Polyurea Coating for Garage Floors – Durable, Long-Lasting Resin For Garage Floor Areas
Polyurea coating was first developed by NASA for the Space Shuttle program but was later adopted by many polyurea companies as an industry term. Definition. The phrase ‘polyureas’ is commonly used incorrectly throughout the polyurea industry. Polyurea coating chemistry is actually divided into three main subsegments: polyurea surface coatings, polyurea pigments and additives, and polyurea carriers. A pure polyurea coating however is always the product of a single step reaction between a carrier and an isocyanic surfactant.
The physical properties of polyurea coating depend upon its carrier, the process through which it is applied, and its formulation. A water based carrier can help to achieve transparency, while an oil based carrier provides stronger adhesion. The physical properties also depend upon the pH or acidity level of the environment in which the coating has to be applied, the particle size of which it needs to be, and the stability of the preparation. Many polyurea coating preparations can be cured using physical methods. But there are some other types of polyurea coating applications which need to be cured by chemical methods.
There are mainly two options for curing polyurea coating – physical and chemical. For physical cures, the application of polyurea coating to be cured is wrapped in a protective aluminum can and then protected from direct sunlight, usually by applying high pressure and high temperature. Once protected, a paint gun is used to apply the coating to the surface being painted. Depending on the finish desired, the color options available are –
For chemical cures, the surface preparation is different – the preparation of which depends upon the type of chemical that is to be used for binding. In general, the chemical that binds will be peroxides, carbides, or nitrides. Other substances that may be used for surface preparation include urea, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other organic solvents. Once the surface preparation is complete, a releasing agent is mixed with the paint in order to initiate the curing process. The solvents used for binding are usually water, but depending on the consistency and physical properties of the paint and the other ingredients used for the surface preparation, other solvents may also be required.
When applying polyurea coating to a solid surface, it is important to apply the coating uniformly. If too much or too little is applied, or if the application is done too thick, the bonding agents will not properly bind to the surface and can result in a poor final product. This can result in premature rusting and chipping of the metal. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper surface preparation. For example, if the metal is to be painted before applying the polyurea coating, it is important to allow the paint to fully dry before adding the isocyanates.
There are a number of polyurea coating companies that produce and supply durable, long-lasting resins for garage floors. A quick search of the Internet will reveal the number of different brands and types available from which to choose. By taking the time to learn about the products of these companies, you can be sure that you are choosing a durable, high-performance material that will give you and your customers years of use and enjoyment.