So in summary epoxies are hard and durable and adhere well so therefor are ideal for the primer and base coats of a garage floor while polyurethanes are excellent for abrasion and chemical resistance and are perfect for use as the top coat of the floor.
Epoxy or polyurethane floor paint.
There is a third player in this space polyaspartic coatings.
It can be applied from as little as 2mls to as much as 80 mls thick depending on the application and underlying floor surface.
Epoxy floors are much less flexible in this respect in the sense that they usually require 7 days to fully cure.
This all depends on the floor application and what the desired end result.
Epoxy central sells both epoxies and polyurethanes as well as epoxy and polyurethane coating kit.
Experts will say that using both epoxy and polyurethane is best for most applications.
Polyurethane coating also offers better chemical and solvent resistance than epoxy ones.
In very simple terms a typical two part epoxy coating contains a resin.
This makes polyurethane coatings more resistant to scratches and similar damage and is why you ll often find urethane resin floors in heavy traffic areas such as multi storey car parks.
They provide a hard high gloss tile like finish that has outstanding wash and scrubbability.
They are both light reflective easy to clean and long lasting.
Epoxy and polyurethane are great for protecting concrete floor against stains damage chemicals oils and wear.
Polyurethane is also a better medium than epoxy to mix in anti slip aggregate if you truly want an anti slip surface or want a solid colored floor without paint chips.
Their limited pot life and sensitivity to humidity require very well trained and experienced staff.
Generally a polyurethane floor coating is highly flexible and elastic while epoxy flooring is harder and more brittle.
It is ideal as an anti graffiti coating and has outstanding chemical and abrasion resistance.
It can build up an old cracked and pitted concrete floor and make it look brand spanking shiny and new and increase the floor s light reflectivity by as much as 300.
For concrete floor coating applications the most durable longest lasting coating systems usually include the use of both epoxy and polyurethane.
If you use it as a garage floor coating and sealer you can opt for one of three formulations 100 solids solvent based or water based.
Epoxy floor coating epoxy is a thermoset or a thermosetting polymer.
In general polyurethanes are harder to work with.
Polyester epoxies are a very unique two component non yellowing epoxy coating.