Five Problems with Acrylic Sealed Concrete

When you're looking to install new flooring, it can feel like an endless maze of choices. Acrylic sealed concrete often pops up as a tempting solution.  After all, it has low upfront costs, a shiny appearance, and a short installation time.  It makes it seem like a great, cost-effective fix… And for some situations it absolutely is.  But sometimes, opting for the cheaper fix can lead to paying more down the road.  If your needs outstrip the capabilities of an Acrylic floor, then you might find yourself paying more than you bargained for. 

At CustomCrete, we've been in the flooring business for over 20 years, helping businesses make educated decisions when it comes to their flooring needs.  We know a lot about this business, but we understand that nobody knows your needs better than you. 

By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of 5 problems with Acrylic sealed concrete that a lot of people do not know when they first encounter the option.  If you find that these issues do not align with your needs then it may be advantageous to explore other flooring solutions that are out there.  But, if by the end Acrylic sealer still seems like it checks all of your boxes, then you can move forward with confidence in your choice.  

Five Problems with Acrylic sealed concrete

1.  Acrylic sealed concrete has a Misleading Low Startup Cost

2. Acrylic sealed concrete Doesn’t Last as Long as Other Flooring Options

3. Acrylic sealed concrete is Not as Durable To Wear as Other Flooring Options

4. Acrylic sealed concrete Stains Easily

5. Acrylic sealed concrete has Limited Aesthetic Flexibility

1: Acrylic sealed concrete has a Misleading Low Startup Cost

Acrylic sealed concrete can be appealing due to its low initial cost compared to more durable options like epoxy or polished concrete. However, this low price can be misleading. Acrylic flooring often requires more maintenance and frequent refinishing, especially in high-traffic areas. 

Over time, the cost of coating and concrete touch-ups, cleaning, and eventual replacements can add up to tens of thousands, making it more expensive than you might have originally anticipated. If you're planning on keeping your floor for the long term, investing a bit more upfront is actually more cost-effective in the long run.  

However, every situation is different.  Perhaps the only factor you care about is the low upfront cost.  If that is the case, then acrylic floors are the most budget friendly option.  

2: Acrylic sealed concrete Doesn’t Last as Long as Other Flooring Options

While acrylic floors are a quick and inexpensive fix, their lifespan doesn’t compare to alternatives like polished concrete or epoxy. Acrylic sealed concrete typically needs to be replaced or refinished every 3 to 7 years, depending on the wear and tear.  Alternatively, options like polished concrete or grind-and-seal epoxy can last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. 

If you’re looking for a flooring solution that will stand the test of time and handle heavy use, acrylic floors are not the best investment. Opting for a more durable option upfront could save you the hassle of frequent repairs or replacements.

Still, if your situation is such that you are not going to be in a space for the long term, then maybe you just need a quick fix that looks good.  If that is your situation, look no further than an Acrylic sealed concrete system.  

3: Acrylic sealed concrete is Not as Durable To Wear as Other Flooring Options

Acrylic sealed concrete is relatively thin (.5- 1 mil) compared to other industrial flooring options. This means they’re more prone to scratches, chips, and wear from foot traffic, heavy equipment, or dropped items. 

Over time, Acrylic sealed concrete can lose its shine and become damaged more easily than more resilient materials like epoxy or polished concrete.   You may notice traffic marks in spots that are frequently used like walking paths or under desks. So if your space experiences frequent traffic, spills, or even just everyday use, acrylic floors do not hold up as well as other options. 

Other solutions, like polished concrete, have extreme durability. These alternatives offer much more resistance to physical stress and are less likely to show signs of damage over time.

Still,  if you are looking for basic protection for a concrete floor that will not see a lot of foot traffic, an Acrylic sealed concrete is a low cost option.  

4: Acrylic sealed concrete Stains Easily

Acrylic sealed concrete has a smooth, glossy finish when first installed, but it is not as resistant to stains as other flooring types. Oils, colored liquids like wine, soda, or juice, chemicals, and even certain cleaning products can quickly leave marks that are difficult to remove. Acrylic coatings provide some level of protection, but they’re very thin coatings and are far from foolproof. 

In high-use areas like kitchens or garages, spills and stains can quickly degrade the floor’s appearance. Even with regular cleaning, stubborn stains may persist, often requiring refinishing or replacement. If you need a floor that resists stains and keeps its appearance over time, you may want to consider alternatives like epoxy or polished concrete, which offer greater stain resistance and are much easier to clean and maintain.

If your space will not be subject to spills or stains, then Acrylic is a viable solution that will have a sleek and glossy look to it.   

5: Acrylic sealed concrete has Limited Aesthetic Flexibility

Another important consideration with acrylic flooring is its aesthetic limitations. Acrylic is a thin coating applied over your existing concrete surface. This means the underlying condition of the concrete, whether it’s cracked, uneven, or stained, will be visible through the acrylic layer. 

While the glossy finish of Acrylic sealed concrete can provide a clean look, it won’t address any structural flaws in the concrete below. Furthermore, the range of colors and textures available with acrylic coatings is relatively limited compared to options like epoxy. If you’re looking for a high-quality, customized look that can transform a space, you may find that polished concrete or grind-and-seal epoxy offer more flexibility in design and the same kind of seamless, durable finish.

Still, if you are looking for a budget friendly, glossy flooring solution, Acrylic Flooring will provide that for you.  

Final Thoughts on Acrylic sealed concrete 

Acrylic sealed concrete can be a good choice when the budget is a primary concern, and the space won’t see heavy use. However, if your floor faces high traffic or chemicals, consider more durable options. Polished concrete or grind-and-seal epoxy are a better investment for a long-lasting, high durability if that better suits your needs. Both of these alternatives offer similar aesthetics with greater durability, longer lifespans, and lower overall maintenance costs, making them an excellent choice for spaces that need more robust flooring solutions.

Ultimately, the best flooring choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic preferences. By understanding the limitations of acrylic flooring, you can make a more informed decision and select the best option for your space.  

Now that you know the problems that come along with the lower upfront pricing of Acrylic Flooring if your situation is unaffected by any of the issues outlined above, you should learn about pricing and factors that affect costs for concrete flooring projects.