Polyaspartic vs Epoxy, What's the Difference?
Jack Smith
Marketing
Melly Wong
Marketing
When it comes to floor coatings, choosing the right type can make all the difference in durability, maintenance, and appearance. Two popular options, epoxy and polyaspartic coatings, offer distinct advantages and considerations. Whether you’re planning a garage makeover, updating a commercial space, or simply curious about the benefits of each, understanding the key differences between these coatings is crucial.
Jack Smith
Marketing
Melly Wong
Marketing
Hot Tire Pickup
- Epoxy: may be more prone to hot tire pickup, especially if the coating is not properly formulated or if the surface preparation is inadequate. Epoxy coatings can experience softening or indentation when exposed to the heat generated by hot tires. This can result in tire marks or damage to the coating.
- Polyaspartic Coatings are often recognized for their enhanced resistance to hot tire pickup. Many polyaspartic formulations are more flexible and have better adhesion, reducing the likelihood of tire marks or damage when hot tires come in contact with the coated surface.
Jack Smith
Marketing
Melly Wong
Marketing
Jack Smith
Marketing
Melly Wong
Marketing
Curing Time
- Epoxy: Epoxy coatings typically have a longer curing time, often requiring 24 to 72 hours to fully cure and harden. This can be a disadvantage if a quick turnaround is essential.
- Polyaspartic: Polyaspartic coatings offer a much faster curing time. They can cure within a few hours, allowing for quicker project completion and reduced downtime.
UV Stability
- Epoxy: Epoxy coatings are susceptible to UV damage and may yellow or chalk when exposed to sunlight. This makes them less suitable for outdoor applications or areas with any sunlight exposure.
- Polyaspartic: Polyaspartic coatings are UV-stable and resist yellowing or degradation when exposed to sunlight. This makes them a better choice for outdoor use or areas with abundant natural light.
Application Temperature
- Epoxy: Epoxy coatings are sensitive to temperature variations during application. They may require specific temperature conditions for proper curing.
- Polyaspartic: Polyaspartic coatings are more forgiving when it comes to temperature variations during application. They can be applied in a wider range of temperatures.
Chemical Resistance
- Epoxy: Epoxy coatings generally offer good chemical resistance, making them suitable for various industrial and commercial applications.
- Polyaspartic: Polyaspartic coatings also provide excellent chemical resistance, similar to epoxy. They are resistant to a wider range of chemicals, making them suitable for use in environments with exposure to corrosive substances.
Durability and Flexibility
- Epoxy: Epoxy coatings can be more brittle and may be prone to cracking in certain conditions.
- Polyaspartic: Polyaspartic flexibility allows them to withstand impact and movement without cracking, making them a good choice for environments with potential substrate movement.
Penetration
- Polyaspartic coatings tend to penetrate concrete more effectively than epoxy coatings due to their lower viscosity, flexible molecular structure, faster curing times, moisture tolerance, and reduced surface tension. These characteristics allow polyaspartics to reach deeper into the pores and capillaries of the concrete substrate, ensuring better adhesion and bonding.
Polyurea
- Another type of coating commonly used in the flake system. Although it may be more cost efficient to use it does have its cons. Polyureas tend to cure too quickly which reduces working time putting stress on the installer but also does not allow for proper penetration. Top coats can cure too quickly resulting in blistering and cracking. Also polyurea is NOT UV stable and will turn yellow in a short time when exposed to UV.