Epoxy Topcoat vs. Polyaspartic Topcoated Floors

Perhaps you have seen epoxy flooring and like the look, but you may need something a little tougher.  If that's the case, you might be considering a polyaspartic topcoat instead of epoxy. Picking the right flooring for your business is important, but you also have to know what you need. It’s not just about how the floor looks. It’s about how well it holds up over time, how easy it is to take care of, and how much it will cost.  Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to higher costs and disruptions in your business.

At CustomCrete, we understand how important it is to get the right flooring the first time. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped many businesses choose the best flooring for their needs. Whether you have a warehouse, a factory, or a commercial kitchen, we know how to help you get the best value for your money.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are epoxy topcoats and when are they the best option?
• What are polyaspartic topcoats and when are they the best option?
• When should you choose epoxy topcoats?
• When should you choose polyaspartic topcoats?
• A quick comparison of epoxy vs. polyaspartic topcoats
• How to choose the right flooring for your business

What Are Epoxy Topcoats and Where Are They the Best Option?

Epoxy topcoats are a strong option for concrete flooring, making them popular in businesses. When applied to concrete floors, epoxy creates a hard layer that can handle heavy foot traffic, equipment, moderate wear and tear, and moderate impacts. It’s great for environments where durability is important.

Epoxy is also well known for resisting stains, and abrasions, making it perfect for businesses that deal with some chemical or oil spills on top of wear and tear. 

However, epoxy takes longer to cure compared to polyaspartic coatings, meaning you will have to wait a bit longer for it to be ready for use.  It also has a UV (ultraviolet) light weakness.  Epoxy will yellow over time when exposed to light day after day, especially sunlight.  

Pros of Epoxy Topcoats

Durability: Epoxy floors are tough and can withstand heavy foot traffic, equipment, and moderate impacts.

Chemical Resistance: Epoxy protects against mild chemicals, oils, and solvents, making it ideal for places where spills happen often.

Customization: Epoxy comes in many colors and finishes, so you can customize your floors to match your business’s look.

Easy to Maintain: Epoxy is smooth and easy to clean. Most Dirt and stains don’t stick to it, so upkeep is simple.

Cons of Epoxy Topcoats

Temperature Sensitivity: Epoxy can crack if subjected to extreme temperature changes, in a process called thermal shock. It’s not the best option for places with big temperature swings, like refrigerated spaces, food plants, or commercial kitchens.

Longer Curing Time: Epoxy takes a comparatively long time to fully cure, usually 8 to 24 hours. This means more downtime for your business during installation.

Yellowing: UV Light will cause yellowing of epoxy flooring over time in many instances.  

Less scratch resistant: Epoxy, while strong, is less durable and scratch resistant compared to polyaspartic.

What Are Polyaspartic Topcoats and Where Are They the Best Option?

Polyaspartic topcoats are another type of durable flooring option, and they have some big advantages over epoxy. One of the main benefits of polyaspartic coatings is that they cure faster. This means you can get back to work sooner with less downtime. Polyaspartic coatings are great for businesses that need fast results, like retail stores or restaurants.

Another key benefit is that polyaspartic coatings don’t yellow or fade when exposed to sunlight. This makes them a great option for outdoor areas or spaces with lots of natural light, or where color retention is important.

Polyaspartic coatings are more expensive than epoxy, but their fast installation and extra durability make them a smart choice for some businesses.

Pros of Polyaspartic Topcoats

Superior Durability: Polyaspartic floors can handle heavy wear, high traffic, and chemicals. 

Quick Installation: Polyaspartic coatings cure quickly (usually 2-6 hours), so your business has less downtime during installation.

Great Chemical Resistance: Polyaspartic coatings are better than epoxy at handling tough chemicals and spills.

UV Stability: These coatings won’t discolor or degrade from sunlight, making them great for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Cons of Polyaspartic Topcoats

Higher Cost: Polyaspartic coatings are more expensive than epoxy, so it is not the right choice for businesses with tight budgets.

Complex Installation: Polyaspartic coatings cure quickly, but they need to be applied carefully. A skilled professional is needed to make sure the coating goes on right, or it might not last as long.

When Should You Choose Epoxy Topcoats?

Epoxy topcoats are great for businesses that need more affordable, durable floors for areas with moderate use. These are spaces that see a lot of foot traffic, light equipment use, and moderate exposure to chemicals. Epoxy is a good choice for warehouses, showrooms, or manufacturing areas.

If you need a floor that looks nice too, epoxy’s wide range of colors and finishes can help you create a professional, clean look for your business.  Most importantly,  if UV light and longer cure times are not an issue, then epoxy may be the best choice for your situation.    

When Should You Choose Polyaspartic Topcoats?

Polyaspartic topcoats are ideal for businesses that need high performance in tough conditions. These coatings are perfect for areas exposed to oils or chemicals, heavy traffic, or lots of sunlight. They are also great for places where the flooring needs to be installed very quickly, like commercial kitchens or high-traffic industrial areas.

If your business faces harsh conditions or you can’t afford to wait for flooring to cure, polyaspartic is the better option. They offer long-lasting protection and fast results.

Epoxy vs. Polyaspartic Topcoats: A Quick Comparison

Making the Right Flooring Decision for Your Needs

Choosing between epoxy and polyaspartic topcoats depends on your business's needs. Epoxy is a good choice if you want a durable, cost-effective solution for areas that don’t face extreme conditions. Polyaspartic is a better option if you need fast installation, better protection from chemicals, or a floor that can handle sunlight and UV without fading or discoloring.

Now that you understand the differences between epoxy and polyaspartic topcoats, think about your business's needs and consider things like the level of wear and tear your floors will face, and how quickly you need the job done. Once you know your priorities,  your next step is to take a look at price ranges and see what solution best fits your budget.