Concrete Coating Systems: The Real Differences Between Epoxy, Polyurea, and Polyaspartic

Not all concrete coatings are created equal. And if you are choosing one based on speed, price, or surface gloss alone, you are likely to get burned.

At Coast Pro Coatings, we work with a variety of coating systems because each job is different. Moisture levels, sun exposure, surface condition, and client expectations all factor into which system we use. There is no universal solution. There is only what works best for that slab, that space, and that environment.

This guide breaks down the core differences between epoxy, polyurea, and polyaspartic coatings, their strengths, their weaknesses, and when each one makes sense.

Epoxy Coatings

What it is
Epoxy is a two-part thermosetting resin. It bonds directly to the concrete, creating a durable base layer that resists wear, impact, and chemicals.

Where it performs best
Garages
Workshops
Commercial interiors
Any slab where moisture may be present

Why we use it
Epoxy gives us a dependable foundation. It soaks into the slab, locks in tight, and allows us to build a coating system that lasts. On high moisture slabs, nothing performs better.

What to know
Epoxy is not UV stable. We do not use it as a final coat in direct sunlight unless it is protected by another layer. Any contractor that tells you otherwise is setting you up for fading and breakdown.

If you want a strong, moisture ready base that supports years of performance, epoxy is a tool we trust. We use it when the slab needs it. Period.

Polyurea Coatings

What it is
Polyurea is a flexible, fast-curing elastomer that was originally developed for industrial applications. It is often confused with polyaspartic, but they are not the same.

Where it performs best
Industrial floors
Cold storage areas
Slabs with high movement
Situations that need rapid return to service

Why we use it
We do not use pure polyurea for every job, and we do not pretend it is magic. But in the right commercial setting, its flexibility and speed make it the right tool. When polyurea fits the slab and the environment, we install it with confidence.

What to know
Polyurea requires expert handling. It cures fast and leaves no room for mistakes. If your installer does not have experience with it, the job can go wrong fast. That is why it is not for amateurs. At Coast Pro, we know when to use it and when to leave it on the shelf.

Polyaspartic Coatings

What it is
Polyaspartic is a type of polyurea modified to have a longer working time. It offers fast cure speeds and UV stability, making it a popular choice for topcoats.

Where it performs best
Garage floors
Pool decks
Patios
Outdoor surfaces exposed to sunlight

Why we use it
Polyaspartic gives us the finish most clients want. Smooth. Glossy. UV safe. It is the ideal topcoat for high exposure areas and dries fast enough to be walked on within hours.

What to know
Polyaspartic is not a cure all. It is not a base layer. It does not tolerate slab moisture the way epoxy can. If your installer skips prep and throws polyaspartic on raw concrete, it will peel. We use polyaspartic often, but never without prep and never without knowing what the slab needs first.

If you want a coating that holds its color and finish outdoors, polyaspartic is one of the best tools we have.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

You should not choose. That is our job.

When we evaluate your project, we test the surface, we check for moisture, we ask the right questions, and then we build the right system. Sometimes that means epoxy. Sometimes polyaspartic. Sometimes both. And when the job calls for it, we use polyurea as well.

What matters is not the product name. What matters is whether the floor holds up year after year.

What Sets Coast Pro Apart

We do not sell gimmicks. We do not promise one day installs if that means cutting corners. And we never install a system without knowing what the slab actually needs.

We serve homeowners, business owners, and property managers who want real results. We work in Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gautier, and across the Gulf Coast. No matter the surface, we know how to coat it.

Other companies sell quick fixes. We build lasting solutions.

Want Straight Answers and a Floor That Lasts?

We will show you what system makes sense for your concrete, give you a clear price, and deliver a result you will be proud of.

📞 Call now at (228) 338 6877
📍 Serving the entire Gulf Coast!