Why the Comparison Matters
Have you ever wondered why some coated concrete floors last decades while others peel in just a few years?
If you’re shopping for a “concrete coating near me” or evaluating options for your garage, patio, driveway, or industrial floor, you’ll inevitably see epoxy, polyurea, and polyaspartic mentioned most often.
In this post, we’ll break down:
What epoxy, polyaspartic, and polyurea are
Pros, cons, and best applications
Cost and durability considerations
How to choose the right coating for your specific space
Tips for maintenance to make your investment last
Let’s dive in.
What Are Epoxy and Polyurea Coatings?
Epoxy coatings are a two-component system (resin + hardener). They bond tightly to concrete surfaces and form a rigid, durable finish.
Polyurea (or polyaspartic / polyurea blends) are more flexible, faster curing coatings. They often resist UV, chemicals, and temperature changes better than standard epoxy.
| Feature | Epoxy | Polyurea / Polyaspartic |
|---|---|---|
| Cure time | Slower (can take 24–72 hrs) | Very fast (sometimes within hours) |
| Flexibility | Rigid, good adhesion | More flexible — better for movement or temperature shifts |
| UV / yellowing | Can yellow over time if not UV-stable | Better UV stability when formulated and applied properly |
| Chemical / stain resistance | Good, but more vulnerable to harsh chemicals | Excellent resistance to oils, solvents, acids |
| Cost | Generally lower upfront | Higher material cost |
| Best use cases | Basements, garages, indoor spaces | Outdoor patios, driveways, commercial / industrial floors |
Pros & Cons — Which One is Better?
Why homeowners still pick epoxy:
Cost-effectiveness — Epoxy is generally cheaper per square foot
Proven track record — Many years of successful use in garages, basements. Epoxy often has a specific-use case for moisture-sensitive areas. In this case, it makes sense to use a moisture vapor barrier.
Color and decorative options — Metallic systems are a great use of epoxy
Where polyurea shines:
Rapid installation turnaround — Less downtime
Better performance under extreme conditions — hot, cold, UV, moisture
Durability for outdoor use — Ideal for garages, patios, porches, and industrial spaces
But watch out for:
Epoxy’s risk of yellowing or chalking if UV exposure is high
Real World Use Cases & When to Pick Each
Here are examples to help you decide:
Pick epoxy if:
You’re coating a commercial project or indoor space with minimal UV exposure
The space has a history of moisture issues
Your site access or schedule is flexible
Pick polyurea / polyaspartic if:
You’re doing an garage, indoor space with minimal moisture issues, patio, or pool deck
You want a faster return-to-service
You expect exposure to chemicals, salts, extreme weather
How Revival Concrete Coatings Does It Differently
This is where you weave in your brand’s value proposition:
We use industry-grade polyaspartic blends with added UV stabilizers
Our preparation includes diamond grinding + moisture mitigation
We offer next-day return to service (for most garage/indoor jobs)
We provide color matching, decorative flakes, anti-slip treatments
All jobs are backed by warranty & quality assurance
Our pricing is very competitive, customer-centric. Get a free quote today.
Maintenance Tips to Maximize Lifespan
Clean with pH-neutral cleaners; avoid strong acids/alkalis (e.g. Simple Green or Dawn dish soap)
Use mats or pads under heavy vehicles / sharp tools
Recoat every 8–10 years (light scuff sanding + topcoat application)
Avoid dragging heavy equipment directly across the surface
Immediately repair chips or cracks from natural movement of the concrete. Do your research – too many companies ghost their clients. We have over 200+ verified 5-star reviews, and you don’t get that reputation unless you take care of the customer and stand behind your warranty.
Ready to upgrade your facility’s flooring? Contact Revival Concrete Coatings today for a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the right system, schedule your install around your operations, and deliver a floor built to perform for years to come.
Call: (515) 850-7192
Service Area: Greater Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, West Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Bettendorf, Waterloo, and surrounding Iowa communities.