Polyurethane Floor Vs Epoxy

The conversation usually starts off something like this.

Polyurethane floor vs epoxy.

Epoxy benefits epoxies come in a variet. They are both light reflective easy to clean and long lasting. I need you to take a look at my concrete floor the facility manager says. Basic estimates on epoxy floor costs can run from 2 to 12 per square foot.

The polyurethane will also keep the epoxy from yellowing and give the floor a long lasting surface that has an exceptional degree of scratch resistance. In general it is believed that the best approach is to use epoxy to build up floors and then urethane to seal and protect them. Epoxy floors are harder more durable and have a much higher compression strength than polyurethanes. We will take a look at some of the differentiating factors between the two so you can decide what product suits your floor best.

If you want unquestionable insurance against yellowing you also have the option of using highlighted polyurethane as a color coat prior to applying a clear coat. Overall the qualities of the polyurethane system outweigh those of a roller applied epoxy coating. Epoxy vs polyurethane is a common topic brought up during my conversations. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings exemplify superior long term qualities such as chemical and acid resistance ease of maintenance and aesthetic appeal.

Generally a polyurethane floor coating is highly flexible and elastic while epoxy flooring is harder and more brittle. Often i receive a call from a facility manager who has been tasked with coating his or her production floor. Diy epoxy flooring done for homes can be 2 to 5 a square foot for materials only. With urethane as a topcoat over epoxy the floor will outlast unsealed epoxy 3 1 and you will get excellent wear and abrasion results.

Epoxy flooring installation has lower end pricing compared to other resin choices. Polyurethane floors are generally softer and more elastic compared to the epoxy giving them better resistance to scratching ideal for spaces like multi deck car parks which experience high levels of foot traffic. This is why they are the preferred choice for heavy duty industries warehouses and logistics centers with heavy forklift traffic.