Deciding whether to choose epoxy or polyaspartic resins can be challenging, mainly if you are new to the world of resins. Earlier, people only had the option of using epoxy resins. However, the need for decorative coatings, excellent adhesion, durable material, and mechanical hardness has led to the wide adoption of polyaspartic resins.
There are several attractive characteristics of epoxy and polyaspartic resins. This post will explain the differences between these resins to help you make a sound decision.
Epoxy Resins
Epoxy products have been around for many decades and have gained popularity for their low cost. Epoxy floor coatings are less elastic and can “pop” off the floor in environments and circumstances where the concrete or substrate is exposed. Epoxies have a slow drying time in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are unsuitable for garage flooring system installation.
Epoxy resins take longer to cure than polyaspartic, even when they are within the right temperature. You can use polyaspartic floor coatings after 24 hours, while an epoxy coating takes 5-7 days to cure.
It is essential to note that most production companies use almost the same epoxy resin due to its low cost. Although combining DGEBA epoxy resins and cycloaliphatic amine helps improve UV resistance, the solution is temporary. The system will last long but will be amber or yellow with time.
While it would be possible to find a 100% UV-resistant epoxy, it would not make sense technically and financially. Large manufacturers cannot use epoxy resins for flooring coating since they are expensive to produce and have an unsuitable film formation and a poor cure rate.
Epoxy resins are commonly used in cement and paints as they bring water, corrosion, abrasion, heat, and chemical resistance. You can also find epoxy garage flooring, epoxy coatings, and epoxy electrical encapsulation.
Polyaspartic Resins
Polyaspartic resins are low viscosity resins produced from the reaction of a polyaspartic ester and polyisocyanate curing agents. Polyaspartic resins have low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and a high base, acid, and solvent resistance.
They have perfect adhesion, durability, mechanical strength, UV resistance, and hardness. They can be used in various applications that require varying temperature ranges and are ideal for masonry, metal, brick, and concrete floors. Since polyaspartic resins are more abrasion resistant than epoxy resins, manufacturers only need a small amount of the resin for industrial applications.
Another reason why polyaspartic resins are preferred over epoxy is that you can do spot repairs without recoating the surface if it’s scratched. Besides, polyaspartic resins have minimal installation trips and are UV stable, making them excellent top coats for flooring systems.
At Bisley International, you can find different polyaspartic resin grades with different pot life and viscosities. Our Polyaspartic coatings can be used for railcar exteriors, light poles, port facilities, barges, and oceangoing ships. You can also find Polyaspartic in exposed gas or oil transmission lines.
Get Quality Resins from Bisley International
When it comes to finding the best material flooring systems, Polyaspartic resins are recommended. Polyaspartic garage flooring comes with improved elements like elasticity and hardness. Whether you need epoxy or polyaspartic resins for your next project, Bisley International has a solution for you. Contact us today, and we will help you find a suitable resin to formulate the desired products. Check out our range of Epoxy Resin Products.
