Resinous Flooring

What is an epoxy coating?

Epoxy coatings are a rigid long lasting, durable finish for concrete flooring that will withstand heavy traffic and have chemical resistant qualities. These coatings are generally used because of their durability and can be used for decorative purposes. The SPARTACOTE^® line of products has several epoxy grout system offerings.

Why are epoxy coatings used?

Epoxy coatings are used in both commercial and residential applications. In commercial applications, epoxy coatings are used as a long-lasting floor finish that stands up to heavy traffic. Also, because epoxy coatings are resistant to many harsh and corrosive chemicals found in manufacturing facilities, chemicals found in industrial cleaners, and the conditions of which commercial kitchens and food preparation facilities are exposed. In residential applications, epoxy coatings are often used as a protective coating easy to maintain coating in garages, as a non-slip surface when used with the proper additive(s), or as a decorative floor finish in the house.

How long will an epoxy coating last?

The expected life of an epoxy coting really depends on where it is used and to what it is subjected. For instance, when used in a residential floor application it can last for many, many years. For more commercial applications (e.g. hotel lobby, elevator floors, commercial manufacturing facility floors), the expected life could be anywhere from 2 – 10 years depending on the specific conditions. Under any type of application, a proper maintenance/cleaning regimen goes a long way to extending the life of any resinous floor coating.

What are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

From a technical perspective, the term “polyaspartic” refers to an “aliphatic polyurea”. Today the general public is somewhat familiar with polyurea coatings, primarily from their uses in such applications as spray down truck bed liners and tank coatings.

Who invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Polyaspartic coatings were introduced in the early 1990s by one of the world’s leading chemical companies, Bayer Material Science. This new technology was first employed as a protective steel coating, offering corrosion prevention for bridges and other harsh environment applications. Eventually the material was modified for additional types of applications, including resinous floor concrete coatings.

What types of floor coating systems are available with polyaspartics?

One of the primary benefits to polyaspartic coatings is the material’s versatility. Standard solid color industrial floor coatings, Seamless Flake and Monolithic Quartz flooring systems are commonplace with Polyaspartic coatings. Recently, new decorative concrete floor coating applications, such as dye and seal and metallic floor coating systems have been developed with both polyaspartic and epoxy coating technology.

Can polyaspartic coatings be used outside?

Yes, most polyaspartic coatings systems are UV stable and are suitable for exterior applications.

What types of environments can polyaspartic coatings be used in?

Generally any type of an environment where a resinous floor coating is called for, a polyaspartic coating system may be used. This includes heavy traffic industrial and commercial flooring as well as residential garage floor concrete coatings.

How are polyaspartic coatings applied?

Polyaspartic coatings may be applied with a squeegee, seal-coat broom or even a simple 18” long 3/8” nap roller. Common methods include the Dip and Roll Method as well as the Ribbon and Roll method.

Can I apply polyaspartic coatings in cold temperatures?

Yes, depending on the formulation, polyaspartics may be applied within extremely low temperatures below 0º Centigrade.

How long do polyaspartic coatings take to dry?

Polyaspartic coatings are designed to exhibit rapid curing capabilities, and may dry in a matter of hours or less. Often these concrete coating systems provide for next-day return to service.

Who can install polyaspartic coatings?

SPARTACOTE® polyaspartic and epoxy concrete coatings systems are high performance materials that should only be installed by a coatings contractor trained by a SPARTACOTE concrete coatings expert. LATICRETE® International offers regular SPARTACOTE trainings held throughout the U.S. Please contact your local LATICRETE technical sales rep today to find out where the next available training will be. To find one near you, call +1.203.393.0010 or +1.800.243.4788 or email us.

Are polyaspartic coatings as durable as epoxy coatings?

Yes, and then some. Based on empirical testing data, polyaspartic concrete coatings offer abrasion resistant capabilities that far exceed those of typical epoxy systems.

Can I use a polyaspartic coating over an epoxy coating?

Yes, Polyaspartic coatings exhibit superior inter-coat adhesion vs. epoxy coatings. For old epoxy floor coatings that are still well adhered to the substrate, an installer can apply a new polyaspartic top-coat over that area. The process for doing so includes first mechanically profiling the existing epoxy floor by sanding it. Following that, excess dust is vacuumed and the area is wiped with an appropriate solvent or adhesion promotor to clean the surface. The area is then properly prepared for a fresh polyaspartic top-coat.

Why would you not select a polyaspartic coating?

Polyaspartic coatings are not suitable applications for every type of environment, nor surface. Avoid using these materials in situations where a breathable concrete sealer is specified. These applications include exterior stamped concrete, driveways and sidewalks. Polyaspartics are seamless, high performance polymer coatings designed for protection. They will not breathe. And they can exhibit moisture challenges over time if not used properly.