Wondering which top coat options are best for your concrete or cement surfaces? This guide covers the different types of concrete coatings, their benefits, and tips for choosing the right one for YOUR concrete floors.
An important note before we start: Cement and concrete are different, but people use them interchangeably to describe the same types of poured and set floors. We’ll use both terms in this blog post, but note that cement is one ingredient, the binding agent, in concrete.
The Reasons for, and Benefits of, Using Cement Top Coats
If you’re on this page, chances are you already know: bare concrete is dusty and absorbent, staining easily with spills. It also damages somewhat easily!
Cement top coats offer protection against abrasion, staining, dirt, and impact. These coatings also offer strong resistance against chemicals, including oils and acids, protecting both the coating and the concrete beneath far longer than bare concrete alone.
Cement top coats act as a protective barrier that enhance both the durability and aesthetic quality of surfaces of garages, basements, or even outside patio surfaces. Applying a concrete top coat can extend the lifespan of your concrete, providing resistance to wear and environmental factors for years.
They CAN also require minimal upkeep, reducing cleaning efforts and costs. This is particularly beneficial for commercial spaces and busy households. Moreover, the seamless nature of well-coated concrete makes it easier to clean and maintain compared to traditional flooring.
Last, cement top coatings can revitalize old concrete floors, covering imperfections and providing a fresh look without the need for full replacement.
Types of Cement Top Coats
Various types of cement top coats are available, each with benefits – and a lot with drawbacks compared to their peers. Options include epoxy sealers, polyurethane sealers, acrylic sealers, and polyaspartic coatings. Each coating has its own set of characteristics, making them suitable for different applications and preferences.
Paint Coatings for Concrete
The simplest and cheapest option is to coat a concrete floor in a layer of paint.
While paint coatings can be a cost-effective way to add color and style to your concrete surfaces, they WILL require more frequent reapplication to maintain their appearance. This can be particularly challenging in outdoor applications where exposure to UV rays and weather elements can accelerate wear-and-tear. Concrete paint is your cheapest and least durable option, and a true concrete coating (like polyaspartic) can provide a MUCH more durable alternative.
Acrylic Coatings for Concrete
Acrylic coatings are a popular choice for those looking for a balance between cost and performance. These coatings provide protection, resisting water, stains, and UV damage, and making them a cost-effective option for beautifying concrete surfaces. Acrylic coatings are also affordable and easy to apply, featuring quick-drying one-part products that do not require mixing.
There are two main types of acrylic sealers: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based acrylic sealers are known for being environmentally friendly and easy to clean up, while solvent-based acrylic sealer options offer deeper penetration and better durability.
However, it’s worth noting that acrylic sealers typically last only 2-5 years and may require periodic re-application, which can lead to higher maintenance costs over time.
Epoxy Coatings for Concrete
Epoxy coatings are known for awesome durability and wear resistance, making them ideal for indoor applications such as basement floors and garages. These coatings offer excellent protection against chemical attacks, heavy-duty wear, and resistance to staining, fading, and moisture. For a tough, long-lasting finish, an epoxy sealer is an excellent choice.
However, epoxy coatings do come with some challenges!
The biggest drawback of epoxy is that epoxy coatings lack UV stability, meaning they can fade or yellow when exposed to sunlight over time! For sun-drench basements or garages, don’t expect them to look great for long. They also require more surface preparation and longer dry-times compared to other coatings, which can make the installation process more complex.
Despite these drawbacks, their glossy finish and durable and attractive look make them popular for many applications.
Polyaspartic Coatings for Concrete
Polyaspartic coatings have gained popularity and largely replaced epoxy due to their fast curing capabilities and UV stability. These coatings cure quickly, which means projects can be completed in a shorter time frame, minimizing downtime.
Additionally, polyaspartic coatings are UV-stable and non-yellowing, for long-lasting color retention. They also have a small amount of flexibility, unlike epoxy, that allows them to resist cracking from the movement or expansion of underlying concrete (a problem in non-climate-controlled spaces), as well as less risk of peeling in garages where warm car tires make contact year-after-year.
