While it may not seem like much, flooring can be one of the most important defining features of any room in your house. Besides making your home aesthetic, they also protect the underlying flooring materials from damage and corrosion. It is important to put a lot of thought and time into deciding the best floor coatings for your home.
Are you thinking of installing floor coatings but not sure which kind to choose? We understand how difficult this can be, especially if you’re not an expert. This article will take you through four different types of coatings for residential and commercial spaces.
Epoxy
This coating is made by mixing resin and a polyamine hardener. Resin is poured onto your concrete and allowed to cure. Once cured, a hardener or accelerator is applied.
Epoxy is one of the most popular floor coatings for several reasons. First, it is extremely durable, so you don’t have to worry about scuffs and scratches. Second, it comes in many finishes, including high gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and matt. Third, you can customize your epoxy coating with virtually any color of your choice to create a custom look or keep it natural for a more professional appearance.
Epoxy requires an expert to apply it correctly. If you don’t have experience dealing with this coating, you might make mistakes along the way or leave too many gaps between applications. This might make your floor vulnerable to water damage.
Acrylic
Acrylic floor coating is made from liquid polymers that are hardened by heat. This flooring is ideal for its cost and fast-curing span, saving time and labor requirements. It is also easy to buff the surface of an acrylic floor in case of damage.
While you may want to choose an acrylic floor coating to cut costs, you need to consider where you’re putting it. This coating is not ideal for surfaces with high foot traffic. However, you might want to install it in your kitchen or bathroom to enhance its appeal.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a polymer that belongs to the carbamates. One of its distinctive features is the ability to withstand melting when exposed to heat. If you’re not keen enough, a polyurethane floor coating may look similar to an epoxy coated floor coating.
What differentiates polyurethane from epoxy is its softness and elasticity. The former is more elastic and softer than the latter. This property makes polyurethane-coated floors ideal for car parks and areas that receive more foot traffic.
Due to their high sensitivity to moisture, polyurethane floors may not be suitable for areas with high humidity. Too much water causes the surface of these floors to develop bubbles which can cause stains.
Polyurea
Polyurea floor coatings are produced by combining a resin with a catalyst that activates the curing process. These floor coatings fit where you can’t use epoxy or polyurethane-coated floors for different reasons.
What makes polyurea exceptional is the ability to be used as a flooring system and a topcoat. In areas where you may need a double coat of epoxy or polyurethane, polyurea may work well with just a single coat. This can significantly reduce labor and material costs.
Polyurea-coated floors are suitable for busy areas, including malls, schools, and airports. Like epoxies, they also require an expert to apply. Installing them on your own might result in serious respiratory issues.
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If you want to upgrade your floor, there are different types of floor coatings you may want to consider, from epoxy to acrylic and polyurethane. To settle on the best option, consult an expert for valuable insights. If you’re in Irvine, CA, our professionals at California Marble will offer you the best floor coating advice. Get a free quote today and transform your home into your dream castle.
