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.
Durability
A polyaspartic floor can withstand harsh conditions from serious impacts to chemical spills. As a result, it is often used in commercial or industrial environments thanks to it being such a strong product. They can withstand UV exposure and do not give off any VOCs. It can also withstand extremely hot temperatures so not hot tire peeling or lifting will occur. Keep in mind the best option for polyurea garage floor coating is unfortunately not UV resistant and over time will yellow.
Speedy Curing Time
The coating cures quickly and can be installed in just one day, with the surface ready to use the next day. Epoxy floorings can take up to five days to cure, in comparison. The fast curing speed of polyurea floor coatings is one of its greatest benefits.
Safety
It is a great benefit that polyaspartic flooring is anti-skip or non-slip and you can also add paint chips to the coating to further improve the feature. The coating is also heat resistant which means it is fire retardant. There are no VOCs in the polyaspartic coating and it is non-toxic.
Temperature
You can apply polyaspartic flooring regardless of the temperature so you will not have to wait for specific conditions. Regardless of the formula, you can apply the coating in both hot and cold weather. You will only need to apply two coats, as the initial coat is the primer and adds color, while the second coat is a clear layer.
Comparing Polyurethane, Polyurea, and Epoxy
Keep in mind that polyaspartic is a polyurea, but not all polyurea are polyaspartic the difference lies in the UV resistance and the rate of curing. We are going to look at the elements of polyurea vs. epoxy and polyurethane. Here is a comparison of all the different options, to help you decide which garage flooring is best for your unique purposes.
Considerations | Polyurea/Polyaspartics | Polyurethane | Epoxy |
Odor | Gives off little to no odor | Depending on which product you are using can give off low to high odor | Gives off moderate to low odor |
UV Resistance | Top levels of UV resistance | High level of resistance | Limited levels of resistance |
Pot Life | Cures quickly have a very short pot life and can be hard to apply | Quite simple to apply has a slow to medium pot life | Can be hard to apply has a medium pot life |
Sheen or Gloss | Glossy finish | Available in a variety of finishes from gloss to matte | Glossy finish |
Resistance to Chemicals | Advanced level of resistance | High levels of resistance | Medium to high levels of resistance |
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) | Hardly any, or no VOCs at all | Low to moderate levels of VOCs depending on which product used | Low levels, and in 100% solid epoxy there is absolutely no VOCs |
Solids Content | High level of solids | Medium level of solids | Solid epoxy as the name implies is completely solid |
Moisture Resistance | Resistant to moisture when it has cured completely | Resistant to moisture when it has cured completely | Water-resistant |
Thickness | You can determine how thicky or thinly you wish to apply it | Build up your desired thickness with thin layers | You can determine how thicky or thinly you wish to apply it |
Time Between Coats | Allow one to two hours between applying each coat | Allow anywhere from six hours to 24 hours between each layer | Allow anywhere between four hours and 24 hours between each layer |
Cost | Most expensive option of the three | Costs more than epoxy | Less expensive option |
Installation Time | Can be completed in just hours | Takes four or five days to install | Takes four or five days to install |
Durability | Resistant to abrasions and scratches thanks to being flexible and hard | This varies depending on how it has been applied | Has weaknesses against abrasions despite being rigid and hard |
Best Polyurea Garage Floor Coating
The majority of polyaspartic flooring and polyurea coating products can only be purchased from selected sellers or directly from the manufacturer, though there are a few options that are available to purchase from Amazon to use to coat your garage flooring. Here are our top three suggestions that are tried and tested.
The Best Polyurea Floor Coating: The RUST-OLEUM FastKote
This floor coating has received relatively good reviews, it is a floor coating that can be used in 24 hours thanks to its fast-curing properties. It is your go-to option in both an industrial and commercial setting for gloss coating. After just four to six hours the floor will be able to withstand light traffic and it offers stunning protection from chemicals and abrasions. A single gallon will cover roughly 400 square feet.
- UV stable, fade-resistant, durable polyurea formula protects against abrasion
- Fast dry coating accepts light traffic in 4-6 hours; full vehicle traffic in 24 hours
- Easy roller application and one gallon cover up to 400 sq. ft
- You can install and have it ready to use in just 24 hours
- Provides a gloss finish that is durable
- Resistant to UV
- Very short pot life making it hard to work with
- Pricey
The Best Polycuramine Floor Coating: RUST-OLEUM Rocksolid Polycuramine
This product is ideal for concrete surfaces which are indoors, it provides amazing strength particularly in comparison to epoxy. Very little VOCs are given off when you apply the product as well as no odor. You can complete the application process in just 24 hours and it will leave you with a high gloss finish that is resistant to peeling, chemicals, and cracking.
