Epoxy Vs. Polyaspartic Coatings and Why We Use Both

When it comes to high-performance floor coatings, two product names that come up repeatedly are epoxy and polyaspartic. Both are excellent products that have their own unique strengths. At Brilliant Epoxy Floors, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we strategically use both products to deliver the best possible results.

What Is Epoxy Coating?

Epoxy is a durable, resin-based coating that has been used for decades in residential, commercial, and industrial flooring. It’s created by mixing a resin with a hardener, which chemically reacts to form a rigid, protective surface.

Some of the benefits of epoxy coatings include:

• Exceptional strength and durability

• Strong adhesion to prepared concrete

• The ability to be applied in thicker "high-build" coats

Because epoxy cures at a more controlled pace, it allows ample time for the material to penetrate deep into the concrete, creating a thick, solid foundation for the entire flooring system.

The catch: Epoxy is not UV resistant. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause epoxy to discolor or yellow. While “UV-resistant” epoxies exist, they are not completely UV-stable. This is why we protect our epoxy base coats with broadcasted flakes/aggregate sand or a UV-stable topcoat to shield the floor from harmful rays.

What Is Polyaspartic Coating?

Polyaspartic coating is a newer coating technology derived from polyurea. It was developed to overcome specific limitations of epoxy, particularly regarding curing time and sunlight exposure. 

Some benefits of polyaspartic coatings include:

• Extremely fast cure times (often ready for traffic in 24 hours)

• Superior UV stability (will never yellow)

• Resistance to chemicals, stains and abrasions

The Catch: Because polyaspartic cures so quickly and is applied in thinner layers, it often cannot "wet out" or penetrate the concrete as deeply as epoxy. If used as a base coat, there is a higher risk of delamination (peeling) over time.

Key Differences Between Polyaspartic vs Epoxy Coatings

Feature	Epoxy	Polyaspartic
Cure Time	24–72 hours for full cure	Sets in hours
UV Resistance	May yellow/fade over time	Highly UV-stable
Ideal Use	Strong, penetrating base coat	Durable, protective topcoat

Why Brilliant Epoxy Floors Uses Both

At Brilliant Epoxy Floors, our goal is simple: build floors that last. We don't choose one product over the other; we use them together to take advantage of their individual strengths.

In our signature systems, we use:

• Epoxy as the base coat for its unmatched ability to bond with the concrete.

• Polyaspartic as the topcoat to provide a crystal-clear, UV-protected, and scratch-resistant finish.

By understanding these materials and applying them strategically, we deliver floors that are not only beautiful but are built to perform for a lifetime.

Upgrade Your Floors With Brilliant Epoxy Floors

Ready for a floor that stands the test of time? Brilliant Epoxy Floors is here to help you choose the right system for your space. Contact us today for expert guidance!