Floor coatings, by definition, are “opaque coatings that are labeled and designed for floors.” They are not limited just to floors but can be extended to decks, porches, steps, or any horizontal surface which may be subjected to pedestrian traffic.
In other words, floor coating is a strong overcoat of chemically synthesized materials. But why do I need floor coating?Floor coatings are necessary for commercial and industrial areas. Other than aesthetic purposes, floor coatings are a must-have for heavy activity areas to ensure durability.
Floor coatings come in many types of materials. The most popular ones are listed below. Currently, Hychem Engineered products and solutions for flooring is the most well-trusted company for floor coatings with various materials available. Check them out to know more.
Types Of Floor Coatings.
Although you can find various materials with different thicknesses and different properties, here are the most common types of floor coatings.
EpoxyFloor Coating.
Epoxy floor coating is made when epoxy raisins are mixed with a hardened polyamine. The chemical reaction caused by the mixing of these two happens before application.
Epoxy floors are the most demanded due to their rigidness, hardness, and impact resistance. Epoxy floors are ideal for areas that will be under heavy-duty applications. This includes warehouses, industrial flooring, or any area that will be under heavy forklift traffic.
Although they are very resistant to damage and chemicals, the biggest con of epoxy floor coating is that it has a long and difficult application process.
PolyurethaneFloor Coating.
Polyurethane is a thermosetting polymer that can be made of one or two components. It is not affected by high temperatures or UV rays hence it is most suitable for outdoor or in areas with high-temperature environments.
Polyurethane floor coatings are softer than epoxy and much more elastic in nature. This is why polyurethane floors are resistant to blemishes, abrasions, and scrappings.
The con of polyurethane floor coating is that they are sensitive and reactive to moisture.
Acrylic Floor Coating.
Usually, acrylic floor coatings are made of monomers such as butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, or methyl methacrylate. This type of floor coating is cheaper in cost but they are much less reliable in durability and quality than epoxy or polyurethane floor coatings.
Acrylic coatings require re-coating more frequently than other materials making their maintenance much more expensive than the initial cost you save. Acrylic coats are suitable for minimal pedestrian traffic, decorative purposes, etc. In shorter words, it is suitable for surfaces that have the minimum chance of chemical spills.
Methyl Methacrylate MMAFloor Coating.
MMA floor coating is your go-to if you want quick installation. MMA floors are most popular due to their aesthetics, chemical resistance, rapid installation, slip resistance, water resistance, etc. The biggest pro of MMA floor coating is that it is most suitable for very low-temperature environments. It comes in a variety of finishes that make it suitable and admirable for hospitals, educational institutes, retail floors, art galleries, manufacturing facilities, and sports complexes. MMA floors are also very low maintenance when it comes to cleaning.
