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Epoxy floor coatings are chemically different than urethane coatings, but they are often used in tandem on concrete floors. Epoxy and urethane coatings tend to be more expensive than a simple concrete sealer, but they offer better protection.
Is concrete coating better than epoxy?
Benefits of Polyurea Concrete Coatings As mentioned above, Polyurea is 4x stronger than Epoxy. It is also 98% more flexible than Epoxy. It is the flexibility of the material that makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. The coatings are chemically resistant to salt, gas, oil, and even harsh chemicals.
What is the best material to seal concrete?
Epoxy concrete sealers are the most durable, making them good for sealing garage floors and high-traffic retail environments. Softer acrylic sealers, which require a sacrificial floor wax, are more affordable and popular for residential concrete floors, including basements.
Should I seal concrete before epoxy?
The short answer is: Yes, even new concrete needs to be etched before applying epoxy or a similar type of garage floor coating. Etching is part of the concrete preparation process. In fact, proper preparation of the concrete before a coating is applied is the most important part.
Can I seal concrete with epoxy?
Epoxy sealers are much harder than acrylics. Water-based epoxies bond well to concrete and provide a clear finish, but they are nonporous and do not allow trapped moisture to escape. Epoxies are probably the best choice for concrete countertops and food-preparation areas.
Why is polyurea so expensive?
Because it’s so flexible, the material can move with the concrete when there are major shifts in weight or temperature. Of course, all of this durability comes at a cost, and polyurea coatings are typically more expensive than their epoxy counterparts.
How long does polyurea last?
Finally, polyurea is very durable and long-lasting. This kind of coating can last up to 10 years and is a much less expensive alternative to other floor maintenance and restoration types. If you use polyurea to coat your garage floors, they will look brand new for years to come.
Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?
For large scale applications sprayers are faster and more efficient; whereas paint rollers are less expensive and are more readily available. If you are going to be applying a decorative acrylic sealer or an epoxy floor coating it is best to use a 1/4″ or 3/8 nap roller.
What is the longest lasting concrete sealer?
The longest lasting concrete sealers on the market are sodium and lithium silicate concrete sealers, like the Armor S2000 and Armor L3000 sealers. These types of sealers are designed to chemically react below the surface to form a permanent Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) barrier within the pores.
How do you clean concrete before sealing?
Scrub the floor with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. Then collect the remaining water with a shop vacuum. Let it dry for at least 24 hours before applying the new concrete floor sealer.
What happens if you don’t etch concrete before epoxy?
New concrete must be etched before applying the epoxy. The smooth surface of unaltered concrete won’t bind with other materials, such as epoxy or paint. As a result, epoxy will peel and lift away, failing to adhere to the surface.
Will epoxy stick to acrylic sealer?
–Two-part epoxy: There are clear epoxies available which bond well to acrylic; they can achieve a larger gap fill than structural acrylics and have a longer cure time. They can yellow very slightly which could be noticeable if used in a thick layer. –UV-curable adhesives: Most commercial acrylic is 100% UV stabilised.
What is the difference between concrete sealer and epoxy?
They produce a hard, abrasion-resistant, long wearing surface. Epoxy coatings are available in clear or can be colored. They are water repellent, however, different than acrylic sealers they are non-porous and do not allow the trapped moisture to escape. Epoxy sealers are harder than acrylic sealers.
Can you epoxy over sealer?
If a sealer was previously used on the concrete (if water beads up on the surface), do not use epoxy. The sealer should be removed first by shot blasting. Previous coatings or paints should be removed before a new epoxy coating is applied.
Does epoxy need sealer?
In order to prevent the peeling of the top of your new epoxy floor, you will need to seal it. Other reasons for sealing an epoxy floor include preventing color change and reducing slippage. Follow the tips below to seal your epoxy floor to make it safer and help it last longer.
Is epoxy better than polyurea?
With 98% solids, polyurea is 4x stronger and yet 98% more flexible than epoxy. It is highly elastic (300%) and will accommodate expansion, contraction and relative movement within concrete without cracking. It has a service history that exceeds 25 years.
What is better than epoxy for garage floor?
Nowadays, polyurea coatings are a much better option. Here at Garage Force, our patented polyurea garage floor coatings are about 20 times stronger than epoxy coatings. That is a huge difference in strength! In contrast, epoxy coatings will yellow and fade after consistent exposure to sunlight.
Can polyurea be painted?
What kind of paint to use when going over polyurea? Generally, a good quality 100% acrylic latex house paint works well over sprayed polyurea. It is usually best to coat over the polyurea (sooner rather than later) within 24 hours of application.
Is polyurea better than epoxy for garage floors?
So, Which is Better: Epoxy or Polyurea? Polyurea is the clear winner. Because it’s more flexible, the material moves with the concrete (hello, earthquakes!). It’s also more impact resistant and is several times more durable than epoxy.
Are garage floor coatings worth it?
If you’re looking to upgrade the look and function of your garage floors, you’ve probably considered an epoxy coating. According to HomeAdvisor.com, most homeowners spent between $1,100 and $2,400 for an epoxy floor coating. While the cost is significant, it’s well worth it.
What is polyurea used for?
Polyurea provides corrosion and abrasion protection of pipelines that carrying abrasive and corrosive materials. It is applied as a base coating to prevent cathodic disbonding. It is used as a pump coating to reduce cavitation and erosion, and to improve pump output.
