Impact-Resistant Coatings for Concrete

Coatings

• Coating is a broad term that applies to any material that is added to cured concrete for either aesthetic or protective purposes. Impact-resistant coatings are designed to help protect the concrete from damage due to exposure to traffic or other types of blows. Impact-resistant coatings may also protect the concrete from certain chemical contamination, such as oil leaking from a vehicle. Two common types of impact-resistant coatings are epoxies and polyaspartics.

Epoxies

• Epoxy coatings provide a high-luster, long-lasting, impact-resistant coating for concrete, according to the Concrete Network. Epoxy coatings come in two varieties, including traditional two-step epoxies that must be carefully mixed in the right proportions, and the newer one-step epoxies that can be applied without mixing. New developments in epoxies include varieties that are quick drying and varieties that are breathable, allowing them to be applied to concrete that has only cured for a few days.

Polyaspartics

• Polyaspartics are part of the polyurethane family of coatings. Polyaspartics have numerous advantages over epoxies in that they can be applied during surface temperatures ranging from -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These impact-resistant coatings cure rapidly, usually in less than 24 hours, but some varieties can cure in less than two hours. They dry clear, do not yellow under ultraviolet light and have a higher abrasion resistance than epoxy. Polyaspartics usually are more expensive than epoxies.

Considerations

• You should conduct a thorough evaluation of the condition of the concrete you wish to coat before deciding on the type of coating that is best for your project. The concrete should be structurally sound and free of dirt, debris or chemical compounds such as curing agents that might prevent a coating from adhering to the concrete. Any cracks or other imperfections in the surface must be repaired before applying the coating. You should consider the type of use the concrete surface will be subjected to and whether the aesthetic appearance of the surface is a consideration before determining which type of coating is most appropriate.