Polyaspartic Coatings
First presented in the 1990's, polyaspartic coating substance is known as an aliphatic polyurea, which is rather different from standard polyureas and in lots of ways superior. By customizing the relative quantity of the ester, scientists can craft a range of polyaspartic finishings with various attributes. For garage flooring applications, the ester is the primary element, resulting in low emissions and fast drying. When applied to grey concrete floors, polyaspartic flooring coatings produce a shiny, practically watery tone that customers can color. In some applications, ornamental chips are broadcast on the still-wet topcoat for a stylish look.
Benefits of Polyaspartic Coatings:
- Simpler application in a variety of weather and temperature level conditions
- 4 times Stronger than Epoxy Coatings
- Smooth finish that is stain- and scratch-resistant, good for high-traffic commercial and industrial applications
- Clear and non-sticky when dry
- Quick drying times, remedies to complete strength in 1/2 to 1 hour
- Colors and flake chips readily available
- Colorfast, even when used to somewhat damp concrete
- Low VOCs and odor
- Low viscosity offers it good wetting ability on concrete, but requires minimized portion of solids
- High, controllable build-up
- Less likely to bubble from outgassing
Disadvantages of Polyaspartic Coatings:
- Expert application suggested
- Two to three times more expensive
- First coat application thickness critical for better adhesion
- Very slippery when wet, so a leading aggregate such as chips are recommended
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxies are resin polymers made up of epoxide systems, which are cyclic three-atom ether rings consisting of an oxygen atom and two carbon side-groups. The triangular units are electronically strained and are for that reason rather reactive. Usually, epoxy resin is formed by responding bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin, however versions popular for concrete flooring applications include novolac and aliphatic epoxy resins. A common application includes an epoxy primer, a color skim coat and 2 layers of polyurethane.
Advantages of Epoxy Coatings:
- Somewhat less expensive
- Produces a hard surface
- You have many finish choices, including color and mix-ins
- Durable
- Resistant to chemicals
- Great adhesion
Downsides of Epoxy Coatings:
- Less versatile and less resistant to abrasion
- Can be rather hard to use in hot or cold conditions
- Has a long drying time
- Has possibly dangerous vapors, although brand-new formulations may resolve this
- May not be colorfast-- subject to fading or yellowing from UV direct exposure, though many solutions consist of UV protection
- Cannot be applied when temperature below freezing
- Subject to hot tire pick-up
The choice is clear, Galaxy Concrete Coatings' Polyaspartic are far superior than Epoxy for your next concrete floor coating need. Call Galaxy or fill out an estimate request online today.
