Both Epoxy and Polyaspartic are resin polymers that are used to protect concrete flooring while giving it an aesthetic look, with a wide variety of applications. They are similar, but have a few fundamental differences.
Epoxy's are durable, chemical resistant, and long lasting coatings that are an affordable way to spruce up an area for visual appeal, but there are also many industrial applications due to their durable and chemical resistant nature. They are fully customizable when it comes to colour so you can make an area truly yours. They have a longer drying time compared to Polyaspartic coatings, so for situations where time is of the essence, a Polyaspartic coating should be considered, especially if multiple coats are required.
Polyaspartics are a more expensive alternative to Epoxy Floor systems, but provide some benefits in exchange. Like Epoxy's, they are a customizable and durable but they maintain some flexibility. This helps maintain a stain, and scratch-resistant finish. Polyaspartic Systems should not be installed in environments where heavy chemical use is present. They are also UV resistant, where Epoxy's might yellow or fade over time in high UV areas. Recommended to add traction additive due to slippery nature.
They are softer and more elastic than their epoxy counterparts. This means polyurethane-coated floors are ideal for moderate to heavy pedestrian traffic, or places where wheel traffic is present. The reduced stiffness gives polyurethane top coated floors a slight springiness, allowing them to absorb sharp impacts.
Garages, Grocery Stores, Basements, Warehouses, Water Plants, Patios, Manufacturing Plants, Food Facilities, Hospitals, and Much More.
Epoxy is very durable, but it is still vulnerable to abrasion due to it being more rigid. Polyaspartic, meanwhile, is more flexible, and won’t chip, scratch or scuff as easily.
Although Epoxy is more chemical resistant.
Polyaspartic Is More Durable
It takes an hour or less for one layer of Polyaspartic to dry. Compare that to Epoxy, which can take from 12-24 hours for a single coat to dry. Polyaspartic might want to be considered if you need it done ASAP, especially if more than one coat is necessary.
Polyaspartic Dries Faster
Polyaspartic costs more than Epoxy. The material on its own is just simply pricier, and when you factor in the extra costs that come with installing a Polyaspartic coating, it is has a larger price tag.
Epoxy is Cheaper
Epoxy can potentially lower air quality due to off gassing. Polyaspartics should be considered for applications in food plants or anywhere where fumes might be cause for concern, especially in unventilated areas.
Polyaspartic Is Better For Air Quality
Polyaspartic gets very slippery when wet, so it’s a good idea to use a traction additive of some sort. Epoxy can get slippy also, but not nearly as bad. An additive might want to be considered as well, but is not necessary in most cases.
Epoxy Is Better For Traction
Polyaspartic will not fade due to UV exposure and should be used in any case where long term or extreme UV is present. Epoxy will fade or yellow over time.
Polyaspartic has better UV Resistance
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