Polyurea vs. Epoxy

HomePolyurea vs. Epoxy

Learn about the difference between polyurea and epoxy coatings.

If you want to add a coating to a concrete floor, whether it’s a patio, laundry room, or garage floor, you have two main coating options: epoxy or polyurea. Although both will provide that glossy shine, only one of these coatings is flexible and resistant to impact.

Polyurea vs. Epoxy

Epoxy is made from a polyamine hardener combined with epoxy resin. When applied, a solid epoxy coating will create a glossy, hard finish once it’s done curing, and this will seal the porous concrete. Many people confuse epoxy coatings with epoxy paint – paint made from epoxy is comprised of latex acrylic and has a little bit of epoxy in its formula. Just like epoxy paint will stain and peel over time, epoxy coatings will crack and chip as time passes.

Comparatively, polyurea is a form of elastomer. If the word “elastic” came to your mind, then this is the basis of how epoxy and polyurea are different. Not only does polyurea cure faster, but this coating is rubberier.

If you’re trying to choose between epoxy and polyurea, polyurea will win every time. This material is more flexible and moves with the concrete, is more impact resistant, and is much more durable than epoxy.

Although many people do epoxy jobs themselves, we want you to know that polyurea flooring is not a DIY job. We carefully prepare the surface to extract grease and stains and fix any damage before application. Meticulous preparation is essential to making sure a solid bond occurs between the coating and the concrete during application.


Once applied, polyurea will provide a smooth, attractive garage floor that resists tire marks, extreme heat, grease, and oil. For more information about polyurea coatings, contact us at Spartan Concrete Coatings today.


At Spartan Concrete Coatings, we proudly serve Concord, Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Huntersville, Mooresville, Sherrills Ford, and Terrell, North Carolina.