We need a sticky to decipher floor types. This is confusing.

[haugy]

I'm about to start my shop. My last one had Epoxy that did the job just fine. No complaints. But this next shop is bigger (2,000 sqft) so I have to also weigh some costs.

But can someone, help me (with pictures) understand the differences between epoxy, polyurea, polyspartic, polished with some magic chemical on it, polygamy, etc. I mean I can't keep up with the different types, what they are good for, what things can hurt them (welding etc).

I'm wanting a floor coating, I don't like the look of naked concrete. But I'm wanting white, close to white, possibly light gray. I don't care if it's flaked, swirled like marble (which is badass), etc. I'm expecting each to have their weaknesses, but since my welding is normally contained to an area or table, I'm not overly worrying about that. The rest does put some use on it. Wear and tear like a garage should.

Can you guys help me understand the differences in product, application ease, finished results? I have a feeling that unless this easy enough for my 9yr old to do it, I'll also be looking to hire it out.

I will say, I'm not doing any tile. Not knocking it, but for this size and use, no tiles will be used.

 

[Garage Flooring]

I'm about to start my shop. My last one had Epoxy that did the job just fine. No complaints. But this next shop is bigger (2,000 sqft) so I have to also weigh some costs.

But can someone, help me (with pictures) understand the differences between epoxy, polyurea, polyspartic, polished with some magic chemical on it, polygamy, etc. I mean I can't keep up with the different types, what they are good for, what things can hurt them (welding etc).

I'm wanting a floor coating, I don't like the look of naked concrete. But I'm wanting white, close to white, possibly light gray. I don't care if it's flaked, swirled like marble (which is badass), etc. I'm expecting each to have their weaknesses, but since my welding is normally contained to an area or table, I'm not overly worrying about that. The rest does put some use on it. Wear and tear like a garage should.

Can you guys help me understand the differences in product, application ease, finished results? I have a feeling that unless this easy enough for my 9yr old to do it, I'll also be looking to hire it out.

I will say, I'm not doing any tile. Not knocking it, but for this size and use, no tiles will be used.

First, it is important to understand that every application is different. Floor condition, use, chemical exposure, budget all play a role. Here is an article that is constantly updated https://www.garageflooringllc.com/2020-guide-to-garage-flooring/

White... Flake or no flake?

Assuming no-flake you would either want a 3 coat Polyurea system with pretty darn near mak mil thickness per coat. I'd go @200 Sq.Ft per gallon with most of what is here. This option would work with flake as well

Why: Polyurea. Won't yellow. Great chemical resistance. Very durable

I am not a fan of white epoxy and definitely not with flake. If I wanted to do epoxy in white I would do a tinted topcoat.

In general, Polyurea is easier to install. No pot life issues. If professionally installed Polyaspartic is also a great option.

 

[haugy]

First, it is important to understand that every application is different. Floor condition, use, chemical exposure, budget all play a role. Here is an article that is constantly updated https://www.garageflooringllc.com/2020-guide-to-garage-flooring/

White... Flake or no flake?

Assuming no-flake you would either want a 3 coat Polyurea system with pretty darn near mak mil thickness per coat. I'd go @200 Sq.Ft per gallon with most of what is here. This option would work with flake as well

Why: Polyurea. Won't yellow. Great chemical resistance. Very durable

I am not a fan of white epoxy and definitely not with flake. If I wanted to do epoxy in white I would do a tinted topcoat.

In general, Polyurea is easier to install. No pot life issues. If professionally installed Polyaspartic is also a great option.

Thank you for the article. I had also wondered about stain with polyurea. I'm not really looking for flake as much as a brighter color to brighten the shop as well as making bolts and things easier to find. I saw a piece someone did a white polyurea https://www.garageflooringllc.com/2017/05/15/white-garage-floor-coating-polyurea/ Is the polyurea tinted?

I see your point on polyurea, and that's what I'm looking for. Good oil/fluid resistance and I do like the potlife concern.

 

[nadogail]

My epoxy floor did not stand up well to the slag dropped as I was learning how to use my Arc Welder.

 

[Sumboodie]

My epoxy floor did not stand up well to the slag dropped as I was learning how to use my Arc Welder.

Same.

Not sure what product does. It's cheap enough to redo every 5 -10 years though.