Monday 6 March 2017

Epoxy verses Urethane concrete floor coatings

Both epoxy floor coatings and epoxy coatings can be used on concrete flooring. However, each of these works in a different way and for a particular application. Each of them can thus be chosen based on the desired application and preference. However, both can be used at the same time, meaning on the same concrete floor as we shall see later on in this article.

To understand urethane coatings and metallic epoxy pigments or epoxy floor coatings for concrete, the two will offer protection against chemical corrosion, wear and damage. The two are long lasting, and are associated with low maintenance and replacement costs. Both urethane and garage epoxy floor coating or metallic epoxy floor coating also offer non-slip conditions and thus increase safety of floors. They also increase light reflectivity by 300 percent, meaning homeowners lower utility bills, maximize on space usability as a result of brightening up the space, and improves employee morale.
     
Although both options work for concrete floors, their differences is what you should consider when making a choice between them: To start with, epoxy floor coatings for concrete or garage epoxy floor coating work better for  more as a floor priming/resurfacing needs while urethane can be applied for purposes of protecting the epoxy surface from wear.

Epoxy Floor Coatings For Concrete

Below is a detailed discussion of each.

Epoxy: Metallic epoxy floor coating or metallic epoxy pigments are ideal for resurfacing a concrete floor. The thickness to apply (between 2mls and 80+mls) depends on the application and underlying floor surface. It will certainly make a floor look shiny and brand new, improve light reflectivity and can be used to add color (either single or multiple colors).

The color range feature is very useful when you want to designate certain areas and walkaways or when you want to add directional arrows or logos on the floors. In addition to improving the appearance, they will actually protect a floor surface and are great when used on retail, industrial, showroom and public buildings.

Epoxy floor coatings for concrete or garage epoxy floor coating have been applied on labs, manufacturing plants, hospitals, schools and automotive. In fact, they can be used in aerospace, galleries, showrooms, malls and big box users. When diamond grinding rather than shot blasting is done on the site (underlying concrete preparation), and an expert is used to ensure there is proper curing and bonding, epoxy floors are a great choice. You can also ensure that metallic epoxy floor coating or metallic epoxy pigments meet LEED requirements (or other standards) for VOC limits. 

Urethane: You cannot adjust the thickness of Urethane: it comes with a preset rolled thickness of 2 to 3 ml. Since it does not bond well with concrete, it is not an ideal direct application over a concrete floor. It is used as an outstanding top coat and sealer for most kinds of epoxy coatings. Because it gives a moisture and heat resistant seamless and smooth floor coating, it is ideal for use in food and beverage industry.

Metallic Epoxy Floor Coating