Epoxy vs. Polyurethane Coatings

Understanding the benefits of different resin flooring options can help you arrive at the best solution for your business. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings are common applications and are sometimes easily confused. However, both these applications have unique properties making them well suited to different situations and commercial environments.

Epoxy Floor Coatings

Epoxy floor coatings are known to be extremely strong, durable and hardwearing. Epoxy floor coatings are produced from the reaction between an epoxy resin and polymer hardener, creating a set of properties well suited to industrial facilities or warehouse floors.

Benefits

Epoxy floor coatings can be applied to old or new concrete floors. The best applications usually result in an extremely hard and impact-resistant surface, able to withstand heavy-duty machinery and decades of high footfall. As such, this application is resistant to scratching, denting and other abrasive activities. The flexibility of this resin coating means it can be applied seamlessly, including coving, for hygienic environments – also making it very easy to clean. 

In addition, epoxy floor coatings can be made with a high-gloss finish in multiple colours and styles. Decorative options are available to make this coating very attractive in customer-facing locations.

Polyurethane Coatings

Polyurethane coatings create smooth, durable surfaces with a set of unique properties. Similarly to epoxy, polyurethane coatings are produced using a thermosetting polymer and can be applied to many different commercial environments.

Benefits

If hygiene is a critical factor, then the smooth, seamless surfaces produced using polyurethane coatings will be extremely well-suited. In addition to being hardwearing and durable, polyurethane coatings have an exceptionally high resistance to chemicals – making this flooring application very well suited to pharmaceutical and other similar industries.

Polyurethane coatings are also highly resistant to heat and UV, meaning they can be more easily cleaned. This type of floor is immune to “yellowing” effects that are common when exposed to sunlight and inherently contain anti-slip qualities.

Which is right for you?

Both of these applications have their merits. All resin flooring solutions have similar flexibility in how they can be applied, durability, resistance and other beneficial qualities. However, unique qualities may make either of these coatings better suited to specific environments.

If you’d like to learn more about the resin floor services we have available or have any questions, please contact us.