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Epoxy or Polyurethane Coating…Which One Do I Need?

Epoxy or Polyurethane Coating…Which One Do I Need?
Epoxy and polyurethane (aka urethane) coatings are the two main floor protection options in the industrial world. Most people know they need one or the other but fail to understand why exactly, what the difference is, or its advantages and disadvantages.
Date
12 January 2019
Author
By Ash Shetty
Types of work
Building Maintenance Flooring Industrial Services
Reading time
2 minutes
Epoxy or Polyurethane Coating…Which One Do I Need?

Listed below are some facts about both epoxy and polyurethane coatings to consider before deciding which one to use.

  • Polyurethane has great abrasion and resistance. However, it is not ideal for direct application over concrete. Ideally, it should be applied over an epoxy primer.
  • The working pot life is usually longer than epoxy and should not be applied more than 3 mils thick.
  • Polyurethanes do NOT provide the best solution in filling cracks and concrete defects. Whereas epoxy is dynamic with changes in depth and has a much better chemical makeup to level uneven surfaces.
  • Epoxy coatings are available in various thicknesses, which makes it a customizable product for specific areas and projects.
  • Both epoxy and polyurethane are available in a matte or high-gloss finish.
  • Epoxy coatings do not have UV stabilizers and therefore will start to yellow over time when exposed to sunlight.

So which should you use?

The right answer is both! You will get the best performance for your coatings by applying an epoxy undercoat followed by a polyurethane topcoat, from heavy industrial warehouse floors to garage floor coating. It is the best option for longevity, scratch, and chemical spill resistance.

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