Check out polyurea concrete coatings
Webfoot Concrete Coatings has completed more than 1,000 concrete surface coating projects. We've tried many products on the market that claim to provide long-lasting solutions for damaged concrete floors.
At first we tried epoxy. Epoxy TendencyEasy to peel, easy to break, life expectancy is only 3-5 yearsFailure to meet our expectations in protecting our customers' hard-working surfaces.
We are now working to develop a unique pure polyurea coating system that meets our standards for durability, ease of use and quick installation. We are investing time in researching and investigating the possibilities, benefits and actual effectiveness of polyurea before making this decision. We're sharing what we've learned so you can understand what makes polyurea garage floor coatings a high-quality, high-performance coating.
O poliureji
Polyurea, a subclass of polyurethane, is a two-component compound (like epoxy). Polyurea is the result of a combination of two basic chemical components called "A" and "B" or "red" and "blue". Component "A" or "Red" is alwaysIsocyanate.Isocyanate is a group of atoms that determines the characteristic chemical reaction of polyurethane. However, isocyanate groups can be aromatic or aliphatic in nature, which can be manipulated for various long-term benefits. Component "B" or "Blue" is a mixture of resin that can be different performance enhancers, depending on the purpose, the desired price per square meter and the targeted properties of the coating.
Polyurea coatings are known to be prized because they set quickly and cure to incredible levels of hardness. They are also very durable because they form a chemical bond with the concrete. Due to their strength and extremely fast curing speed, they require professional installation and expertise using professional equipment. Due to the possibility of combining the two polyurea components, there are many differences between commercially available polyurea products. These differences can affect the performance of the coating, for example polyurea-polyaspartic coatings are not as durable as pure polyurea coatings (see the "Benefits of polyurea" section below).
Before choosing a concrete coating contractor, it is important to understand the many types of polyurea products on the market. The products used by the contractor you hire will affect how much you get out of your new concrete overlay.
Advantages of polyurea
The benefits of polyurea depend on the type or purity of the polyurea product. Different products have very different physical properties and lifetimes. Also, many companies sell "polyurea concrete coatings" that are not pure polyurea but contain only 51% polyurea or more. Variations of polyurea products include, but are not limited to, polyaspartic, aliphatic polyureas, and aromatic polyureas. Polyurea's greatest strength comes from pure polyurea layered systems that combine these products.
polyasparaginska kiselina
All polyaspartic acids are polyureas, but not all polyureas are polyaspartic acids. Polyaspartic acid is a polyurea that hardens more slowly. The purpose of this is to allow the coating to be applied in a more traditional manner over a longer period of time. Polyaspartate blends are suitable for the application of topcoats, but have limitations when used as primers.
Polyaspartic acid applied directly to raw concrete (as a primer) needs to overcome several obstacles before it can form a strong long-term bond with the concrete. They harden too quickly to soak into the pores of the concrete before it hardens completely. With polyaspartic products, the viscosity or consistency increases rapidly from the moment of mixing. As viscosity increases, the product's ability to wet or bond to a solid surface decreases. Therefore, it cannot penetrate deep into the concrete. This is why polyaspartic acid can only form a surface bond with concrete. Over time, the surface bond can loosen due to natural cracking of the concrete, which can lead to cracking of the cover or top layer of concrete. The cover will be the weakest link in the concrete, and even with heavy sanding or industrial floor preparation, there is a risk of shrinkage of the coating and cracking of the surface.
The advantage of polyaspartic primers is that they are cheaper than pure aromatic polyurea primers. The downside is that the purity affects the effectiveness of the polyurea, and the mixture does not have the strength and durability to make a pure polyurea concrete coating satisfactory. Therefore, polyaspartic primers do not have the same long-term strength and adhesion as pure polyurea. Depending on budget constraints, this may be the right choice, but increases the risk of cracking and delamination when used as a primer.
Aromatic polyurea
As previously stated, element "A" in the composition of "A-B" polyurea is an isocyanate, which can be aliphatic or aromatic. This change in isocyanate affects the UV stability of the polyurea and also affects the price. Although the aroma system is stable and long-lasting in all other respects, it is not stable to light. The color of the coating will fade in sunlight, but the coating will not degrade like polyurea polyaspartic acid. Because of this photosensitivity, aromatic polyurea is not a good choice as a topcoat, but a strong and reliable primer.
The application of aromatic polyurea primers requires precision for the best long-term results. For the best adhesion, installers will use a seasonal mix to adjust the cure time based on temperature. The ratio of A-B primer is 1:2, the choice of mix determines how long it can be used as a primer after mixing. Choosing the right mix and timing are key to avoiding mistakes that lead to peeling and cracking.
