Whether used for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, today’s concrete floor coatings are sophisticated. For optimal protection against chemicals, impact, and other types of abuse, it is essential that you choose the appropriate coating.
4 Primary Classifications
The ways that concrete floor coatings are classified include:
Thickness – Protective coatings come in different thicknesses, such as a thin film of 1 to 10 mils, a high build that ranges between 10 and 30 mils, slurries of 40 to 125 mils, and toppings/overlays that start at 125 mils and go up to 1/2 inch or thicker.
Type of Polymer – Concrete floor coatings are also classified by the type of polymer, including polyurethane, vinyl ester, epoxy, polyester, methacrylic, methyl, and others. Among thousands of unique formulations, polyurethanes and epoxies are the most preferred. For thin-film to high-build coatings, urethanes are generally used because of their superior wear and abrasion resistance as well as acceptance of chemical and stain enhancements.
Aesthetics – Because there is such a wide variety of coatings available, you can customize your floor to match the aesthetics of your home or business.
Flooring Finish – The finish is another important category; the flooring can be smooth or textured.
Other Considerations
When looking at concrete floor coatings, the type and severity of abuse are important.
1. Chemical Exposure – Chemical spills can be a problem. In choosing the best type of coating, first identify the type of chemical exposure your floor will face.
2. Abrasion – The amount of wear or traffic on the floor’s surface is extremely important; not just foot traffic but also heavy equipment and machinery traffic.
3. Impact – Along with a thicker or heavier floor system, the right floor coatings can handle impact from heavy loads.
4. Thermal Shock – Without the appropriate flooring system and coating, any type of thermal shock causes a loss of bond.