How to Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coating

Polyaspartic floor coatings are some of the most durable concrete coatings around.

If you’re looking for a way to protect your floors from water damage, scratches, and other wear and tear, these coatings are an excellent option. They’re available in various colors, so you can use them on just about any surface—new or old, indoors or out.

Here’s what you need to know about applying polyaspartic coatings to your residential surfaces:

What Is A Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

A polyaspartic floor coating consists of polyurethane resin, a clear liquid combined with chemicals such as solvents and plasticizers. These resins effectively prevent water damage on concrete surfaces and other damage from abrasion, chemicals, and UV light.

How to Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings in Duluth, MN

Professional concrete coating experts use the following proprietary six-step process to apply polyaspartic coatings:

Step 1: Cleaning the Concrete Floor

The first step in applying polyaspartic floor coatings is to clean the concrete floor. This will help ensure that no dirt or grime is left behind, which could lead to uneven coating application. If you’re working with a new concrete floor, you may want to sweep, vacuum, and pressure wash the area before proceeding. This step also involves the repair of existing concrete defects, such as cracks and stains, to ensure a smooth surface.

If you have an existing concrete floor with an existing sealant, remove any remaining sealant before applying your polyaspartic floor coating.

Step 2: Installing Base Coatings and Primers

Once you complete the preparation, flooring experts can apply the polyurea or epoxy base coating using a sprayer to ensure even application. The base coat goes on in two or three coats at minimum. It is best to use an oil-based primer, but if you want to save money, you can also use an acrylic-based primer.

After this, installers let the coat dry before applying the second coat of primer. Depending on how porous the subfloor is, they may need more than one coat of primer.

Step 3: Broadcasting Decorative Flakes

This step is optional but can add another dimension of color and texture to your polyaspartic floor coatings.

To broadcast decorative flakes, flooring experts will:

  • Use a small paintbrush to apply the flakes to the wet surface.
  • Spread them evenly across the floor, coating them with a hand trowel or other tool.

Once the chips are dry, they will vacuum the floor to ensure no errant bits are lurking on the surface.

Step 4: Applying Protective Polyaspartic Topcoat

Once the floor coating has dried, it’s time to apply a protective topcoat. This will protect the floor from scuffs, scratches, and other damage for years to come. Floor installers begin by sweeping up any dust or debris from your floor.

Then they apply a thin layer of polyaspartic topcoat with a brush or roller, using overlapping strokes and ensuring not to leave any gaps or ridges in the finish. Finally, they’ll allow this coat to dry completely before applying another coat.

Step 5: Finishing Details

Once the installers have applied the polyaspartic floor coating, they’ll get a little more hands-on with a brush and some water to clean up any drips or spills. Next, they’ll do a final sweep with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dust particles and ensure that the surface looks as smooth as possible.

Step 6: Curing the Polyaspartic Floor Coating

The final step to applying polyaspartic floor coatings is to cure them. These fast-cure coating systems can take anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days to dry, depending on the temperature and humidity of your area. The higher the temperature and humidity, the shorter the curing time.

After coating professionals have applied the polyaspartic floor coating, they usually give it a cure time of 18-24 hours before walking on it. Although you can start using the floor as soon as it is fully cured, professionals recommend waiting at least 48 hours.

Contact the Duluth Floor Coating Experts for a Free Quote

Are you considering applying a floor coating to your residential patio or garage? You’ve come to the right place!

At Armor Coating Co., we strive to provide our customers with the best possible quality service at an affordable price. We offer competitive rates on all our services, including polyurea and polyaspartic floor coating applications.

Our expert floor coating professionals are ready to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have regarding polyaspartic floor coatings or any other type of residential or commercial flooring service we offer.

Contact us at (715) 934-9037 to schedule your free estimate today.

How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes.  We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind. 

How Long Will The Concrete Coating Last?

We use the highest quality materials in our polyaspartic floor coatings and we’ve perfected our application process to make the concrete coating permanent.  Once completely cured and adhered, the concrete coating is meant to last as long as the substrate it’s adhered to.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Over Epoxy Floor Coatings?

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings dry more quickly than Epoxy Floor Coatings, and the finish is also more durable.  Our floor concrete coating finishes are also more slip-resistant and will not discolor like some Epoxy Floor Coatings.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

Our flooring cures within a few hours, however our team of professionals recommends waiting at least 4-6 hours before walking on your brand new concrete coated flooring. After 12 hours, you can begin moving lightweight objects onto the flooring, like light patio furniture.  We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before moving anything heavy back into the area where we’ve applied the coating (your car, heavy equipment or furniture etc.).

Will My New Concrete Floor Coating Turn Yellow?

It sure won’t! Our concrete floor coverings will not yellow or discolor, because they are UV stable. This  one of the many benefits of using Polyurea or Polyaspartic floor coatings.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

How Long Does It Take You To Apply Concrete Floor Coatings?

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage.  We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame.  Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses.  We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains. 

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Armor coatings are oil resistant as well as moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

What Are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges.  It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used Outside?

They sure can!  We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool.  Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

What Types Of Environments Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used?

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

How Are Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat. 

Can I Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

How Long Do Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Take To Dry?

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours!  However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at Armor Coatings is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

Is It Possible To Cover Existing Epoxy Floor Coating With Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

It is!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties.  If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent.  Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating