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.