In flooring, there are different types of work that can be used as to make the flooring stronger and attractive. The list of such coatings includes epoxy, polyurea and alkyd coatings. Each type has its own set of unique features that suits it to specific locations and applications. In this guide, we’ll explore these coatings in greater detail, and help determine which one is the best fit for your floors.
Epoxy, Polyurea, and Alkyd Coatings Explained
Before discussing the pros and cons of each type of coating, let’s first take a look at what they are, and how they work.
Epoxy coatings consist of a unique combination of two materials, a resin and a hardener. The combination of these two materials creates a powerful chemical reaction that forms a tough and hardwearing surface. Because of this, epoxy coatings are extremely resilient and can endure considerable wear and tear.
Polyurea coatings are also quite a good option. They are also quite durable, but they are more flexible than epoxy. Which shows their ability to bend a bit without cracking making them ideal for regions that extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, or heat.
Alkyd is a type of resin used to make alkyd coatings. These coatings provide a shiny, gloss finish often giving an aesthetically appealing appearance to your floors. But they may not be as tough or long-wearing as epoxy or polyurea coatings, which makes them more suitable for areas that don’t need that much durability.
Different Types of Coatings
Xiangjiang Paint has a large selection of epoxy, polyurea, and alkyd coatings to fulfill diverse requirements.
Examples of options you can have for epoxy coatings are:
Solvent-based: These coatings are ideal for very high-traffic environments such as warehouses or stores, where many people are walking around.
Water-based: These are best for indoor spaces because they’re less dangerous to the air we breathe, and they clean up easily.
100% solid: This is the most durable type which is black plastic and ideal for industrial and commercial use where durability is essential.
Xiandjiang Paint has various types of polyurea coatings:
Pure polyurea: It shows every boundary of strength, chemical resistance, and has the highest applicability in harsh environments like factory floors.
Polyurea hybrids: These combine the advantages of polyurea and other coating types, making them a versatile option that can work well in a variety of applications.
Aliphatic polyurea: This special type provides UV resistance from sunlight for permanent color and gloss. It makes a wonderful choice for outdoor spaces.
A range of options are offered for alkyd coatings:
Oil-based: These leave a pretty shiny finish and are super durable but take longer to dry.
Water-based — These finishes contain lower amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), meaning they are less toxic to be indoors and dry faster.
Hybrid alkyds: These offer the durability of oil-based alkyds with the convenience of easy cleanup in water-based varieties, making them work well in many different environments.
How effective are these coatings?
When we talk about the strength of these coatings, epoxy coatings are the most durable one out there that can withstand heavy foot traffic and pressure without getting damaged. Not only are polyurea coatings extremely strong and flexible, but they are also good for places with extreme weather conditions to address common signs of wear and tear. Meanwhile, alkyd coatings offer less durability, but they can offer a nice shiny finish and some chemical resistance.
When considering how long these coatings will last, we must understand that 100% solid epoxy coatings without additives can stay on your floor for as long as 20 years under proper conditions. Polyurea coats last ~15 years; alkyd coats ~10 years. But they last as long as where they are used and how are they maintained over a period of time. The floors can last longer if they are kept clean and little repairs are handled in a timely manner.
How Do They Handle Chemicals?
When selecting the best one for your flooring, it is crucial to consider the chemical resistance properties of these coatings.
Epoxy coatings have great chemical and stain resistance to many acids, oils, and solvents. This means they’re a good choice for industrial and commercial environments where drips and spills are common.
Polyurea coatings are extremely resistant to chemicals, so they are ideal for harsh environments where strong chemicals are present or used.
Alkyd coatings provide some chemical resistance, but harsh chemicals may require an epoxy or polyurea coating for effective protection.
Which Coating Is The Right Option For You?
The top coating for your flooring truly depends on specific areas of usage.
So for busy environments, such as factories or shops, you’ll need 100% solid epoxy coatings. They’re also super strong and can withstand a ton of foot traffic and spills.
Aliphatic polyurea is a great choice for outside areas where UV rays are prominent, and it remains colorfast and glossy even after prolonged exposure to the elements.
Water-based alkyd coatings were in demand for use in indoor spaces with lower foot traffic. They are air safe and easy to apply and dry quickly, making them ideal to use at home or the office.
Finally, Xiangjiang Paint has a variety of epoxy, polyurea and alkyd coatings suitable for various needs and environments. When choosing a coating, you must look for aspects like durability, chemical resistance, and the lifespan of your coating. You can keep your floors strong and looking good for a long time by picking the right coating for your needs.