Best Polyurea Garage Floor Coating – Our Top Recommendations
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If your garage floor is starting to look a little tired and worn it might be time to give it a makeover and improve its overall look while also addressing any stains, cracks, or an overall dirty concrete floor. There are several different products you can use to alter your floors from dusty and dull to bright and shiny and full of color. Most of these products you will be able to apply yourself such as epoxy, paint, or polyaspartic floor coating. Not all floor coatings should be used on garage floors. To make the right choice you will have to take the current condition of your flooring into consideration and what your desired coating is. Our guide will assist you with your requirements for polyurea garage floor coating.
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Types of Garage Floor Coating
When looking at floor coating there are several different options, each offering its unique features. Selecting the correct one all depends on what you are hoping to achieve, such as are you looking to increase the durability, or are you simply looking to add a layer of paint? There are many different types of floor coating available, from latex paint to polyurea floor coatings. Here are the different types of floor coatings that you can use for your garage, to keep it looking fresh and functional.
Latex or One-Part Epoxy Paint
A good standard option for garage floor coating is latex paint as it provides a painted finish that will potentially keep the dust away. Sadly, it does not give you durability so it is not great for surfaces that are frequently used. A more durable option is epoxy floor paint, which is a combination of paint and epoxy. While epoxy is more expensive than latex paint it does provide a more durable, waterproof coating.
- There are a variety of colors to choose from
- Both options are affordable
- Simple to apply
- It will only last for roughly 6 months to a year
- Offers limited durability in comparison to other options
- Not ideal for surfaces that are in high traffic areas
- Hot tire lift can occur
- Can only be used inside
Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
This system is two parts that need to be combined, once combined a chemical reaction causes the surface to cure hard. This option is a lot thicker and tougher than latex paint. This is the go-to option for many, and it can be used for garage floors both outside and inside.
- Can last anywhere from two years to several years (all depending on the volume of wear and tear it receives)
- Provides durability
- The finished surface is non-slip
- Water-resistant
- Can withstand chemicals and stains
- Pricey
- Takes a long to apply
- You can only apply it when there are warm temperatures
- Will fade when exposed to UV light
- No flexibility
- Gives off fumes
Polyurea Garage Floor
In more recent years the polyurea floor coating has become quite a popular option as it cures quickly, provides advanced durability, is flexible and the coating (polyaspartic) is UV resistant. Here are the pros and cons of using polyurea garage floor coating, above the other available options.
- Can be purchased in an assortment of colors
- Extreme durability
- Resistant to UV
- Dries fast
- Low on VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) and low on odor
- Needs to be applied by a professional
- Pricey
What is Polyurea Floor Coating?
Polyurea is a subdivision of polyurethane which is formed by taking two components, a synthetic resin, and isocyanate. When combined a chemical reaction causes hardening which forms your polyurea floor coating. It is developed from either aliphatic diisocyanates or aromatic diisocyanates.
You can identify aromatic polyurea as it is sensitive to UV sunlight, over time the color will change if the surface has been exposed to sunlight. This version costs less but is not the ideal option for a topcoat. On the other hand, the aliphatic polyurea can stand up to the sunlight and is a better option for application outside but is the more expensive option.
The curing process of polyurea flooring is the main feature, once applied this flooring system hardens and cures quicker than any other option. Polyurea can withstand harsh conditions and is very durable particularly in comparison to epoxy. It can also hold up to stains, chemicals, oils, and cracks better.
Another form of aliphatic polyurea is polyaspartic. As mentioned polyurea cures particularly quickly in addition you have the polyaspartic coating formula that’s pot life is long. The pot life can be between two hours and five minutes, it is all linked to the formula. Due to the UV resistance, over time no yellowing will occur.
The Benefits of Using a Polyurea Floor Coating
The formulation of polyaspartic flooring or polyurea makes it a very popular option for floor coating as you can install it with ease in just one day and you will be able to begin using the floor the next day! If you do choose to do the process yourself as opposed to hiring a professional, you must follow the application instructions carefully.
Aesthetic Appeal and Maintenance
You will achieve a stunning clear gloss finish that is stunning to look at and is very durable when working with polyaspartic coating. It is easy to maintain and clean the smooth surface and you will not have to be concerned with areas where dirt could accumulate or any cracking occurs. Despite being smooth, the coating does offer you anti-wear and anti-skid features. You will also be able to purchase the coating in different design options and different colors.
