The Difference Between Epoxy Garage Floors and Polyaspartic Garage Floors

Understanding the difference between garage floor coatings like epoxy and polyaspartic can be tough. There are a variety of options on the market, and it often requires expert advice to get the one you need.

If you choose epoxy garage floors, you might end up with a coating that doesn’t last as long as you’d like in the Eau Claire, WI climate.

If you choose polyaspartic garage floors but don’t know enough about the product, you might not understand why it’s worth the extra investment.

Both of these scenarios result in disappointment. That’s the last thing we here at Armour Coatings want for your home service project.

Benefits of knowing the difference between epoxy garage floors and polyaspartic garage floors in Eau Claire, WI

There are different use cases for epoxy and polyaspartic garage flooring. When making a decision between them, you should consider factors like durability, unique benefits, and even the climate of the area you live in before purchasing.

The benefits of learning the ins and outs of each coating are:

  • You’ll be empowered to make the best decision for your needs
  • You’ll understand the value each option offers
  • You’ll recognize why certain choices are better for the Eau Claire, WI area

So, in this article, we’ll talk about the differences between epoxy garage floors and polyaspartic garage floors and clear up any confusion on the matter. This way, you can make an informed decision on what’s best for you.

What is Epoxy Garage Flooring?

Epoxy garage flooring is one of the most commonly used concrete coatings in the industry. It is a dual-component polymer made up of resin and hardener. It sits on the surface of concrete, rather than bonding to the substrate.

Epoxy garage flooring is not UV stable, so it is better suited for indoor projects. It is typically a cost-effective solution if you would like to improve the immediate appearance of your home and can be installed within two days.

Epoxy garage flooring never stops curing which can cause problems in areas where the temperature fluctuates. This is because the inflexible material cannot accommodate changes in the environment. Consequentially, the epoxy garage flooring is known to crack, chip, fade, and yellow which will require maintenance.

What is Polyaspartic Garage Flooring?

Polyaspartic garage flooring is a subset of polyurea garage flooring.  Like epoxy, it is a dual-component mixture, but it is not activated by heat. It is stronger than epoxy garage flooring and is commonly used as a top coat in concrete coating practices.

Polyaspartic is best known for being 100% UV stable. This means heat and sun damage will not affect a polyaspartic garage coating. It will not yellow or fade under these conditions.

It is resistant to impact, and abrasion, and has a fast cure time. This means that your polyaspartic garage floor installation can be completed and the traffic-ready within 24 hours.

Epoxy Garage Flooring vs. Polyaspartic Garage Flooring: Which is better for you?

If you’re looking for the most durable option that will provide the best value and be the most appropriate for our Wisconsin climate, we recommend polyaspartic garage flooring.

Here at Armor Coatings, we use and recommend polyaspartic garage flooring over epoxy garage flooring. The formulation of polyurea polyaspartic coating we use is perfect for the Eau Claire, WI climate. It provides lasting durability that you won’t get with epoxy garage flooring.

Our garage floor coatings are 100% UV stable and antibacterial. If you require salt pit removal or spalling concrete repair services, you can rest assured that our polyaspartic garage flooring will stand the test of time.

The Best Polyaspartic Garage Flooring in Eau Claire, WI

Armor Coatings proudly serves Eau Claire, WI, and surrounding areas.

We offer many concrete flooring services, including garage floor coatings, commercial coatings, concrete floor repair, salt pit removal, spalling concrete repair, and patio coatings,

Call (715)-934-9037 for a free quote or get in touch online at www.armorcoatingco.com.

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