Grind and Seal Acrylic vs. Urethane Cement

When choosing flooring for your business, it’s easy to find yourself at one of two extremes. On one side, you have cost-saving options like Acrylic Sealers, which offer lower durability. On the other hand, you have more expensive solutions like Urethane Cement, known for its extreme durability and heavy-duty performance. Understanding the difference between these two extremes can help you navigate the many other options that fall in between.

Nobody knows your business needs better than you. At CustomCrete, we’ve been helping companies select the right flooring for over 20 years. We understand that you need a floor that will stand the test of time but also stay within your budget. That’s why we’re here to break down these two very different options, so you can make the best decision for your space.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding...

• What is Grind and Seal Acrylic? When is it the Best Option?
• What is Urethane Cement? When is it the Best Option?
• When Should You Choose Grind and Seal Acrylic?
• Grind and Seal Acrylic vs. Urethane Cement: A Side-by-Side Comparison
• When is Urethane Cement the Better Choice?
• Making the Right Flooring Decision for Your Business

What is Grind and Seal Acrylic? When is it the Best Option?

Grind and seal acrylic is a budget-friendly option for businesses that need a protected floor without spending too much. The process involves grinding the concrete to a smooth surface and then applying a protective acrylic sealer. The result is a sleek, glossy, or matte finish that adds some shine to your space while offering basic protection.

Grind and seal acrylic is great for light to medium traffic areas. These include small retail stores, showrooms, storage rooms, break rooms, and commercial spaces. It’s perfect for businesses that want a polished look or some basic protection but don’t need heavy-duty flooring.

What Are the Benefits of Grind and Seal Acrylic?

Affordable: Grind and seal acrylic costs much less upfront compared to urethane cement. It's quicker and simpler to install, which keeps costs down.

Polished Look: The glossy or matte finish gives your floor a sleek, professional look without the high price tag.

Easy Maintenance: With a smooth surface, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Dirt and spills stay on the surface, making cleanup quick and simple.

Quick Installation: Installation is fast, so you’ll spend less time in downtime and can get back to business sooner.

What Are the Disadvantages of Grind and Seal Acrylic?

Lower Durability: While it offers decent protection, it doesn’t stand up as well to heavy foot traffic or machinery as urethane cement. Over time, it may wear down.

Less Chemical Resistance: Acrylic sealers don’t handle chemicals, oils, or solvents very well compared to other systems.

May Need Reapplication: The sealer can break down over time. Reapplication may be needed to keep your floor looking good and protected.

What is Urethane Cement? When is it the Best Option?

Urethane cement is a high-performance flooring solution that’s built for tough environments. Made from a mix of cement and urethane resins, it creates a thick, highly durable floor that’s resistant to chemicals, heavy impacts, and extreme temperature changes. It also is great for any area that will face a lot of heavy foot traffic or fork lifts.  

It’s commonly used in food processing plants, chemical plants, refrigerated spaces, and cold storage warehouses. Anywhere the floor needs to handle constant wear and tear and be resistant to thermal shock. (A process where a sudden temperature change causes a coating to detach from the concrete floor.)

What Are the Benefits of Urethane Cement?

Exceptional Durability: Urethane cement handles heavy traffic, machinery, chemical spills, and extreme temperatures.

Chemical Resistance: It offers superior protection against oils, chemicals, and solvents. This makes it ideal for environments where spills are common.

Long-Lasting: Unlike grind and seal acrylic, urethane cement is designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. You won’t need to re-seal or re-coat it regularly.

Slip Resistant: Urethane cement can be textured to create a slip-resistant surface, which is key in places where safety is a concern.

Immune to Thermal Shock: Urethane cement is resistant to thermal shock, meaning it won’t crack or degrade when exposed to rapid temperature changes. This makes it perfect for facilities that experience heat or cold swings, like kitchens or warehouses.

Immune to Moisture Vapor Problems: Unlike some other flooring options, urethane cement is not prone to moisture vapor. This makes it ideal for areas with high humidity or where the concrete may have moisture issues, ensuring the floor won’t delaminate or peel over time.

What Are the Disadvantages of Urethane Cement?

Higher Initial Cost: Urethane cement has a higher upfront cost due to the more complex installation process and materials.

Longer Installation Time: Installation takes longer, meaning some downtime for your business.

When Should You Choose Grind and Seal Acrylic?

Grind and seal acrylic is a great choice if you're on a budget and need a floor that looks good and performs well for light to moderate use. It’s perfect for commercial spaces like retail stores, offices, or showrooms that don’t need heavy-duty protection. If your business doesn’t deal with a lot of foot traffic or machinery, this option gives you a cost-effective way to get a polished, easy-to-maintain floor. It’s also the best choice if you need a quick installation with minimal downtime.

When is Urethane Cement the Better Choice?

Urethane cement is the top choice for tough, demanding environments. It is durable, chemical-resistant, and long-lasting. It’s ideal for industries like food processing, manufacturing, or any business that faces heavy traffic, harsh chemicals, or extreme wear.

If you’re ready to invest in a high-performance floor that will last for years without needing much maintenance, urethane cement is the way to go. It’s also the top choice if slip resistance or chemical exposure is a major concern for your business.

Grind and Seal Acrylic vs. Urethane Cement: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Making the Right Flooring Decision for Your Business

Choosing between grind and seal acrylic and urethane cement comes down to your business’s needs. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-maintain floor that looks great and works for light to medium-duty spaces, grind and seal acrylic is the way to go. It’s fast, affordable, and provides solid protection.

But if you need a floor that can handle extreme conditions, with high durability, chemical resistance, and slip resistance, urethane cement is the better choice. Though it costs more upfront, its long-term durability and minimal maintenance make it worth the investment.

Now that you understand the differences between grind and seal acrylic and urethane cement, you need to understand different price ranges, and the factors that impact them, so you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.