic appeal. Concrete coatings are often used in commercial settings, like showrooms and restaurant kitchens, but they are also extremely beneficial to homeowners and can be used to upgrade patios, pool decks, basements, garages, walkways, driveways, and more.
Polyurea-Based vs. Epoxy-Based Concrete Coatings
Though there are more than two types of concrete coatings, polyurea-based and epoxy-based coatings are by far the most popular. However, while these types of coatings look similar at first glance, there are many differences between them.
Epoxy Concrete Coatings
More durable than paint, epoxy coatings are a better option for revitalizing your concrete floors than repainting them. However, epoxy is not the strongest material on the market, and it comes with several drawbacks. For example, epoxy coatings are likely to fade and discolor over time, especially when subjected to frequent sunlight. They are also not entirely stainproof and will become damaged by oil, gas, and other chemicals, making them a poor choice for garages and similar spaces. What’s more, epoxy becomes malleable when heated. This means, should you drive over an epoxy-coated driveway or garage, your tires may heat up the epoxy and tear small pieces of it away. Finally, epoxy can take a few days to cure, meaning your floors will be out of commission for a while before you’re able to walk on them again.
Polyurea-Based Concrete Coatings
Polyurea-based concrete coatings are 20 times stronger than epoxy coatings, making them the best choice for most homeowners. In addition to their extreme durability, polyurea-based coatings are highly flexible, ensuring that the coating will never crack or peel, even as temperatures change. They’re also waterproof, impact resistant, fade resistant, and unaffected by most chemicals, making polyurea-based coatings a great choice for any indoor or outdoor space. And, perhaps best of all, polyurea-based coatings can be installed and ready to walk on in as little as one day, so you won’t have to worry about a drawn-out installation process affecting your daily routines.
The Best Choice: Polyurea-Based Coatings
It’s clear that polyurea-based concrete coatings stand head and shoulders above their epoxy-based counterparts. If you’d like to learn more about the differences between these types of concrete coatings, contact Trim-A-Seal. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right concrete coating product for your needs. Give us a call or fill out our online form today to get started.
