Many people assume that water based epoxies are not the right epoxy to choose from, when in fact, that assumption can be very wrong. There are mainly three different kinds of epoxy, water based, 100% solids based, and solvent based. Here are some reasons why a water based epoxy is great for a “do it yourself” project.
Water based epoxies are thinner than 100% solids based and solvent based, which makes them easier to work with and apply. Using a water based epoxy will make the spreading of the product as easy as painting a wall. The material will just glide onto the floor! With UCoat, it’s as simple as mixing our pre measured epoxy components together, mix it up and roll it onto the floor with ease.
The pot life for a water based epoxy is longer compared to the other two. Its pot life can last for hours depending on the brand of epoxy, which means you have a larger window to apply your epoxy to make sure your floor turns out perfect. The UCoat system has a pot life of 90 minutes, while 100% solids based epoxies only have a pot life, on average, of 30 minutes at 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pot life for a water based epoxy is longer compared to the other two. Its pot life can last for hours depending on the brand of epoxy, which means you have a larger window to apply your epoxy to make sure your floor turns out perfect. The UCoat system has a pot life of 90 minutes, while 100% solids based epoxies only have a pot life, on average, of 30 minutes at 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
They are tough and strong just like solvent based epoxies. Water based systems like UCoat are chemical resistant and heavy traffic resistant. The UCoat system is perfect for this kind of protection. It was made with you in mind and provides you the protection your floor needs while working on your cars.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
An affordable water-based epoxy system that delivers strong chemical resistance and easy DIY application. The standard UCoat System is ideal for homeowners who want protection from oil, gas, road salt, and everyday garage traffic without a large investment. It offers easy installation, low odor, and costs as little as 44¢ per square foot.
Best For High Traffic Garages
This is a complete water based system that rivals any solvent based system but without the strong odor and flamibility. UCoat with UGlaze provides excellent chemical resistance against the harshest chemicals and great abrasion resistance.
Best Overall
UCoat with UFlek-G System
The UCoat with UFlek-AF System is one of the most popular choices because it combines a durable epoxy base with decorative flakes that help hide dirt, tire marks, and minor concrete imperfections while providing excellent wear resistance.
Epoxy coatings have been the industry standard for decades. They create a thick, durable surface that bonds tightly to concrete, providing excellent protection against vehicle traffic, chemicals, oil, and abrasion. A few benefits of an epoxy, it provides a strong adhesion to properly prepared concrete and a thick and durable finish that can hide minor imperfections.
Polyaspartic coatings are a newer technology known for their fast cure times and superior UV resistance. They penetrate and bond well to concrete while providing exceptional durability and color stability. An additional benefit is polyaspartics provide a high-gloss, showroom-quality appearance but costs more than traditional epoxy systems.
Yes. Proper surface preparation is the single most important step in achieving a long-lasting garage floor coating. Whether you choose epoxy or polyaspartic, the coating must bond directly to clean, porous concrete to prevent peeling, blistering, or premature failure. Many UCoat It floor coating systems are designed to work successfully with properly etched concrete, making installation easier and more affordable. The key is following the recommended preparation instructions and ensuring the concrete is clean and porous before applying the coating.
The cost to coat a garage floor with a UCoat It floor coating system depends on the size of the space, the coating system selected, and whether you add decorative flakes, topcoats, or concrete repair products. In general, UCoat It most systems range between 44¢ and $1.50 a square foot.
Yes, garage floor coatings can be applied to new concrete, but it’s important to allow the concrete to cure fully before installation. Applying a coating too soon can trap moisture within the slab, leading to adhesion problems, bubbling, peeling, or coating failure. We recommend waiting at least 30 days after the concrete is poured before applying a floor coating. During this curing period, the concrete gains strength and releases excess moisture.
Recommended For You
Determine which solution delivers the durability, appearance, and performance…
Everything You Need to Know About Premium Metallic Epoxy Flooring
Learn what floor coating in perfect for your garage and what benefits they provide
Reach out to talk about your application, request samples, or get a quote.
