During your search for the right garage floor coating, you’ve probably come across options for epoxy and a newer product called polyaspartic. These concrete coatings seem similar, so naturally, you want to know the difference. This head-to-head comparison of polyaspartic vs. epoxy will get you all the answers you need and help you choose the right flooring for your property in Attleboro, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medway, Milford, Norfolk, Norton, or Wrentham, MA.
Both options offer durable, attractive coatings that can transform your garage from “blah” to “ta-da!” – but there are still key differences that can inform your purchase. In order to make the right choice between epoxy garage floors and polyaspartic, you’ll need to know what they are, how to apply them, and of course, the pros and cons of each.
Epoxy paint is a resin polymer that has been used to protect concrete garage flooring for decades. As a general rule of thumb, epoxy works best indoors, so this chemical-resistant and slip-free surface is perfect for the garage environment, where spills and puddles can create a challenge.
Typical garage floor epoxy application consists of a primer, a color base coat, and two surface coatings of polyurethane. The style is highly customizable, which is a plus for those looking for a specific style.
In addition to the color base of your epoxy garage floor, you can choose the finish, so you can go with a high gloss or a more matte look if that’s your thing. On top of all that, you get to decide if you want to introduce color chips to the mixture. It’s like the cherry on top of a perfect floor.
Polyaspartic is a hybrid material that resembles polyurethane. It was first developed in the ‘90s as a coating for steel in bridges and used for its corrosion-resistant properties. This alternative to epoxy is also known as an aliphatic polyurea sealer, which is a mix of ester and other materials.
Manufacturers can change the amount of ester to customize polyaspartic to have different traits, such as quick drying times and limited gas emissions after application. These innovations make it more versatile than traditional epoxy.
Usually, this coating has a clear, glossy finish. On its own, it creates the look of a wet concrete floor. You can add color to the mixture for a bolder look if desired. Often, people will distribute decorative chips across the surface of a still-wet coating to introduce a bit more color and non-slip texture.
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Epoxy is very durable, but it is still vulnerable to abrasion. Polyaspartic, meanwhile, is more flexible, and won’t chip, scratch or scuff. It’s definitely more durable.
Winner: Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic costs more than Epoxy. The material on its own is pricier, and when you factor in the cost of hiring a professional installer, the difference gets even more dramatic.
Winner: Epoxy
It takes an hour or less for one layer of Polyaspartic to dry. Compare that to epoxy, which can take approximately 16 hours for a single coating. If you’re the impatient type, polyaspartic is for you.
Winner: Polyaspartic
You can apply epoxy on your own using a roller brush. The longer drying time allows for a more relaxed pace. Polyaspartic requires application with a squeegee or roller, and it dries so quickly that there isn’t a lot of room for mistakes.
Winner: Epoxy
Epoxy can potentially decrease the air quality in your garage, and you need protective gear during application. Meanwhile, polyaspartic has low VOCs and hardly any off-gassing odor.
Winner: Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic gets very slippery when wet, so it’s a good idea to use chips in the surface to add texture and traction. Epoxy can also benefit from added traction, but it’s still not as slippery.
Winner: Epoxy
Some epoxy products can fade or yellow over time when exposed to UV radiation, so be sure to check your product before purchase. Polyaspartic is always formulated to be colorfast, and it won’t fade or yellow.
Winner: Polyaspartic.
When you get right down to it, there’s no definitive way to say that one floor coating system is better. Polyaspartic and epoxy each come with their own benefits and drawbacks, and it’s up to you to decide which is a better solution for you. After comparing installation methods and the pros and cons, you should hopefully know exactly what you need for your garage. Contact GNU Garage today to schedule an epoxy garage floor installation in Attleboro, Foxborough, Franklin, Mansfield, Medway, Milford, Norfolk, Norton, Wrentham, or the surrounding MA areas!
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