Epoxy vs. Acrylic Flooring for Industrial Spaces

Choosing the right floor coating for your space can be tough. With so many options available, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of factors to consider.  Things like durability, cost, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. The wrong flooring choice can lead to expensive repairs, premature replacements, or productivity loss due to downtime.  

At CustomCrete, we have 20 years of experience with commercial and industrial spaces and high-performance flooring. We know the specific needs of various environments. We know which materials work best in different conditions. 

In this article, we'll break down the key differences between Epoxy and Acrylic floor coatings.  Both look very similar on the surface, but there are some key differences.  Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-performance solution, we’ve got your floors covered.

What is Epoxy Floor Coating and When is it Right for Me?

Epoxy floor coating is a tough, chemical-resistant solution. It's often used in industrial and commercial settings. Composed of two main components, resin and hardener, epoxy coatings create a strong and resilient bond once mixed. This bond creates a strong, seamless floor. It can handle heavy foot traffic, forklift use, and some harsh chemicals.

Epoxy is used in warehouses, labs, garages, commercial kitchens, and factories. It's durable and long-lasting. It gives a sleek, glossy finish. It makes your floor look better. It also resists stains and spills, helping keep a clean environment.

What Are the Pros of Epoxy Flooring?

Durability: Epoxy is known for its strength, especially in high-traffic and high-impact environments. It can withstand heavy machinery, foot traffic, and spills.

Chemical Resistance: Epoxy protects well against chemicals, oils, and solvents. It is ideal for industrial and commercial use.

Low Maintenance: The smooth, glossy surface of epoxy makes it easy to clean and maintain. It resists dirt, stains, and water absorption.

Aesthetic Flexibility: Available in various colors and finishes, epoxy can be customized to fit your design needs.

Cost-Effective: Epoxy is not the cheapest option. But, it is affordable compared to more specialized coatings, like urethane cement. It offers great value for its durability.

What Are the Cons of Epoxy Flooring?

Moisture Vapor Sensitivity: Epoxy coatings can be susceptible to moisture vapor. 

Hardness: While epoxy is incredibly tough, it can be prone to cracking if subjected to extreme temperature changes or heavy impacts.

UV Discoloration: Long exposure to UV light from the sun or electric light can cause some yellowing or discoloration.  However there are UV resistant options available to mitigate this issue.  

What is Acrylic Floor Coating and When is it Right for Me?

Acrylic coatings are a versatile, low-cost option for homes, businesses, and light industrial settings.. Acrylic is a thinner than epoxy that creates a more flexible surface, and It can tolerate moderate foot traffic and light impacts.  However, it lacks the durability that epoxy has.  

Acrylic is common in showrooms, retail spaces, and light manufacturing floors. It is also used in storage rooms, closets, and outdoor spaces like patios and walkways. It is ideal for places where looks and easy use matter most.

What Are the Pros of Acrylic?

Fast Drying Time: One of the main advantages of acrylic is its quick drying time. You can typically walk on an acrylic-coated floor within a few hours after application.

Flexibility: Acrylic coatings are more flexible than epoxy. They are less prone to cracking from temperature changes or slight impacts.

UV Resistance: Acrylic coatings resist UV light better than epoxy. So, they are suitable for outdoor areas exposed to sunlight. They won't fade or discolor.

Easy to Apply: Acrylic coatings are easier and faster to apply compared to epoxy. They can often be DIY projects, reducing installation costs.

Budget-Friendly: Acrylic coatings are generally more affordable than epoxy, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious projects.

What Are the Cons of Acrylic?

Durability: Acrylic isn’t as durable as epoxy. It’s more prone to wear and tear, especially in high-traffic environments, and might need to be reapplied every few years.

Chemical Resistance: Acrylic provides limited resistance to harsh chemicals compared to epoxy. It may not perform as well in industrial settings where exposure to oils, solvents, or acids is frequent.

Limited Protection: While acrylic offers some water resistance, it doesn't provide the same level of protection against moisture or spills as epoxy.

When Should You Choose Epoxy Coating?

Epoxy coatings are ideal for industrial, commercial, and high-traffic environments where performance and durability are paramount. If you need a flooring solution that can handle heavy machinery, spills, or extreme conditions, epoxy is the best choice. It's perfect for warehouses, factories, and laboratories that demand long-lasting protection and ease of maintenance.

Epoxy is also a great option for spaces that need chemical resistance, such as auto repair shops, manufacturing facilities, and kitchens, where exposure to oils, grease, and cleaning agents is common.

When Is Acrylic Coating the Better Choice?

Acrylic coatings are the best choice for commercial and residential environments that require a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-apply solution. If you’re looking for a quick solution for areas with moderate foot traffic and mild exposure to chemicals, acrylic is a great option.

Acrylic is perfect for retail spaces, showrooms, and light industrial settings, like storage and break rooms. In these places, appearance and basic protection matter more than heavy-duty performance. If you need a budget-friendly option that still looks professional and can be applied with minimal downtime, acrylic is a solid choice.

Epoxy vs Acrylic: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s a helpful chat to better visualize the differences:

Making the Best Flooring Decision for Your Needs

Ultimately, choosing between epoxy and acrylic flooring comes down to your specific requirements. Epoxy is the best choice for tough, high-traffic areas. It is durable, chemical-resistant, and long-lasting. Acrylic, on the other hand, is ideal for environments that prioritize appearance, ease of application, and a budget-friendly option for moderate use.

If you're curious about the pricing details for epoxy flooring and how it stacks up against other flooring options, we’ve got you covered.  Now that you know about the difference between epoxy and acrylic, check out our in-depth article that breaks down the cost factors involved in choosing epoxy flooring. Understanding these costs will help you make the best decision for your industrial or commercial space.