What are concrete coatings?
Concrete coatings are seamless, extremely durable, decorative flooring systems. Concrete coating formulations are epoxy, polyaspartic, polyurethane, and others, each one having its own pros and cons.
What are Polyaspartics?
To begin with, a polyaspartic is a type of polyurea (actually a polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea). Polyurea is a commercially viable material that was developed in the 1980s by Texaco Chemical Company (now Huntsman Chemical). All polyureas are two-part systems, meaning that a resin has to be mixed with a catalyst to create the curing reaction that hardens the material. Polyurea has been used very successfully for corrosion-resistant coatings and repair materials, although application is awkward since it has an extremely short pot life.
Polyaspartic polyurea (or simply polyaspartics) overcomes many of the obstacles present with traditional epoxy , while retaining the advantages. According to Bayer Material Science, polyaspartics are "based on the reaction of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyaspartic ester, which is an aliphatic diamine."
For most of us, the important thing to understand is that polyaspartics are a polymer coating material that has the following characteristics:
Polyaspartic polyurea (or simply polyaspartics) overcomes many of the obstacles present with traditional epoxy , while retaining the advantages. According to Bayer Material Science, polyaspartics are "based on the reaction of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyaspartic ester, which is an aliphatic diamine."
For most of us, the important thing to understand is that polyaspartics are a polymer coating material that has the following characteristics:
- Rapid curing (from 5 to 120 minutes, depending on the formulation)
- Can be successfully applied at surface temperatures from -30°F to 140°F
- Very low viscosity-equivalent to water-which gives it outstanding wetting ability on a properly prepared concrete floor
- High film build (up to 18 mils in a single coat)
- Bubble-free surfaces even at high humidity (although high humidity can speed up the cure time considerably)
- Potlife of 5 to 120 minutes
- UV stable so it will never turn yellow-and can provide UV protection to underlying coatings
- Made with a high solids content, which means low or no volatile organics (VOCs) during application
- The cured coating can handle temperatures up to 350°F
- Crystal clear and does not blush white from moisture in the concrete
- Able to resist most stains, especially from oils and fats and even from red wine
- High abrasion resistance-higher than epoxy or urethane
- May be able to resist higher internal moisture vapor emission rates than some other non-breathing coatings-although this is an issue that is currently being investigated
Can I customize these concrete coatings?
Yes. Concrete coatings are highly customizable. You can pick your favorite colors and textures, and make these systems complement your garage or other residential spaces. Some coatings, such as Metallics, are one-of-a-kind works of art.
How long does a garage concrete coating installation take?
Concrete coatings require a concrete surface profile (CSP) of 2. This CSP rating requires a concrete grinder to profile the surface in order to apply the coating system properly. This concrete grinding process is one of the reasons why coatings are for professional use only. This surface prep typically takes a few hours depending upon the size of the area. From there, the coatings applicator will apply your chosen concrete coatings system, which can take several hours for a typical 300 sq ft garage. The actual coatings application is usually done in one day. Please contact us for a project schedule and estimate.
Does the coatings material smell during installation?
Concrete coatings can smell during installation depending upon which system you select. The higher the solids content, the less smell there is at installation. If you wish to minimize smell, make sure you state this to your coatings applicator when they give you an estimate and before they begin your project. Concrete coatings systems are low VOC and low odor decorative systems that are perfect for such installations.
How long will my garage concrete coating last?
Concrete coatings are highly durable and long lasting. These coatings systems are built to last for years. The Epoxy Guys offers an industry leading 15-year warranty for floor owners.
Can I put concrete coatings in other rooms in my home aside from my garage?
Yes. Concrete coatings are often applied in residential and commercial garages, bathrooms, basements, showrooms, kitchens, hallways, and covered patios and walkways.
Can I do this myself?
YouTube videos seem to make everything look easy; however, coatings systems are specialized, resinous materials that require professional concrete profiling before application. We have done hundreds of floors in the Genesee County area and our consultations are free. Please call 810.441.4494 or email us at [email protected].
Are concrete coatings easy to clean? What maintenance is involved?
Yes. They are easy to clean. Concrete coatings systems experts recommend a basic cleaning solution of Simple Green® diluted with water to clean your floors.
Do road salts and harsh chemicals damage my floor?
No. Coated concrete floors hold up well to harsh road salts and other winter contaminants. However, we recommend owners clean floors regularly based upon use and daily traffic conditions.
Are your concrete coatings covered under warranty?
Yes. The Epoxy Guys offer an industry leading product warranty of up to 15 years on all concrete coatings applied by a trained coatings contractor. Some coatings contractors offer custom warranties.