Which Top Coat is Right for Me?
We often talk about the variety of choices available with epoxy coatings. Different combinations of color, texture, and decorative elements allow each client to choose a floor that represents their sense of design and beauty. The final and sometimes most important element of an epoxy coating, concrete color stain, or concrete polishing job is the top coat. This clear coat locks in the design elements and is the primary protective layer for the floor. Selecting the right top coat is therefore important to guarantee the long-term success of the installation.
While all varieties of top coat provide the same basic benefits, such as durability, clarity, and adhesive strength, there are levels of cost and quality to consider, based on the intended use and location of the floor. If dirt, sand, and grit are likely, strong abrasion resistance is needed. An indoor job free of UV light and experiencing only moderate traffic can save costs with a lighter-duty coating. Up front discussions about the value of one clear coat over another are therefore essential.
The Epoxy Top Coat
An epoxy clear coat is similar to the color coat that forms the base of most of the installations completed by California Custom Coatings. This is generally the least expensive option, available in a variety of formulations. When low VOCs are desired, this is usually the best choice. Epoxy top coats work best for indoor, low UV environments, as they offer the least amount of abrasion and ultraviolet light resistance.
The Polyurethane Top Coat
Polyurethane is an excellent choice when abrasion resistance is needed. Grit, dirt, and sand are far less likely to cause any marks in this material. It offers superior UV resistance and chemical resistance. Polyurethane does apply thinly, however, so when a thick top coat is desired for dealing with heavy weight traffic, we may offer other options to save on costs.
The Polyaspartic Top Coat
When a fast cure time is required, or when temperatures are hitting the extremes, the polyaspartic top coat is ideal. With a one-day cure time, this material allows for the fastest turnaround from preparation to finish to ready-to-use. Besides their speed, polyaspartic clear coats also offer a mid-range in thickness between epoxy clears and polyurethane. This allows for fewer coats to get the ideal thickness for your application. It’s the best material for impact resistance and offers the highest gloss finish available.
Custom Coatings Bring Satisfaction
California Custom Coatings provides a wide range of clear coat options to go along with our stellar choices in color, texture, and design. Picking the right floor materials for your application is all part of our consultation process. We guarantee our floors and therefore want to make sure we get everything right, from bottom to top. Contact Sacramento’s California Custom Coatings for more information!