Selecting the Best Epoxy Topcoats for Concrete Floorings

August 31, 2019

If you’ve recently installed or are planning to install a concrete floor, you know your floor won’t truly be ready without an effective topcoat. For most people, this means you’ll want the perfect epoxy topcoat to meet your needs. Each kind of concrete floor has different requirements. While a concrete floor in an industrial setting might see a lot of machine traffic and harsh chemicals, another floor in a supermarket will mostly see foot traffic, no harsh chemicals, and must fulfill certain aesthetic needs, so it will likely require a different kind of epoxy topcoat. Here are a few characteristics of the different kinds of epoxy topcoats that might help you find the one that’s best for you.

Epoxy

In its basic formulation, an epoxy topcoat is the most cost-effective option. On the downside, it scratches more easily than the alternatives, can turn yellow over time if it’s in direct sunlight, and can be slippery under wet conditions if a nonskid surface isn’t applied. On the plus side, it has a lower VOC (volatile organic compound) count than the other options, so it’s safe to apply and reapply.

Polyurethanes

Due to the fact that it’s UV-resistant, won’t yellow, and has a very high VOC count, polyurethanes are well-suited for outdoor use. While it’s very easy to apply, it dries thin and can’t be applied onto bare concrete, so you’ll need to hire surface preparation services in New England before application can proceed.

Polyaspartic

Perhaps the most aesthetically appealing of the different epoxy topcoats, polyaspartic has a high glossy finish, and is very low in VOC count, so it’s ideally suited for concrete floors that see a lot of customer traffic, such as in showrooms and supermarkets. Although it dries quickly, it’s slippery unless a nonstick surface coating is applied.

Novolac

A tough and durable surface, novolac is resistant to heavy acids and chemicals and is resilient in the face of heavy vehicle traffic, making it a perfect concrete floor for certain kinds of factories and industrial spaces. These characteristics and the fact that it is very impact- and abrasion-resistant makes novolac among the pricier epoxy topcoat options.

Other Options

While the variety and effectiveness of epoxy topcoats make them well-suited for several different kinds of environments, they aren’t always the best option for everyone, so it’s important that you conduct the necessary due diligence before settling upon the perfect topcoat. If you think you don’t need a topcoat, that’s an option we wouldn’t recommend and ask that you rethink your position. Topcoats are necessary to maintain and extend the life of your concrete, create safe working conditions, and prevent the spread of hazardous chemicals. Concrete on its own is incapable of providing the kind of service as when it’s paired with an effective topcoat.

When you’re ready to move forward with applying the topcoat that fits your needs, call Advanced Prep Coat, Inc. at (800) 230-2937. We’re experts in concrete surface preparation in New England, and we’ll make sure you have the best concrete floor to suit your purposes. Give us a call today!