These coatings are extremely resilient and can be applied in various environments, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Whether you’re looking to protect a garage floor, a retail space, or an outdoor patio, polyaspartic coatings offer excellent durability and resistance to abrasion.
Their versatility and performance make them a superior option for many applications.
Choosing the Right Cement Top Coat
Choosing the right cement top coat involves evaluating factors such as traffic levels, environmental exposure, and the desired finish. Consider the wear and tear you expect the surface to experience and whether a non-slip finish is necessary.
Understanding your specific needs will help you select the best type of coating for your project.
Usage Scenarios
From residential driveways and patios to commercial garages and warehouses, coatings have a place on most concrete surfaces.
Epoxy coatings or polyaspartic are often preferred for basements and garages due to their durability and resistance to heavy-duty wear. For areas with low to moderate traffic, paint coatings can provide a decent balance of performance and cost.
Polyaspartic sealers are ideal for spaces that require a quick turnaround and long-lasting durability, such as retail stores that can’t afford long downtimes. Their quick curing time and UV resistance make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. These coatings can adapt to various commercial applications, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental factors are important in selecting the right cement top coat.
Polyurethane sealers (the base coat beneath polyaspartic top coats) are great for outdoor concrete surfaces, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions. These coatings are resilient to temperature changes, making them ideal for regions with harsh climates.
Polyaspartic sealers are also effective in humid areas due to their quick curing nature, which minimizes moisture issues during application.
Application Techniques for Cement Top Coats
The right application technique will make for a smooth and durable finish with cement top coats. This involves thorough surface preparation and careful application for optimal adhesion and performance.
Surface Prep
Before applying a cement top coat, it’s all about the surface prep. This involves cleaning the concrete to remove contaminants such as grease, oil, and dirt––important for proper adhesion. Using a pressure washer can be particularly effective in eliminating stubborn dirt and grime.
It’s also helpful to repair cracks and holes in the concrete surface before applying ANY coating. If you skip this step, the top coat may not adhere properly to the surface. For new concrete, methods like shot blasting or diamond grinding can be used to achieve a good surface profile. Effective surface preparation may also involve cleaning with a degreaser, etching the cement, and rinsing thoroughly. Priming the concrete surface might not always be necessary if the concrete is sealed or in good condition.
Application Process
The application process for cement top coats should be done, generally, in two thin layers rather than one thick layer. This approach helps to achieve a smooth, even finish and enhances the durability of the coating.
Maintenance Tips for Cement Top Coats
Maintaining cement top coats is key to preserving their appearance and durability over time. Regular cleaning and timely repairs can help extend their lifespan and prevent deterioration.
Here are some practical tips for keeping your cement top coats in top condition.
Regular Cleaning For a Spotless Shine
Frequent cleaning removes debris and reduces the risk of stains setting into the surface of cement top coats. While letting some water or even salt water (snow/road drips!) sit on your polyaspartic coating is fine for a few dauys or nights, cleaning spills quickly can help prevent staining and minimizes the need for harsher cleaning products that could harm the coating.
Periodic Inspections
Conducting regular inspections of your cement top coat is helpful for early detection (and resolution) of potential issues. Routine checks allow you to identify problems such as cracks or wear that could compromise the integrity of the coating.
Addressing these issues early prolongs the life of the cement top coat and maintains its protective and aesthetic qualities.
So, Where To Begin With Your Concrete or Cement Top Coat?
Cement top coats of all kinds can provide offer a durable and attractive solution for protecting and enhancing your concrete surfaces. But some are better than others.
Cheap application but short-lasting? Go with floor paint.
Ultimate durability with lasting appeal? Go with a professional top coat.
If you’re in the Finger Lakes region, get in touch with our team at Everlast Concrete Coatings for a free quote on a concrete floor coating. Our service area includes:
- Finger Lakes Region
- Rochester Concrete Coatings
- Geneva Concrete Coatings
- Watkins Glen Concrete Coatings
- Corning Concrete Coatings
- Syracuse Concrete Coatings
- Canandaigua Concrete Coatings
All our concrete coating services come with a 15 year full-service warranty! We are factory trained in Duralast polyaspartic coatings and use the latest techniques ensuring a quality finish on every surface we touch. Give us a call today!
