Epoxy-Coat vs Armorclad

[deosola]

I'm sure this has been asked and debated before but I have to ask just because I'm very close to purchasing either Epoxy-Coat or Armorclad for my 3-car garage.

Both look basically the same except for the top coat. Is that true?

Also, for the top coat, Epoxy-Coat recommends Performance Polyurea for the top coat. Are they saying that is what they are providing or do we have to ask and pay more for Performance Polyurea?

If they are similar, cost would seem be in Armorclad's favor since it appears they are slightly cheaper.

Which would you ultimately recommend and why?

Thanks
Terry

 

[Garage Flooring]

I have never used either product but I will say this. Epoxy coat is active in the forum, supports their customers and sells a quality product by all accounts. If I was picking between the two (or any two products) I would go with the company that is going to support me.

 

[P0234]

EC has great support and will give you free shipping when you tell them you are a forum member.

 

[tmschmal]

I've been considering these two, also for a 3 car garage project. I sent Epoxy Coat a message through their website a couple days ago, but haven't gotten a response.

I was leaning towards using EC, because they sound more confident in using their product without a clear coat. Does anyone have any opinions in regards to not using the top coat?

I don't want the slick surface that typically comes with a top coat and I don't care about the gloss look. I'm looking for protection from auto fluids, should get much sun either.

 

[deosola]

I don't want the slick surface that typically comes with a top coat and I don't care about the gloss look. I'm looking for protection from auto fluids, should get much sun either.

I think you'll get a slick surface if you use a clear top coat or not.

In looking at the anti-slip materials being used, it appears that the ones by Legacy Industries and the one from Alpha Garage are better than most. My old house has Ucoatit w/their alumina silica but I didn't like how rough that was.

I am considering using Epoxy Coat w/a Alpha Garage top coat and their anti-slip additive.

 

[tmschmal]

What about a medium density of flakes broadcast into the epoxy? Will that give any traction, or do they sink below the surface?

 

[rugerlady]

Flakes will help minimally with traction. We do carry 3 different size nonskid. If you want a finer grit than normally sent all you have to do is ask.

 

[AlphaGarage]

Aluminum Oxide (AO) is a pretty aggressive grit. That's good because it's very durable and provides a lot of traction, but the downside is that it's tough to deal with. It will shred mops, spills are difficult to clean, and you can get serious road rash if your skin comes in contact with it. It's often cleaned with pressure or steam cleaners.

The engineered polymer grit (SuperGrip is our version) is small polymer beads, it has rounded edges so it's easy to clean, I use those blue paper shop towels to wipe up spills. The trade off is that it's not as "grippy", and it might wear down in high traffic areas. It looks a lot like table salt, so it can be visible, although when used with flakes it's not too noticeable.

There are a lot of other specialized grit additives out there... stainless steel etc.

 

[fromnwmt]

I just finished clear coating our epoxy coated floor & used aluminum oxide in the clear it is VERY aggressive where I added extra next to the man door especially! I was moving the rubber cove base around face down as I installed it a few spots look like I hit it with a sander. But since it feels like we have snow 8 months a year I should not slip.