If you’ve been keeping an eye out for garage floor coatings in Toledo, you might have already noticed there are two major players in the game: 1-day polyurea systems and 2-day epoxy floors…systems that use both epoxy and polyurea-polyaspartic coatings. Let’s take a look at the differences between these two approaches and figure out which one’s truly worth your time and money.
How Do 1-Day and 2-Day Systems Work?
- 1-Day Systems: These coatings use a quick-curing polyurea applied directly to the concrete and a single polyaspartic topcoat. These coatings dry quickly (and quicker still in the presence of moisture), which means you can start using your garage almost immediately. However, this convenience comes at the cost of durability.
- 2-Day Systems: The 2-day process, on the other hand, involves a two-step application. Day one is all about prepping the surface with a slower-curing, 100%-solids moisture-mitigating epoxy primer that seals the concrete against moisture. On day two, two coats of 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats are applied (not just 1), providing protection against wear, UV exposure, and chemical spills.
Is the 1-Day System Really Faster?
Sure, a 1-day system gets the job done fast, but the trade-offs are significant:
- Thin Coating: The single coat of polyurea-polyaspartic lacks the thickness needed for long-term protection.
- Lack of Moisture Control: Without a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer, the concrete remains vulnerable to moisture seeping up through the porous concrete (moisture vapor transmission). This can result in peeling, cracks, or even bubbles forming under the surface.
- Less Durability: The thin, quick-curing polyurea primer coat doesn’t penetrate and bond well with the concrete substrate (under medium to high concrete moisture). This reduces its ability to stand up to moisture infiltration.
2-Day Epoxy Floors: Why the 2-Day System is Built to Last
Opting for the 2-day system may take longer, but the benefits speak for themselves:
- Epoxy Primer for Protection: The thick (high-build) 100%-solids, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer deeply penetrates the concrete substrate, preventing moisture from creeping up and ruining the coating.
- Thicker Application: With the thick epoxy primer and two layers of 100%-solids polyaspartic topcoats, you get a garage floor that’s over 35 mils thick (much thicker than a thin 1-day system). While the epoxy primer protects against moisture, the dual topcoats provide high resistance to UV, chemicals, staining and impacts. Perfect for areas with heavy foot traffic and vehicle use.
- Longer Lifespan: The slower curing process allows for better bonding, ensuring that your garage floor coating stands up to Toledo’s freezing winters and hot, humid summers.
2-Day Epoxy Floors: Weather-Proofing Your Garage Floor in Toledo
Toledo experiences a wide range of temperatures, from freezing winters to humid summers. A 2-day garage floor coating system is designed to handle these fluctuations better than a 1-day system. The added moisture protection and durability mean you won’t have to worry about your garage floor cracking or peeling due to temperature changes or moisture seeping through the concrete.
Get a Free Quote from GarageFloorCoating Toledo
Toledo’s challenging weather and daily use can wear down a garage floor pretty significantly — if you want a floor that lasts (and looks great), reach out to our Toledo crew today. They’re professionals who will ensure your garage floor gets the care and attention it deserves.