Polyaspartic Coating – Why Colorado Springs Garage Floors uses a three-coat process instead of two
We at Colorado Springs Garage Floors have been asked about our process for installing Polyaspartic coating and specifically about why we use a 3 coat process instead of two when installing your floor coating.
Polyaspartic coatings are becoming increasingly popular for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Many companies in the Colorado Springs area are now offering a 2 coat system, where they broadcast or throw the flake into the first coat of a rolled-on floor. They will tell you it is the same, but it is not. We do not recommend it, and we do not use this process.
Three coats are actually better than two.
Here’s why:
1. Polyaspartic coatings cure quickly, so adding an extra coat doesn’t significantly increase the amount of time needed to complete the job.
2. More coats mean more protection against wear and tear. Polyaspartic is an extremely durable material, but it can still be scratched or chipped if it isn’t properly installed.
3. Three coats also provide a smoother, more even finish. This is especially important if you’re looking for a high-gloss finish.
4. Surface Tension and Adhesion – This is the most important reason! Surface tension is a phenomenon that is present whenever there is a thin, wet film. In this case, a layer of wet resin rolled out onto a concrete floor. If this surface tension is not released or worse yet, if it is increased too much, it will prevent the wet resin from properly soaking into the floor.
If this happens, when the resin dries, it will not sufficiently soak into and “lock itself into” the millions of pores and surface areas in the concrete itself. This results in a floor with much weaker adhesion characteristics. Applying a coat too thick will make surface tension higher and harder for the wet resin to soak into the floor properly.
So, if you’re considering a Polyaspartic floor coating for your home or business, be sure to ask for three coats of Polyaspartic coating instead of two. Our pricing for three coats is very competitive with the 2 coat companies, and it will be worth it in the long run!
Why do they want to use a 2 coat process?
As stated above, Colorado Springs Garage Floors will only install our Polyaspartic floor coatings with the 3-step process.
Here are more reasons why:
Colorado Springs Garage Floors uses exclusively Slide-Lok products, and we use a 3-coat system, consisting of a base (or prime) coat, then we add a second coat. After that, the flake (or chips) are broadcast (spread) while the resin is still wet. After that sets, we apply the Polyaspartic top coat when installing your Polyaspartic coating.
The flooring contractors that broadcast the flake in the first coat are trying to cut costs by saving on product and labor. Therefore lowering their costs to compete. Do know that this 2-coat job will give you a floor with adhesion issues, and it will more likely peel off or pop up prematurely. This is because of the surface tension, explained above.
Slide-Lok products have additives in the formulation that are specifically designed to release surface tension
When the “2 coat companies” broadcast the flake into the first coat of the Polyaspartic coating the floor, it adds to the surface tension. This compromises the resin soaking into the floor as the chips will literally pull the resin towards them. This is not good as your floor will have issues!
From Slide-Lok’s experience and research, broadcasting chips into a wet base coat can increase the surface tension of the wet resin. It then diminishes the ability of the resin to soak into the floor. This results in the pull-up or peel-off because the resin under the chips did not sufficiently soak into the floor.
Installing your Polyaspartic flooring to last
BEFORE
AFTER
As stated above, we do not apply our floors with a 2 coat system and do not recommend using anyone who does, as you will be disappointed with the results. It will not save you money for your Polyaspartic floor coating cost in the long run.
If you have questions regarding this or would like a free estimate, give Steve and his family a call. Make sure you are informed on the best processes when choosing who to install your Polyaspartic garage flooring.
Click here to see the Polyaspartic floor coating colors available.
Read our Article on Polyuaspartic Floor Coating
Read our Article on Polyaspartic vs Epoxy
Read our Article on Polyaspartic vs Polyurea
