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Polyurethane Coatings

Used for wear resistance, flexibility, and chemical performance. often as protective topcoats over epoxy systems.

Wear Resistance

Chemical Protection

Flexible

UV Options

Wear Resistance

Chemical Protection

Flexible

UV Options

Where It Fits

Primer Use

  • Best when: Less common for polyurethane. Most systems use epoxy primers for adhesion, with polyurethane reserved for upper layers.
  • Watch out: Applying polyurethane directly to concrete without proper priming can lead to adhesion issues.

Build and Body Coat Use

  • Best when: Some elastomeric or flexible membrane applications use polyurethane as the body coat where movement accommodation is required.
  • Watch out: System specific confirm the polyurethane formulation is designed for build coat thickness and structural performance.

Topcoat Use

  • Best when: The most common role. Polyurethane topcoats provide abrasion resistance, chemical protection, and flexibility over epoxy base systems.
  • Watch out: Compatibility with the base coat chemistry and cure windows between coats are critical to adhesion.

Common Applications

Polyurethane coatings are a key component across these flooring systems.

Industrial Floor Coating Systems

Pedestrian and Traffic Coating Systems

Roofing and Waterproofing Systems

Selection Checklist

Key questions to answer before specifying a polyurethane system.

Chemical Exposure

Identify what chemicals the floor will contact. Polyurethane handles solvents and fuels well, but confirm compatibility with specific chemicals in your environment.

Impact and Abrasion

Polyurethane excels in high traffic and impact prone areas. Define the level of mechanical abuse forklift traffic, dragging, or rolling loads.

Interior and Exterior

Aliphatic polyurethanes are UV stable for exterior use. Aromatic formulations are more economical but will yellow and chalk with UV exposure.

Texture Needs

Smooth polyurethane topcoats can be slippery when wet. Specify anti slip aggregate or textured finish where traction is required.