Concrete floor coatings are a great way to improve the look and longevity of concrete surfaces. They provide a protective layer that can resist staining, scratching, and general wear and tear, making them a popular choice for both residential, commercial and industrial settings.
In this blog post we cover the key benefits of concrete floor coatings and we compare two popular coating solutions for concrete floors: Polyurethane coatings versus Epoxy Coatings.
Key benefits of concrete floor coatings
Durability: One of the biggest benefits of using a concrete floor coating is its durability. Concrete floor coatings are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and other forms of abrasion, so they are perfect for use in high-traffic areas like garages, workshops, and warehouses.
Versatility: Another benefit of concrete floor coatings is their versatility. Most coatings are available in a wide range of colours, so you can choose a finish that matches the aesthetic of your space. They can also be applied to a variety of surfaces, including old and new concrete, as well as concrete that has been damaged or is in poor condition. Although it is important to have the right pre-application prep (cleaning, grinding, etc.).
Maintenance: In addition to their durability and design options, concrete floor coatings are also much easier to maintain. Concrete is porous, even polished finished, causing dirt to penetrate deeply into the surface. Because a coating seals your concrete floor, dirt cannot penetrate into the surface. Therefore, the floor can be easily cleaned with a mop or pressure washer. Furthermore, special cleaners are not required, which makes the it a cost-effective option for commercial and residential settings alike.
Polyurethane or Epoxy Concrete Floor Coating?
When it comes to protecting concrete floors, epoxy and polyurethane coatings are two of the most popular options. Both types of coatings offer durability, resistance to stains and damage, and a wide range of design possibilities. But when it comes to choosing the best coating for your concrete floor, there are some key differences between epoxy and polyurethane that you should consider.
Durability: One of the main benefits of using a polyurethane coating over an epoxy coating is its superior durability and longevity. Polyurethane is a hard coating, but also a more flexible material than epoxy, which means that it is better able to withstand the daily wear and tear of heavy foot traffic, equipment, and other potential sources of damage. This makes it an ideal choice for residential, commercial and industrial settings, where the floors are subjected to constant use and abuse.
UV-Resistance: Another advantage of polyurethane coatings is their ability to resist staining and discoloration. Epoxy coatings are never UV-resistant, even if they have stabilisers added to them. This means Epoxy floors will always discolour, even when not in direct sunlight. Some of the premium polyurethane coatings like Swiss GriP Aqua Floorline are UV-resistant which makes it possible to use them indoors and outdoors.
Environment and Safety: Polyurethane coatings such as Swiss GriP Aqua Floorline are water-based systems. This means they made from non-toxic materials, making them safe for use around people and pets. Moreover, they also don’t produce harmful fumes or emissions, like Epoxy coatings do. Thus, polyurethane coatings are a better for the environment and you.
Aesthetics and Slip Resistance: It is a common sight; roller marks in epoxy floors. The reason for unaesthetic epoxy floor finishes is because of their fast and toxic reaction times. The fast reaction requires the applicators to work extremely fast as well. Even with skilled and experienced applicators, roller marks are common in epoxy coatings.
This is also a reason why epoxy coatings have a poor slip-resistance finish although this can be a very important feature. Slips and trips cause more than 75,000 hospitalisations per year in Australia. So protecting employees, guests and visitors is extremely important.
Applicators of epoxy coatings often add silica (sand) or glass particles to their mixture for slip-resistance. However, these materials do not work well with epoxy coatings and the fast reaction time causes extremely irregular non-slip finishes.
Concrete floor coatings like Swiss GriP Aqua Floorline however, are developed to work with the Swiss GriP Non-Slip Particles. This allow for superior slip-resistant finishes. Furthermore, Swiss GriP Aqua Floorline is available with a range of slip-ratings: P3, P4 and P5. This allows you to select the slip-rating required for your floor.
Conclusion
Overall, the benefits of using a polyurethane coating over an epoxy coating for your concrete floor include superior durability, resistance to staining and discoloration. Furthermore, polyurethane concrete floor coatings are more sustainable and coatings like Swiss GriP Aqua Floorline have a superior finish and can provide a certified non-slip finish.
Want to learn more about Swiss GriP Aqua Floorline? Contact us via the form below or call us at 03 7020 2041.