Homeowners researching polyaspartic flooring often see epoxy mentioned alongside it and assume the two products serve the same purpose. In reality, epoxy and polyurea-polyaspartic coatings play very different roles inside a professionally installed garage floor coating system. Knowing how each material works helps ensure your floor performs long after installation day.
The Role of Epoxy Floor Coating Beneath Polyaspartic Flooring
An epoxy floor coating is valued for its ability to be applied thickly and bond aggressively to concrete. This makes a (moisture-mitigating) epoxy an excellent primer and base layer, particularly in garages and basements where moisture conditions must be addressed correctly. A moisture-mitigating epoxy goes down thickly (it’s a high-build coating), deeply penetrates the concrete slab, and creates a stable foundation for the rest of the system. (It acts as a moisture vapor barrier).
Epoxy coatingss are also well suited for interior applications where direct sunlight is limited. While epoxy is extremely durable, it does not offer strong UV resistance. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause chalking or discoloration, which is why epoxy is typically not used as the final surface in garages (it is buried under a full flake broadcast).
Why Polyaspartic Flooring Is Used as the Finished Surface
Once the moisture-mitigating base coat is installed, only then does the polyaspartic coating become the star of the system. Polyurea-polyaspartic coatings cure quickly and deliver outstanding resistance to UV exposure, chemicals, oils, and hot tire pickup. These qualities make a polyaspartic floor coating ideal topcoats for garages, workshops, and other high use environments.
It is important to note, however, that polyaspartic coatings are not recommended for direct-to-concrete application (because the go down thinly and cure so quickly in the presence of moisture). Instead, these coatings excel as a color coat and/or topcoat installed over an epoxy base.
Building a Garage Floor Coating That Lasts in Ohio
The most durable garage floor coating systems do not rely on a single product. Epoxy provides the bond and structure. Polyaspartic flooring delivers long term protection and visual appeal. Together, they create a floor designed to handle seasonal changes, vehicle traffic, and daily wear.
Forte Garage Floor Coating also offers a Live Coatings Visualizer, giving you the ability to preview colors and flake blends in your actual garage or home. This tool makes it easy to see how different polyaspartic flooring styles will complement your space before installation begins.
Schedule Your Consultation with Forte
If you are considering polyaspartic flooring in the Akron or Cleveland area, Forte Garage Floor Coating is ready to help. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation, explore design options, and install a garage floor coating system built for long term performance and everyday use.