Epoxy, polyurethane or polyurea - what works best for floors?

Outdoor and indoor exposure

Polyurea and polyurethane resins are resistant to weather conditions and UV radiation. They can be used outdoors (terraces, parking lots, driveways, etc.) as well as indoors (garages, production halls, warehouses, and home interiors). The UV resistance of polyurethane and polyurea coatings is chemically determined by the type of chains these compounds form (they do not form closed structures).

In the case of epoxies, UV exposure causes the bonds in the chains to break, resulting in the release of dye, for example. Epoxies have a natural tendency to yellow, or what's known as chalking. 

Method of hardening the coating

Polyurea , epoxy, and polyurethane resins are two-component products. The cross-linking process (curing, i.e., the bonding of the resin's functional groups with the active groups of the hardener) is initiated by combining the base with the hardener, which results in the formation of "bridges" between the resin molecules (creating seamless coatings).

Therefore, it's crucial to mix the ingredients in the correct proportions so that they react with each other in the correct amounts. If the components are mixed incorrectly or their quantities are incorrectly selected, the cross-linking process can be disrupted, resulting in the coating becoming sticky, brittle, and susceptible to damage. 

Time interval between layers/full curing of the system

The time interval between coats is crucial. Some polyureas, epoxies, and polyurethanes are solvent-based. This means that the solvent evaporates as the coating cures. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain adequate time between coats to avoid "sealing" the solvent with the next layer of resin.

Similarly, the coating's full curing time must be observed. The coating may appear cured on the surface, but it's important to remember that these products undergo chemical curing, which isn't immediately apparent. In summary, mechanical curing, which involves the applied product gripping the substrate, and chemical curing, which involves the polymerization process, occur continuously. 

Which is more durable: polyurethane or epoxy? Mechanical resistance of coatings

epoxy resins have the highest abrasion resistance . However, the differences between polyurea, polyurethane, and epoxy are insignificant, meaning that each of these products demonstrates very good abrasion resistance and is ideal for use in spaces such as warehouses, production halls, and garages.