If you’re considering a new floor coating for your garage or commercial space, you may be wondering about the differences between polyaspartic and epoxy.
Both are durable and have unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Here’s a quick overview of each option to help you decide which is best for your space.
What is Polyaspartic Floor Coating?
Polyaspartic floor coating is a two-component polyurea system that is applied in a single day and cures quickly.
This type of coating offers superior durability when compared to other coatings because it has a higher chemical resistance than epoxy and more flexibility than polyurethane. It also offers good abrasion resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like commercial garages.
The downside to polyaspartic floor coating is that it can be more expensive than epoxy, so it isn’t always the most cost-effective option.
A single-car garage space could range from 162 sq. ft. to 384 sq. ft., meaning the polyaspartic garage floor coating will cost between $1,134 and $2,688 at a rate of $7 per sq ft.
What is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a two-component polymer that forms an extremely hard and glossy surface when cured. It offers excellent chemical resistance and great protection from wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for industrial settings like warehouses or factories.
Unlike polyaspartic coatings, epoxy requires multiple coats to get full coverage, which can add up in terms of time and money spent on installation.
Additionally, epoxy coatings are not as flexible as polyaspartic coatings and can easily crack under heavy loads or pressure.
Epoxy flooring costs about $4 to $8 per square foot. This includes the installation costs plus the cost of materials like epoxy resin and hardener.
Comparing Polyaspartic Floor Coating and Epoxy Flooring
When it comes to choosing a floor coating for your commercial or industrial space, you have two main options—polyaspartic floor coating and epoxy flooring.
Both of these materials offer a variety of benefits, but they are also very different in terms of durability, cost, and ease of installation.
Let’s take a closer look at polyaspartic floor coatings and epoxy flooring so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your application.
Durability
When it comes to durability, polyaspartic floor coatings are the clear winner. This type of coating is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear from foot traffic and machinery.
They are also highly resistant to water damage, chemicals, oils, grease, and other harsh elements that may be present in a commercial or industrial setting. In comparison, epoxy floors are more susceptible to scratches, scrapes, and chips.
However, this does not mean that epoxy floors are not durable—they just do not have quite the same level of durability as polyaspartic floors.
Cost
In terms of cost-effectiveness, epoxy is the better choice because it is less expensive than polyaspartic coatings.
Epoxy floors are also easy to install yourself if you have the necessary tools and know-how; however, if you don’t feel comfortable doing the job yourself then hiring a professional will likely be more cost-effective than opting for polyaspartic coating due to its complexity.
On the flip side though, polyaspartic floor coatings tend to last longer than epoxy floors so they may be more cost-effective over time if you factor in maintenance costs as well as initial installation costs.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to ease of installation there is no contest—epoxy wins hands down! Epoxy can be easily mixed up in batches according to instructions on the label and applied with regular painting tools such as brushes or rollers.
Polyaspartic floor coatings require specialized tools for mixing and applying; furthermore, the process requires multiple steps that must be completed correctly in order for the coating to adhere properly to its substrate (the surface beneath).
As such it’s best left up to professionals who have experience working with this material.
Which One Is Best For You?
If you’re looking for a durable floor coating to protect your space or facility, there are several options to consider. Two popular choices are polyaspartic floor coating and epoxy flooring, both of which have their own unique advantages
Advantages of Polyaspartic Floor Coating
Polyaspartic floor coating is incredibly fast-drying, making it possible to complete projects in as little as 24 hours.
This makes it ideal for businesses that need to get back up and running quickly after a project. It is also highly durable; polyaspartic coatings are resistant to chemical spills, abrasions, and impacts.
In addition, it has better UV protection than epoxy, so the colors won’t fade over time from exposure to sunlight.
Advantages of Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring is also durable and long-lasting. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to most chemicals and abrasions.
Unlike polyaspartic coatings which require special preparation before installation – such as removing dirt, oil stains, grease etc – epoxy can be applied directly onto any existing concrete surface with minimal prep work needed beforehand.
Additionally, this type of coating creates a seamless finish that looks great in any space or facility.
How Can We Help?
The debate between polyaspartic and epoxy flooring is one that has been around for quite some time. While both options offer a variety of benefits, it ultimately comes down to what you are looking for in a floor coating.
- If you need a durable and long-lasting option, then polyaspartic is the way to go.
- However, if you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing option, epoxy is the better choice.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal needs and preferences. If you need help deciding which option is right for you, or if you need a brand new epoxy flooring installation, contact us today!
We would be more than happy to help you choose the best option for your specific needs.
Check out our complete epoxy installation flooring service! We proudly serve Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and more of Maricopa County, AZ! Give us a call at (602) 625-4617 and request your free quote now!