Polyurethane vs Polyurea vs Epoxy
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Polyurethane |
Polyurea |
Epoxy |
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Forms a weak bond when applied |
Polyurea forms a very strong |
Epoxy forms a very strong bond |
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directly to concrete. Usually used |
bond to concrete |
to concrete |
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as a top coat with an epoxy based |
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primer |
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Has been in use for 20+ years |
Has been in use for 30+ years |
Has been in use for 65 years |
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Must be top coated every 4-7 |
Lasts indefinitely if applied |
High quality Epoxies last |
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years |
properly, even in challenging |
indefinitely if applied properly in |
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environments |
the right environment |
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Polyurethane has elongation |
Polyurea has elongation |
Cures to a very hard surface – |
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properties similar to polyurea |
properties more than 50 times |
Epoxy cannot handle expanding |
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that of epoxy – making it highly |
and contracting concrete found |
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resistant to cracking |
outdoors |
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Works well indoors and outdoors |
Polyurea works well outdoors as |
Not recommended for outdoor |
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well as indoors. Installations can |
use. Epoxy cannot handle the |
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be done in very challenging |
constantly fluctuating state of |
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environments and perform well |
outdoor concrete. |
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Can be installed in temperatures |
Polyurea flooring products can be |
Epoxy can only be properly |
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ranging from -6 - 43C |
installed in temperatures ranging |
installed in temperatures above |
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from -29 to 55C |
10C |
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Installs and cures in 2 – 4 days |
Installs and cures in one day |
Installs and cures in 6 -8 days |
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Moderately susceptible to hot tire |
Polyurea is highly resistant to hot |
Properly installed industrial |
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pick up |
tire pick up |
grade epoxy is highly resistant to |
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hot tire pick up |
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Generates strong odors when |
Generates almost no odors when |
Generates strong odors when |
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curing |
curing |
curing |
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Highly resistant to oils and most |
Highly resistant to oils and most |
Industrial grade Epoxies (Not |
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contaminants |
contaminants- just wipe up spills. |
store box epoxies) are very oil |
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No trace is left |
and chemical resistant |
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More resistant to fading than |
Polyurea is 100% UV resistant, so |
Industrial grade epoxies do not |
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epoxy |
it will not fade |
fade overtime |
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Retains traction when wet |
Retains traction when wet |
Properly installed epoxies retain |
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traction when wet |
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Moderate VOC Levels |
Green Product – most forms of |
Industrial grade epoxies have |
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Polyurea have zero or extremely |
Low VOCs |
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low VOCs |
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Many color options |
Many color options |
Many color options |
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Can be used as a single surface |
Is able to coat walls and floors as |
Epoxy can be used as a single |
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coating between floors and walls |
one surface, which prevents |
surface coating between floors |
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bacteria growth in wall cavities |
and walls |
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and makes cleaning much easier |
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