Coating Comparison

Coating Comparison

Comparison of basic properties for different coating types.

Ever since the construction of the first concrete floor, humanity has searched for a way to protect and beautify the surface. Epoxy coatings have been around for some time and have been popular protectors of concrete floors. Fairly new to the party, polyurea coatings have quickly become the darlings of those who want a fast dry time. Let’s examine each of these contenders and see how they stack up against each other.

PROPERTIES POLYUREA HYBRID POLYURETHANE EPOXY
Hardening time Extremely fast Fast Relatively fast Relatively slow
Moisture sensitivity Basically none or very little Somewhat Yes Yes
Colour stability** Aromatic: Average - Aliphatic: 100% UV resistant Aromatic: Prone to chalking and yellowing Aromatic: Prone to chalking and yellowing Not UV resistant sun fading
Elongation at break Up to 700% or more 200 – 500% 100 - 400% Brittle
Abrasion resistance Very good Good Average Average
Chemical resistance Excellent Very good Average Good
Temperature resistance -40ºC to 150ºC -30ºC to 140ºC -30ºC to 140ºC -20ºC to 110ºC
VOC No No Yes Yes
Durability Excellent Very good Good Average
Cost per sq. ft. High Moderate Moderate Low

**Although aromatic polyurethane and polyurea coatings are UV stable they are generally not UV colour fast. Elastomeric Polyureas and Polyurethanes are first and foremost high performance protective coatings. They are not designed as decorative coatings. However, in the event that colour retention is an important consideration in any application, there are Polyurea elastomeric systems based on “aliphatic” chemistry which provide a high level of colour retention. The drawback to these systems is the cost.