The Ultimate Guide to Concrete Coatings

ePOXY VS POLYUREA VS POLYASPARTIC

Epoxy Coatings: The Ideal basecoat

Not all epoxy is the same! The type you find at your local Home Depot is worlds apart from what professional contractors use. High-end epoxy cures into a solid, enduring surface, known for its incredible bond with concrete substrates. With a lifespan of over 20 years, high-quality epoxy serves as the perfect basecoat, laying down a resilient foundation for additional coatings.

Benefits of High-End Epoxy Basecoat:

Unmatched Adhesion: Superior to polyurethane, polyurea, and polyaspartics, high-end epoxy's slower curing time allows for deeper penetration into the concrete, significantly reducing the chances of peeling or delamination.

Enhanced Thickness: Epoxy's application is thicker, contributing to the floor's durability and impact resistance.

Epoxy Disclaimer: It's prone to yellowing if exposed to UV light. At LIFETIME COATINGS, we apply a 110% flake broadcast to fully cover our basecoats, effectively eliminating yellowing risks.

Polyurea and Polyaspartic Coatings: Durable, Scratch Resistant Topcoats

Durability

Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings have gained attention for their quick curing times and exceptional protective properties. These products are best suited as topcoats over an epoxy base. They offer enhanced protection against UV light, chemicals, and abrasion.

Benefits of Polyaspartic Topcoats:

UV Stability: These coatings resist yellowing and degradation from UV exposure, maintaining the floor's pristine appearance.

Scratch and Impact Resistance: Polyaspartic coatings cure to a very hard finish, offering excellent resistance.

Adaptability: They handle temperature changes and slight substrate movements without cracking.

Beautiful and Customizable

The Hybrid System vs. 1-Day Floors Debate

The market has seen a surge in "1 day" floor installations using either a Polyurea or Polyaspartic for the base and top layers of flaked floors. While the appeal of a fast turnaround is undeniable, it's essential to consider the longevity and performance of your investment.

1 Day Floors: A Closer Look
Thinner Application: Polyurea and Polyaspartic basecoats are applied thinner than epoxy, compromising the floor's durability and long term resilience. 
Quality vs. Speed: The rapid application process prioritizes speed over the meticulous preparation and application that ensure a floor's longevity.

THE LIFETIME COATINGS HYBRID SYSTEM: Proven Excellence
Unrivaled Durability: Combining an epoxy basecoat with a Polyaspartic topcoat ensures a floor that withstands the test of time.
Best of Both Worlds: This approach harnesses the strengths of both Epoxy and Polyaspartic coatings, delivering an unparalleled flooring system.

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