If you’re considering investing in a concrete floor coating for your garage, basement, or patio, it’s important to do your research so you can choose the right type of coating for your unique needs. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to understand the differences between them and determine which is best.
At Brush Brothers Coatings, we understand the unsurety that often surrounds concrete floor coating types. In this blog post, we’re here to clear up the confusion by comparing two common types: resinous and urethane coatings. Keep reading to learn more about what these types are, their key differences, factors that can influence your decision between them, and ideal applications for both.
What Are Resinous Floor Coatings?
Resinous floor coatings are typically epoxy-based and consist of a two-part system that includes a polymer resin and a hardener. When these two components are mixed together, it creates a strong chemical bond with the concrete surface. This category includes epoxy, methyl methacrylate (MMA), and polyaspartic coatings.
From warehouses and garages to basements and commercial kitchens, resinous floor coatings are ideal for a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They’re highly durable and impact- and chemical-resistant. Plus, they can be customized to suit any aesthetic, with endless color and flake options available.
However, resinous floor coatings often also require longer cure times — especially for epoxy. Plus, certain types can yellow under UV exposure without a top coat. The most significant drawback, though, is that they’re less flexible, which means they can crack with slab movement.
What Are Urethane Floor Coatings?
Urethane coatings — also known as polyurethane coatings — are known for their flexibility and abrasion resistance. While urethane is technically a type of resin, urethane coatings are typically put into their own category because of their distinct properties. They’re also often used as topcoats over resinous bases.
There’s no end to the possible applications for urethane coatings, whether commercial or residential. They’re a popular choice for high-traffic areas thanks to their excellent abrasion, temperature, and chemical resistance. Plus, they offer superior UV resistance, which means they won’t yellow over time.
While urethane coatings cure much faster than epoxy coatings, because urethane is a very thick compound, it has to be applied in several thin layers to avoid lumps and keep the thickness uniform. They’re also less moisture resistant and can be difficult to remove. Additionally, they’re usually more expensive than other coating options.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of resinous and urethane coatings, let’s compare them more directly.
- Durability: Both types of coatings are highly durable.
- UV resistance: Resinous coatings often need a topcoat to ensure UV resistance, while urethane coatings are UV-resistant on their own.
- Flexibility: Urethane coatings are much more flexible than resinous coatings.
- Cure time: Resinous coatings take longer to cure; however, urethane coatings require multiple coats.
- Chemical resistance: Both types of coatings are highly chemical resistant.
- Abrasion resistance: Resinous coatings offer good abrasion resistance, but are outperformed by urethane coatings.
- Ideal uses: Resinous coatings are ideal for industrial applications and garages. Urethane coatings are best for high-traffic and outdoor applications.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
If you’re trying to choose between resinous and urethane floor coatings, consider the environment. Will the coating be indoors or outdoors? Will it be exposed to sunlight or moisture? It’s also important to take into account the type and amount of traffic the floors will see. Additionally, you should consider your budget, how much downtime is feasible, and your aesthetic preferences.
The Best of Both Worlds
The best results often come from layering the two types of coatings, using epoxy as a base coat and urethane as a top coat. The epoxy creates a strong, durable foundation, and the urethane protects against UV exposure and chemicals. Talk to a floor coating professional to determine whether this multi-faceted solution is right for your needs.
Trust the Floor Coating Experts at Brush Brothers
When it comes to deciding between different types of concrete floor coatings, it’s important to consult with the professionals. At Brush Brothers Coatings, we’re experts in all types of concrete floor coatings for both residential and commercial applications. If you need help making this difficult decision, contact us today to talk to one of our highly trained team members. We’ll assess your needs, goals, and space to come up with the perfect solution for your home or business.
