Comparing Epoxies and Polyureas is a bit like comparing apples with oranges!
There are very distinct advantages depending on the application, but for most applications, polyurea is preferred over the more traditional epoxy coating.
Epoxies require a catalyst to drive the reaction – whereas polyurea has no catalyst. This is particularly beneficial in
Specifiers, contractors and asset owners
Epoxies and Polyureas are completely different products with their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the application.
Epoxies have been used for decades – they are a two-part system consisting of a part a (Resin) and part b (Isocyanate). Polyureas are the new guys on the scene – first developed in the 1990’s – are also a two-component system (resin and isocyanate).
Strength:
Thanks to a great little device known as a Shore A Gauge, it is easy to test the hardness of coatings products.
Flexibility:
Strength is one of those measurements subject to a little – subjectivity! Strength without flexibility means a coating is far more susceptible to damage from impact due to its inability to sustain and survive great impact.
Environmental factors:
Epoxies are particularly sensitive to amine bloom – a waxy coating that can develop on an epoxy if the temperature and relative humidity conditions are not ideal. Polyurea is fast curing and pure polyureas will cure even in temperatures below freezing.
Gel time:
Polyurea has a gel time of seconds! It is exceptionally fast – which means it cannot be applied manually – requiring specialised plural proportioning equipment. Epoxies take hours – or even days to set – therefore hand mixing and application with a roller are standard.
Ease of application:
Polyurea requires specialised equipment and techniques to be applied.
Durability:
Return to service:
This is the area where polyurea really shines. Epoxies simply cannot compete with touch-dry time of seconds, walk-on within 5 minutes and return to service within hours. Epoxies take hours (sometimes even days) to cure, meaning a longer wait time if the asset you’ve coated needs to get back to work.
Resistance to chemicals:
Adhesion to concrete and steel:
Aesthetics:
An epoxy floor coating can result in a glossy finish, however it will turn yellow when exposed to sunlight.
There is so much misinformation in the market when it comes to polyurea. This is what it is not:
Polyurea is not polyurethane
Polyurea bonds very well to concrete and steel
The thickness of polyurea is adjustable – as it is spray-applied it can be applied anywhere from 1.5mm to approximately 5mm thick.