- Polycuramine concrete coating suitable for interior concrete surfaces
- Self-leveling, buildable formula is 20X stronger and more durable than epoxy
- The coating is walk on ready in 8-10 hours and vehicle ready within 24 hours
- Available in different colors
- Very durable
- Polycuramine formula which is an industrial-grade
- Little VOCs
- No concern of hot tire pickup
- No odor given off
- You can install and have it ready to use in just 24 hours
- You may require more product than you though
- Can be pricey
- Rollers you receive with it are not necessarily the best quality
The Best Epoxy Floor Coating: RUST-OLEUM Epoxy Shield Floor Coating Kit
This is a wonderful alternative to the other options we have given, as it is cheaper but still provides durability that offers resistance to overall wear and tear and abrasions and scratches. The finish has a base color with a semi-gloss to it, you also have the option to add decorative chips to the product.
- Very durable, Formula for garage floors, basements and more
- Hardenes within one day, drive-on ready in 72 hours
- Super adhesion on surfaces, covers up to 500 sq ft
- Cheaper option
- Simple to apply
- Good durability
- Performance at industrial-grade level
- No hot tire pickup
- Should only be used for indoor application
- You will have to use a respirator when applying the product
Applying a Polyurea Floor Coating
The pot life of polyurea flooring is very short which makes application quite hard and we recommend you rather have a professional apply it. That being said the manufacturer Legacy Industrial (a floor maintenance product supplier) has made a polyurea coating called Nohr-S. This is a single component polyurea floor coating that can be applied with ease to garage flooring and therefore claims to be a do-it-yourself solution.
There is no need to mix any components and the pot life is unlimited. No primer is required, it is self-leveling, UV stable, and a glossy finish. It can be applied to bare concrete or stained concrete as it is a clear sealer. it can be applied quickly and you will be able to use the surface in just 24 hours. Remember that the correct preparation is imperative.
Polyaspartic Floor Coating Considerations
There are many positive aspects to polyaspartic floors it is not an ideal do-it-yourself option and we recommend you get a professional to apply it. To get the best results you will need to ensure the floor has been prepared correctly, you want to ensure that moisture vapor emission is not high.
You need to ensure the solids content is right for adhesion to be adequate. You can have your polyaspartic floor coating sorted in one day as long as you meet all the requirements. if you do not meet the requirements your coating will fail, particularly if your moisture vapor emissions are too high. The following tips should be taken into consideration before you decide to begin coating your garage concrete floor.
The Importance of Surface Preparation
You will need to consider the current state of your concrete before you can begin, the surface must be prepared which means cleaning it and addressing any imperfections such as stains and cracks. Adequate preparation is necessary to ensure that your coating will adhere correctly. You will have to look out for any signs of moisture as it will have a detrimental impact on the outcome. An option you can do is diamond grind the surface this will allow the coating to penetrate deeper, as this is such an important aspect, we do recommend you potentially hire a professional to do it.
Consider Hiring a Professional
It can be hard to work with a polyurea floor coating and you have to ensure the relevant requirements are all met when applying it to ensure the desired results. It might be a good idea to get a professional to do the work to ensure the job is done correctly. Hiring a professional may save you money in the long run. Even if you do hire a professional, ensure that they check for porosity and moisture, this is imperative to the coating system is installed correctly and will be durable.
Working Out the Cost
When calculating the cost of the project do not only take into consideration the per square meter price you will also need to factor in the materials required for preparation and the actual application. Take into consideration the costs of using epoxy vs polyurea. Remember while polyaspartic flooring is very expensive in the long run it will be worth the additional expense.
If you have followed all the requirements your polyurea garage floor coating will offer you a stunning finish that is durable and flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polyurea Long-Lasting?
It can last anywhere from five to ten years which is significantly longer than epoxy (this only lasts two to three years) in an area with high foot traffic.
Can I Use Polyurea on My Driveway?
Thanks to the durability offered by polyurea flooring and the fact that it is UV resistant, you can apply it to your driveway. It will ensure you have a stunning-looking driveway that is easy to keep maintained.
Can I Apply Polyurea Floor Coating on Top of Existing Epoxy?
While this is something you can do, we recommend you have a professional apply the topcoat of polyurea over the epoxy to ensure you achieve the best results.
Which Is Best, Polyurea vs Epoxy?
Polyurea is the way to go when taking flexibility and durability into consideration, that being said epoxy has its positive attributes too. It is really up to you which you wish to go with, but remember to take into consideration aspects such as overall performance, cost, and how difficult it is to apply.