Alifatska polyurea
In contrast, aliphatic systems are photostable, meaning they do not change color when exposed to light. They also have a high-gloss finish that gives your space a valuable aesthetic touch. Therefore, they are an excellent choice for applying the final coating.
As with aromatic polyureas, there is a proper and careful preparation and application process. The aliphatic polyurea was mixed in a 1:1 A-B ratio and mixed at low speed using a variable speed cordless drill. Mixing at low speed is essential to avoid air bubbles in the mixture. There are also different mixes based on curing time, but using an extremely hot mix means that the finish has a longer shelf life, or time, before it starts to harden. Topcoats are always applied after the primer has hardened. Other necessary preparations include scraping and thorough cleaning of the primer before application.
Pure polyurea (aromatic primer and polyaspartic aliphatic topcoat)
Pure polyurea concrete coatings consisting of an aromatic polyurea as a primer and a polyaspartic aliphatic polyurea as a topcoat are expensive but perform well. This type of coating takes advantage of the lasting benefits of an aromatic polyurea primer, the UV stability and high gloss aesthetics of an aliphatic polyurea, and the slower curing and longer life of polyaspartic acid.
Clear polyurea concrete coatingcompared to epoxyThey are known to be 4 times stronger and 10 times more flexible, meaning they won't break, crack or peel under heavy use or high temperatures. Polyurea coatings owe their durability and effectiveness to the rapid curing process and the permeable chemical bonds they create with concrete.
Pay attention to the differences in bonding between epoxy and polyurea,V-bracketIt applies to all colored products like seals. Sealing products are divided into permeable and topical. Polyurea creates a penetrating seal: the coating actually binds (or crystallizes) to the layer below it at the molecular level - this is the strongest possible seal. Epoxy forms a partial seal: more along the lines of a mechanical seal or just a film that adheres to the surface. This is why epoxies wear out faster and easier than polyurea systems. Long-term chemical bonds are much stronger than the bonds of mechanical seals.
Adhesion of polyurea can be tested using a tool called an elcometer, which measures the amount of force required to peel the coating, measured in pounds of force per square inch. The industry standard for delamination is 500 PSI, but pure polyurea coatings will withstand this force level of 1350 PSI and the concrete will often crack before the coating delaminates as shownPenntek video adhesion test.Thus, pure polyurea coatings can be finished in one day and last longer than other products.
More about coatings for polyurea concrete
Problems with polyurea floor coverings
Webfoot's product is a pure (100%) polyurea concrete coating that we source directly from the manufacturer, Penntek Industrial Coatings. As a pure polyurea, it differs from competitors that offer polyasparagine and other diluted polyurea blends. Our virgin polyurea is the strongest and most durable form of polyurea. net foot is7 Troubleshooting Polyurea floor coatingsSo you can have peace of mind when you choose our multi-layer pure polyurea systems.
Polyurea floor coating for garage
There are a number of reasons why polyurea tops the list when compared to epoxy systems. explore compareGarage floor epoxy coatings vs polyurea garage floor coatingsFind out what makes polyurea the right choice for your floor.
Installation of polyurea floor coating
Professional concrete coatings give professional results. We support good DIY projects, but when it comes to coating concrete, we make it look easy because we've mastered the art. We willA 5 part process: Sanding, finishing, priming, chipping (optional) and topcoating. We will do all the work in one day.
The price of polyurea concrete coating
If you are willing to invest more money up front for a coating that will last you a long time, polyurea concrete coatings are a good choice. The total cost of your project will be based on5 Cost Factors for Concrete Paving Projects.
FAQs
What is polyurea floor coating? ›
Polyurea is a subgroup of polyurethane, and a 2-part compound (like epoxy). It is a coating that bonds to the moisture in your concrete garage floors to create a protective barrier that prevents scratches, stains, and other threats to your garage floor.
What is polyurea coating used for? ›Polyurea is a coating, lining and joint sealant technology. Polyurea coatings and linings are more commonly applied over concrete and steel for corrosion protection and abrasion resistance. Many industries use polyurea as a protective coating.
What is polyurea explained? ›Polyurea is a type of elastomer that is derived from the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an amine component. The isocyanate can be aromatic or aliphatic in nature. It can be monomer, polymer, or any variant reaction of isocyanates, quasi-prepolymer or a prepolymer.
What is the advantage of polyurea? ›Polyurea is withstands high abrasion, impacts, and extreme mechanical stress. It has an excellent protection against mechanical impacts, minimizing damages to the anticorrosive paint system and underneath, securing corrosion protection.
