What Is Industrial Polyurethane Floor Coating & Why You Need It?

Polyurethane or urethane floor coating stands as a smart choice for industrial businesses when it comes to industrial flooring solutions.

Polyurethane is a type of urethane. It’s made up of polymer units linked together by groups of urethanes, which are synthetic resins.

Polyurethane exists as a liquid resin but cures to form an extremely durable and protective surface once it hardens. Urethane floor coating falls in the category of epoxy coatings.

Because of its toughness, urethane is widely used as a floor coating. Another benefit is that it may be utilised on a wide range of surfaces.

Urethane coatings can be applied to both concrete and natural hardwood floors, as well as other floor coverings.

Polyurethane floor coatings may be applied as a transparent industrial epoxy floor coating or coloured. It is up to you whether or not to pigment the coating.

If you’re covering up a flawed floor with a urethane finish, make sure it’s coloured.

In essence, it is the go-to type of floor coating for businesses and corporate organisations. Here, we have a complete guide for industrial businesses about Polyurethane coatings.

We will tap into all critical aspects of urethane floor coating.

What Are Polyurethane Coatings?

Polyurethane is a thermosetting polymer made of organic molecules connected by urethane bonds. While most polyurethanes are thermosets that do not melt at high temperatures, thermoplastic polyurethanes are also accessible.

Polyurethane floor coatings are a kind of epoxy flooring.

Polyurethane is a chemical that can protect anything from rust and deterioration. It can have a brilliant or matte finish.

This sort of flooring is combustible. If you apply an additional layer of protection, it’s scratch-resistant.

They may profit a lot from the adaptability of polyurethane in regions where it is subjected to wet conditions, dramatic temperature changes, and chemical and corrosive substances.

Polyurethane floor coatings (or urethane floor coating), also known as slippage-resistant vinyl, are highly flexible, highly abrasion-resistant floor coatings that boast a high gloss and endurance.

These substances were utilised to produce gum rubbers, rigid foam, and elastomers before I.G. Farben developed them in 1937.

Polyurethane-coated flooring can be readily changed to extend or shorten its pot life, recoat time, and curing time. This adaptability allows industrial floor coating contractors to finish Polyurethane floors in a lot less time.

What Makes Urethane Coatings Stand Apart?

Polyurethane is another thermoset polyurethane, and it’s also a high-performance epoxy floor coating. The word “urethane” is frequently used to describe a urethane coating.

It’s actually polyurethane, according to the definition. According to its makers, aliphatic polyurethane is the best option for flooring systems.

Although they are approximately 60 percent to 70 percent solids by weight, a polyurethane coating is only 2 to 3 mils thick and can’t be modified as Epoxy can.

Another great thing about polyurethane is that it is UV stable. This means it won’t become yellow with time if exposed to tiny amounts of sunlight.

Polyurethane’s surface isn’t as hard as epoxy floor coatings. Still, PU floor coatings are significantly scratch-resistant and capable of more significant temperature swings, and there are a variety of finishes to choose from.

Why Should Industrial Businesses Opt For Urethane Coatings?

There are several solid reasons why industrial businesses should opt for polyurethane coating.

Now, urethane floors have many benefits for businesses. These benefits create value for industrial corporations in the long run and at all levels.

Benefits Of Urethane Floors

Highly Resistant To Temperature
Urethane coating is straightforward to clean down in high-temperature chemical baths because of its impermeable, homogeneous finish.

A urethane floor works excellent in low temperatures as well.

Daily cleaning enables you to maintain your preparation areas sanitary and free of microscopic bacteria and germs, allowing you to schedule them as needed.

Offers U.V Stability
Polyurethane is U.V.-stable (aliphatic polyurethanes), which means it will not be yellow when exposed to sunlight compared to Epoxy flooring coatings. This is an excellent breakthrough in flooring systems and coating technology.

Offers Good Drainage Facility
Another advantage of urethane floor coatings is that they may be used to cover drainage falls in your floor plan.

By creating a gentle slope leading to a grated drain cover, enclosed moist locations can assist in clean water removal during the cleaning process.

Brings Slip Resistance
The high friction generated by urethane coating on aggregates makes them ideal for taking heavy foot traffic and vehicles in hazardous, slippery locations like wet areas.

Require Minimal Maintenance
A urethane coating requires little to no maintenance, making it ideal for busy 24-hour companies that need minimal downtime.

Very Durable
Polyurethane flooring is a high-performance, long-lasting construction material that’s flexible and durable, just like epoxy floors.

A urethane floor is beneficial for heavy loads and movement. Moreover, the urethane flooring surface offers abrasion resistance, just like an epoxy coating.

Brings Chemical Resistance
Urethane flooring coatings can help you prevent accidental spills, condensation, and seepage from damaging your floors if you work in an area with acidic or corrosive substances.

Acids have difficulty wearing down polymers, resulting in an increase in lifespan and usefulness of epoxy floors such as polyurethane floor coatings.

Both epoxy resin and urethane are resistant to developing harmful pitting, cavities, and fractures, making them perfect for manufacturing, catering, and long-term storage.

It also protects the underlying concrete floor by extending its life span. Moreover, it protects the concrete floor and keeps the foundation strong.

Ensures Hygiene
Seams and ridges in sheet floor coatings are notorious for accumulating debris. Bacteria and mold develop due to this accumulation, which may spread illness.

PU floor coatings eliminate the hazard of in and deposit by providing an impermeable surface.

Waste may be washed, vacuumed, and wiped away with ease because PU flooring lacks permeability.

Bottom Line- Is Investing In Polyurethane Flooring Systems A Smart Idea?

Absolutely, yes! While a polyurethane system will initially cost more than an epoxy system, it is far more cost-effective in the long run.

PU systems tend to last twice as long as epoxy ones, with a lifespan of around ten years compared to five for the epoxy.

PU systems also benefit from increased wear, abrasion, and impact resistance properties. However, it is highly recommended to use it with an epoxy flooring system when applied on concrete floors to make a more substantial coat.