polyaspartic_flooring

PROS AND CONS OF POLYASPARTIC FLOOR COATINGS

Garage flooring made from polyaspartic

  • Multipurpose application – It can be applied in all weather conditions so there’s no need to wait for the right moment.
  • Durable – Polyaspartic is a hard-working material that can withstand high temperatures, but retains some flexibility. This allows for a scratch- and stain-resistant finish.
  • Style – This coating is similar to epoxy and allows for many customizations. You can create an individual look with color and chip additives.
  • Rapid drying – No more long waits! Polyaspartic can be applied in 30 minutes to an hours, so you can get back to your daily life and put your flooring down.
  • Air quality – You’ll breathe more easily with low VOCs, virtually no off-gassing odors, and you can take a deep breath.
  • Colorfast – Despite prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays, the color will not fade or become yellow. This means that your garage will look great for longer.

The Cons of Polyaspartic Garage Flooring

  • ExpensivePolyaspartic coating has more benefits, but a higher price. When planning, it is important to consider your budget.
  • Battery acid weakness – Attention mechanics! Polyaspartic is stronger than epoxy, but it can’t withstand battery acid as well. This floor coating might not be right for you if you are expecting a lot of this.
  • Application tricky – Do-it-yourself application can be difficult as you need to spread the coating evenly with a squeegee/roller. It is best to hire a professional for installation.
  • Pot life is very short – The coating could dry on the floor or in a bucket before it is applied. This can trap bubbles or other imperfections and cause a lot more material to be wasted.
  • Possible delamination – The concrete in your garage may give off moisture. This could cause the polyaspartic to lose its bond and begin to peel from the floor.

The Showdown: Polyaspartic and Epoxy

Epoxy and primer in a commercial garage setting

Let’s now compare these two garage flooring options!

Durability

Although epoxy is extremely durable, it is still susceptible to abrasion. Polyaspartic is flexible and will not chip scratch, or scuff. It’s definitely more durable.

WinnerPolyaspartic

Cost

Polyaspartic is more expensive than Epoxy. Polyaspartic is more expensive than Epoxy. Add to that the cost of hiring an expert installer.

WinnerEpoxy

Drying Time

One layer of Polyaspartic takes approximately an hour to dry. Comparable to epoxy which takes approximately 16 hours to dry a single layer. Polyaspartic is the best choice if you are impatient.

WinnerPolyaspartic

DIY Installation

You can apply epoxy yourself using a roller brush. You can apply epoxy at a slower pace because it takes longer to dry. Polyaspartic is best applied with a squeegee, or roller. It dries quickly so there’s not much room for errors.

Winner Epoxy

Air Quality

Protective gear is required for epoxy application. Epoxy may cause a decrease in garage air quality. Polyaspartic is low in VOCs and emits a very faint off-gassing smell.

Winner Polyaspartic

Nonslip

Polyaspartic can be very slippery when it gets wet so it is a good idea for the surface to have chips to increase texture and traction. Epoxy is also a good option, although it isn’t as slippery.

Winner Epoxy

UV Stability

Exposure to UV radiation can cause epoxy products to yellow or fade over time. Make sure you check the product before purchasing. Polyaspartic has a colorfast formula that won’t fade or turn yellow.

Winner Polyaspartic

Which is better: Polyaspartic or Epoxy?

It’s easy to see why there is no way to definitively say which floor coating system is superior. Each of the epoxy and polyaspartic options have their own advantages and disadvantages. You can decide which one is best for you. You should now be able to compare installation methods and their pros and cons so you can decide what garage you need.

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