What is polyurea coating made of? ›Polyurea coatings are comprised of two basic components: a base and a hardener. They are derived from the chemical reaction of isocyanate and amine resin combined. This reaction typically occurs within a few seconds, so polyurea is quickly and expertly applied using state-of-the-art technology.
How long does polyurea floor coating last? ›You can expect polyurea coating to make your concrete floors look brand new for many years to come. If polyurea coating is maintained and care for properly, it can last for more than 30 years before requiring repair, touch up, or replacement.
Are polyurea floors slippery? ›Polyurea coatings use vinyl chips. These add texture to your garage floor which also increases the traction you have while you walk on your garage floor. Because polyurea floor coatings are slip-resistant, you will not have to worry about slipping and falling in your garage.
Is polyurea coating slippery when wet? ›There are a few disadvantages to using polyurea coatings outdoors. One of the most significant disadvantages is that they can be very slippery when wet.
What are the disadvantages of polyurea? ›The first potential problem with polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings is that if the moisture content is too high in the concrete, the coating will not bond properly to the concrete. When a polyurea coating comes in contact with concrete, it bonds into the concrete while searching for moisture.
How thick is polyurea coating? ›In the experimental tests, the thickness of the steel plate was 2 mm; thus, the thickness of polyurea coatings was 2 mm and 4 mm.
Does polyurea crack? ›
Polyurea is 4x stronger than Epoxy. It is also 98% more flexible than Epoxy. The flexibility of the material makes it extremely durable and long-lasting. Since the material is flexible, it will not crack or peel, unlike Epoxy.
How strong is polyurea? ›Polyurea is formed by reaction of diisocyanates and diamines, and it is one of the toughest synthetic polymer materials. These are some of its attributes: High strength with tensile strength higher than 5,000 psi and tear strength higher than 500 lbs/in. 100% solid with no volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Is polyurea expensive? ›They can be used in both industrial and commercial settings, and offer high performance and durability. Prices will vary depending on the size of the area being coated, but polyurea coatings are typically more expensive than other options like epoxy or latex paint.
Can you coat over polyurea? ›What kind of paint to use when going over polyurea? Generally, a good quality 100% acrylic latex house paint works well over sprayed polyurea. It is usually best to coat over the polyurea (sooner rather than later) within 24 hours of application.
Is polyurea worth it? ›Polyurea shows an impressive resistance to temperature variation, and is UV resistant. If you have an exterior to coat, our suggestion would be with a polyurea coating. Other than outdoor, polyurea is also a great solution for a garage floor coating. Stronger than epoxy, this coating is hard to crack.
Does polyurea fade? ›Polyurea is resistant to ultraviolet light. Epoxy can fade or turn yellow when it's exposed to too much sunlight, but that's not the case for polyurea. Its UV resistance prevents any fading or yellowing, making polyurea a strong flooring choice for a garage.
Why is polyurea better than epoxy? ›Polyurea is more durable than epoxy and more flexible because it is an elastomer. It is also chemical resistant and can withstand stable heat up to 266℉ and 430℉ for a shorter amount of time according to Corrosionpedia. Polyurea is UV resistant and will not yellow in the sun.
What dissolves polyurea? ›Dzolv solvent/stripper is designed to strip polyurea, polyurethane, epoxies and polyester resins.
How do you clean polyurea floors? ›Cleaning Tips for Epoxy and Polyurea Floors
A large microfiber dust mop that's about 2 to 3 feet wide will make it easy to clean up any dust bunnies and debris is tracked in over the week. The removable mop head allows you to throw it in the washer machine to start fresh periodically.
Polyurea is applied in two coats, the first containing the color and primer, with a second clear coat placed over top. Each layer dries rapidly, cutting installation time to a single day.
Can you apply polyurea yourself? ›
Polyurea concrete coatings are not DIY-friendly. Coatings not installed by a professional lead to errors that can ruin the durability and longevity of your polyurea floor.
Does polyurea get hot? ›Polyurea does not get hot to the touch which means it won't burn feet on pool decks or patios. Epoxy can get very hot and makes it less than ideal for pool decks where you will likely be barefoot. UV stability is a great benefit and something to consider if you are considering a patio or pool deck concrete coating.
Which is better polyurea or polyurethane? ›Polyurea and polyurethane are valuable coating and lining compounds for many industries. While polyurethane coatings are affordable and offer UV resistance, they are more susceptible to damage in humid or freezing environments. Polyurea resists extreme conditions and cures incredibly fast but can be more expensive.
Should I polyurea my garage floor? ›While there are many benefits for both epoxy and polyurea garage floor coatings, polyurea is a clear winner! If you are looking for a low-maintenance garage floor coating that will last for many years, polyurea garage floor coatings are a great option!
