Epoxy vs Polyaspartic Flooring: New Options for Industrial and Commercial Applications

Do you need a tough, durable coating for your industrial or commercial flooring? If so, you may be considering epoxy or polyaspartic flooring coatings. These specialized coatings have found wide application in the consumer and industrial marketplace. In this post, we’ll focus on polyaspartics – a relatively new entrant to the industrial coating market. We’ll describe these coatings, the best applications for polyaspartic-based paints, and compare them to more widely known epoxy coatings.

What Is Polyaspartic Flooring?

Polyaspartic flooring is a type of flooring that is made from polyaspartic acid. This acid is a synthetic polymer that is created by the reaction of aspartic acid and an excess of a third monomer, such as acrylate. Polyaspartic acid is similar in structure to polyurethane, but it has a higher molecular weight and is more resistant to hydrolysis. As a result, polyaspartic flooring is more durable than other types of flooring, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. This type of flooring is also easier to clean, and it does not require the use of harsh chemicals or cleaners.

What Is Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy flooring is a type of floor coating that is applied in a two-part system. The first part is a basecoat, which is typically made from epoxy resin. The second part is a topcoat, which is usually made from polyurethane or polyamide. Epoxy flooring systems can be used in both residential and commercial settings. In residential settings, they are often used as basements or garage floor coating. In commercial settings, they are commonly used in restaurants, hospitals, and factories. Epoxy flooring systems are durable and easy to maintain. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and fading.

Comparing Epoxy and Polyaspartic Flooring Systems

If you’re in the market for a durable and attractive floor coating, you may be considering epoxy or polyaspartic coating. Both of these options are popular among homeowners for their durability, low maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal. Let’s take a closer look at how these two floors compare to each other.

Epoxy Floor Coating

Epoxy flooring is known for its superior strength and durability. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to most chemicals, including gasoline, oil, acids, and alkalis. Epoxy flooring also has excellent adhesion properties, which makes it great for areas where moisture may be an issue.

The downside of epoxy flooring is that it takes a long time to install—typically three days—and the curing process must be done slowly to ensure a good bond between the substrate and the coating material. Additionally, because of its slow curing process, epoxy tends to be more expensive than other coatings like polyaspartic.

Polyaspartic Floor Coating

Polyaspartic floors are quickly becoming one of the most popular options on the market due to their fast installation times (just one day) and superior durability compared to epoxy coatings. Polyaspartic coatings provide a strong bond between the substrate and the coating material; they are resistant to most chemicals including salt water; they can withstand heavy foot traffic; they are UV-resistant; they are easy to clean; they are slip-resistant, and they come in a variety of colors so you can customize your space with ease. On top of all that, a durable polyaspartic floor coating tends to cost less than epoxies due to their quicker installation times.

Conclusion

Polyaspartic flooring and epoxy flooring are two popular choices for industrial and commercial applications. There are pros and cons to each type of flooring, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Polyaspartic flooring is more durable and easier to clean than epoxy, but it’s also more expensive. Epoxy flooring is less expensive, but it’s not as durable or easy to clean.

Ultimately, the decision between epoxy and polyaspartic flooring comes down to personal preference and budget. If you need help choosing the right type of flooring for your needs, get in touch with us today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about these two types of flooring or help you find the perfect option for your space.