Polyaspartic vs. Epoxy

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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, 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.

•  Temperature-sensitive: Epoxy is difficult to apply in extreme hot or cold temperatures. There needs to be a temperature sweet-spot, kind of like Goldilocks.
• Drying time: If you’re in a hurry, the long drying time will be a drag. It can take a couple of days to complete the installation, plus a month to cure completely.
• Air quality: There’s the potential to reduce air quality with off-gassing. However, newer formulas have been made to address this issue.
• Not colorfast: It may fade and yellow as a result of UV exposure. While that can cause problems, there are many formulas that include UV protection.
• Rigid: Epoxy doesn’t just harden when it dries – it gets rigid, too. That makes it a bit less durable and more vulnerable to scrapes.

• Expensive: The benefits of polyaspartic coating come at a higher cost. If you’ve got a budget, you need to keep this cost in mind as you begin your planning.
• Weakness to battery acid: Mechanics beware. While polyaspartic is more durable than epoxy overall, it doesn’t hold up as well against battery acid. If you expect a lot of that, this might not be the best floor coating for you.
• Tricky application: DIY application is difficult since you have to evenly spread the coating with a squeegee or roller. Professional installation is recommended. 
• Short pot life: There’s the potential for the coating to dry on the floor or in the bucket before the application is complete. This can trap bubbles and other imperfections on the surface and waste a lot of material.
• Possible delamination: If the concrete in your garage gives off moisture, there’s a pretty good chance that the polyaspartic can lose its bond and peel up from the floor.