Concrete coatings are usually classified as epoxies, urethanes and polyaspartics. A coating differs from a sealer since it is applied on top of concrete creating a glossy build coat finish vs. a sealer that will penetrate and keep a natural finish. Coatings excellent choices for concrete with the need for chemical resistance, acid resistance and abrasion resistance. Although they are labor intensive the finish results can last up to 10 years.
Most Important Features When Purchasing a Concrete Coatings:
- Look for an industrial grade coating with excellent chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, stain and acid resistance.
- Resistance to hot tire pickup, UV rays, heavy equipment / machinery and extreme temperature is a must.
- Look for durable coatings that will not peel, flake or delaminate (usually aliphatic and/or cyclo-aliphatic urethanes, polyaspartics and epoxies)
Most Popular Concrete Coatings Brand Reviews:
Urethane 645: Meets all of the above criteria while also providing excellent dust protection and hardness. High solids coatings with exceptional chemical and acid resistance properties. We found that it was more durable and scratch resistant than all the other urethanes we tested all while creating a beautiful gloss shine. Easier to apply than it sounds while being practically indestructible.
One Day Floors 100%: Polyaspartic coating, fast drying and excellent penetration and bond strength to properly prepared surfaces and are abrasion, impact, and wear resistant with flexible properties. Not as chemically resistant as a urethane coating and the floor must have a minimum surface porosity of a CSP-2.
APF Armor-Rez Jet Deck 200: Three coat high build system that is extremely labor intensive consisting of an epoxy primer, epoxy coating and polyurethane topcoat. Excellent compressive strength and an extreme high build finish; however this product is not extremely UV stable.
What is the difference between a concrete sealer and a concrete coating? Generally speaking a concrete sealer is a penetrating formulation or a lighter topical solution that either seeps into the concrete or is suspended on the surface. Concrete sealers are usually classified as acrylic sealers, silicate sealers and silane/siloxane formulations. A concrete coating on the other hand sits on the surface of the concrete and builds up and protects through the layers of coatings. Concrete coatings are usually classified as epoxies, urethanes and polyaspartics.
Concrete Sealers:
- Silicates: penetrating sealers in either a sodium, lithium or potassium carrier that seep into the concrete, chemically react to form calcium silicate hydrate and thus densifying.
- Silane/Siloxanes: water repellents that form a hydrophobic barrier to seals out moisture while chemically bonding with the substrate.
- Acrylics: water based or solvent based decorative sealers that enhance the surface and repels water.
Concrete Coatings:
- Epoxies: coating used to prime or coat concrete to stop dusting, add chemical resistance and abrasion resistance properties.
- Urethanes: coating usually applied on top of an epoxy to add additional protection from chemicals, wear and UV rays.
- Polyaspartics: fast drying urethanes applied on top of an epoxy with a faster tack free dry time
Concrete sealer and concrete coatings manufacturers: Kretetek, Eagle Sealer, H&C, LMCC, Moxie, New Look, Okon, Prosoco, Scofield