Are polyurea fumes toxic? ›H332 Harmful if inhaled. H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
How long does it take polyurea to cure? ›Typically, a polyaspartic polyurea coating can be touched after a few hours and they will fully cured in about 24 hours.
Can polyurea be repaired? ›The best approach to repair polyureas is to use polyurea again to ensure that the physical properties and chemical resistance of the coating repair zone are similar to those of the original. In many cases, the repair spots are too small, and it is not cost effective to install polyurea spray equipment on site.
How much stronger is polyurea than epoxy? ›Polyurea is 4x stronger and 98% more flexible than Epoxy. The material's flexibility makes it durable and lasts a long time. Because the material is flexible, it won't crack or peel.
Is polyurea garage floor coating toxic? ›Polyurea makes your garage a safer place
Heat resistance adds another layer of protection; since they can withstand very high temperatures, they can act as fire retardants. Also, unlike epoxy, it doesn't emit harmful VOCs; they are also antibacterial and nontoxic.
Polyurea concrete coatings are more expensive because they are a higher quality coating. This means they perform better, are more durable, and will last longer in your home. A large part of a successful garage floor coating project is the installation.
What are the two types of polyurea? ›
Depending on polyurea chemical structure, it could be of two types: aliphatic or aromatic.
How much does polyurea waterproofing cost? ›The material cost for a polyurea roof coating system ranges from $1.25 to $1.75 per sq. ft.
How do I prepare my garage floor for polyurea? ›- Step 1: Prepare the surface. Removing laitance, sealers, and contaminants from the concrete surface is critical to the installation s success. ...
- Step 2: Repair cracks and joints. ...
- Step 3: Apply the primer. ...
- Step 4: Roll the bed layer. ...
- Step 5: Apply the top coat.
We ALWAYS recommend surface preparation, such as scuffing, sanding, etc. to create a mechanical bond. However, there are situations where trying to increase efficiency is an absolute must. In those situations, you'll need an adhesion promoter that will help your polyurea system bond with the unprepped surface.
Is polyurea flooring better than epoxy? ›Polyurea wins over epoxy when it comes to flexibility and durability. Its flexibility allows it to move with concrete when significant temperature changes or shifts in weight occur. Polyurea coatings are typical more expensive than epoxy coatings.
Who uses polyurea? ›Architects, engineers, specifiers, and contractors use polyurea in multiple markets successfully around the globe. Polyurea is more durable than paint. Plus it lasts longer between maintenance cycles.
Does polyurea yellow? ›Yes, epoxy and polyurea pigmented primer coatings do yellow from UV rays of sunlight. They yellow, fade and oxidize leading to micro cracking and weakening their adhesion to concrete.
What is an alternative to polyurea? ›Polyaspartic is a type of polyurea, but polyaspartics have been modified to overcome the challenges polyureas face. Polyaspartics have an extended pot life which makes them easier to install and helps improve adhesion to the concrete surface. They are also more UV-resistant.
What is the most durable floor coating? ›Epoxy is one of the most durable garage coatings. You can lay it on your concrete subfloor to liven up your garage. It provides unique colorful hues, metallic and natural stone finishes. Once dry, the epoxy forms a hardened and thick coating.
What are the disadvantages of polyurea coating? ›Polyurea coatings do have some limitations and special considerations. Because the coating is highly reactive and quick-curing, setting of the coating without adequate wetting out time can cause poor adhesion to the substrate. Formulators must ensure complete wetting out of the surface before the coating sets.
What are the negatives of polyurea? ›
Polyureas are even faster than cyanoacrylate super glues. However, this cure speed leads to potential problems. It is very difficult to mix the two parts together, and a lot of heat can be generated that can damage sensitive materials.
Is polyurea worth the money? ›Polyurea has a higher resistance to chemicals than epoxy and is U.V. stable. It's better for garage floors and exterior spaces, and for protecting your floor against stains, damage, chemicals and wear. They are light reflective, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
What is the lifespan of polyurea? ›Because polyurea is more durable than epoxy, it has a life expectancy of about 15 years. This product is meant to last you a lifetime.
Is polyurea harmful to humans? ›Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure through inhalation. Skin Contact Irritating to skin. Prolonged or repeated exposure may cause severe irritation. May cause sensitisation by skin contact.
What is the maximum thickness of polyurea? ›The PosiTector 200 D Series of Coating Thickness Gauges use proven ultrasonic technology to measure the thickness of polyurea coatings 50 – 5000 µm (2 – 200 mils) applied to concrete, wood and other non-metal substrates.