Choosing the right coating system can completely change the performance and lifespan of your floor or surface. Epoxy and polyurethane are two of the most commonly used protective coatings — but they behave very differently. If you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an old floor, this simple guide will help you understand which option suits your project.
What Makes Epoxy a Popular Choice?
Epoxy is known for its strong, durable finish. Once applied and cured, it creates a hard, thick protective layer that bonds well to concrete.
Key benefits of epoxy:
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Strong resistance to chemicals, oils, and spills
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Very hard surface ideal for workshops and garages
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Seamless, smooth finish
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Great for high-load areas or places with heavy equipment
Epoxy works best in indoor spaces or controlled environments where UV exposure and movement are minimal.
Why Choose Polyurethane?
Polyurethane (PU) is a flexible, high-performance coating often used as a topcoat. It’s thinner than epoxy, but more elastic — making it suitable where movement and temperature changes are common.
Key benefits of polyurethane:
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Excellent UV resistance (great for outdoor or sun-exposed areas)
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Better scratch and abrasion resistance
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Holds colour and gloss extremely well
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Flexible enough to handle vibration and expansion
Polyurethane is ideal for balconies, outdoor walkways, commercial floors, and spaces needing long-term appearance retention.
Epoxy vs Polyurethane: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Epoxy | Polyurethane |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | Very high | Medium-high (flexible) |
| UV Stability | Low | Excellent |
| Chemical Resistance | Very good | Very good |
| Appearance Retention | Good | Excellent |
| Ideal Use | Indoor floors, garages, workshops | Outdoor areas, commercial spaces, topcoats |
Which Coating Should You Choose?
Choose epoxy if you want:
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Strong indoor flooring
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Heavy-duty protection
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A hard, long-lasting base system
Choose polyurethane if you need:
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UV resistance
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Better flexibility
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Outdoor durability
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A protective topcoat over epoxy
This gives you the durability of epoxy and the weather protection of polyurethane.
Best of Both Worlds: The Hybrid System
For many floors, the most reliable system is:
Epoxy basecoat + Polyurethane topcoat
