The main difference between a polished concrete floor and an epoxy floor is that polished concrete reveals the concrete itself, while epoxy is a coating over the top of the concrete. If you want your concrete floor to look like concrete, choose polishing. If you want a floor with a very customizable look and a highly durable coating, consider using epoxy. Epoxy can also provide a non-slip surface, which affects the look as well as the feel of the floor.
Epoxy flooring systems are made using multiple layers of coatings, while polished concrete is created using specialized machinery to form a burnished and smooth surface. Both offer exciting benefits you won’t see in other flooring materials. Choosing between polished concrete and epoxy flooring depends on the type of space you want to install it in. It’s worth noting that for both of these flooring solutions, it is recommended to use expert installation. If you are tempted to go the DIY route, you may not experience the benefits you expect.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is created by mechanically polishing and/or grinding and using a chemical penetrant to harden, densify, and seal the concrete. The primary disadvantage of polished concrete is its tendency to stain. It also must be sealed periodically for stain resistance, but the sealer can only do so much. Spills on polished concrete should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining. If your concrete is cracked, pitted, or otherwise damaged, you will need to fill it in with an additional material, and the repairs are difficult to hide.
For best results, polishing should occur on a new, freshly poured concrete slab that has cured at least 28 Days. When polished, concrete becomes even stronger and more resistant to damaging. Many homeowners take advantage of polished concrete’s high-glossy look to add style to their house. Polished concrete flooring is ideal for flooring that will not be subjected to harsh chemicals.
Concrete polishing is generally more expensive than epoxy because of the heavy labor time involved. Polished concrete can be cleaned easily. It doesn’t take much to properly maintain a polished concrete floor. A polished concrete floor enhances light reflectivity. It’s strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traffic every day. While polished concrete can be a viable option for a number of commercial settings, it does present a significant list of limitations– that’s where epoxy flooring systems come in.
Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy is created by mixing a combination of two starting compounds, the resin, and the hardener. Once these materials are combined and mixed, they form a durable chemical compound. This results in a strong quality floor and is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.
If you are looking to implement design aspects into your floors with some flashy or unique colors, epoxy is an easy choice. Depending on the style you want, epoxy can give your floors a modern or classic touch and complement a space with an industrial look, luxurious, or anything in between. Epoxy coatings are very versatile, so they can be customized to suit your needs.
Epoxy flooring is used in many flooring cases because it is considered easier to install and is a more cost-effective flooring solution. Epoxy flooring, unlike polished concrete flooring, is available in many different formulations that are meant to protect the integrity of the floor. Benefits of epoxy flooring include abrasion and puncture resistance, impact resistance, static control, and more. It’s strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traffic every day. Epoxy floorings can conceal imperfections with the use of decorative flakes and high-performance non-skid topcoats.
Epoxy floors are a good option for spaces that may encounter water or chemical spills, many pedestrian or machine crossings, or other substances and activities that would quickly degrade polished concrete floors. Epoxy flooring is waterproof, provides a non-slippery surface with anti-slip additives and will not be stained as a result of a chemical spill. Just like polished concrete, epoxy flooring can be cleaned easily without using harsh cleaners.
An epoxy coating can enhance the light reflectivity up to three times greater than polished concrete, depending on color and sheen. This is important if you want to make your space brighter. If toughness, safety, and longevity are chief concerns, or your space receives a lot of wear and tear from foot, vehicle, or machine traffic, epoxy flooring is for you. Epoxy flooring also offers a whole host of unique, customizable finishes that cannot be achieved with concrete alone.
If you have any questions about epoxy flooring or polished concrete, get in touch with the experts at Alaska Resin Supply. We provide the highest quality materials and are located at 201 E. Swanson Ave, Suite 1, in Wasilla. Give us a call at (907) 671-9900 and check out our website at www.AlaskaResin.com.
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