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Epoxy and resinous flooring systems

Epoxy and resinous flooring is a bonded coating system that gives a concrete floor chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, color and a seamless, cleanable surface. Core Floorings Inc installs these systems for commercial and industrial facilities across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, from loading docks and plants to restrooms and parking structures.

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Epoxy, polyurethane or polyaspartic: which coating fits your floor?

The right system depends on what the floor faces: chemicals, traffic, sunlight and how fast it must return to service. Epoxy is the usual choice for indoor floors that need broad chemical resistance and decorative options. Polyurethane and polyaspartic topcoats trade different strengths for it. Core Floorings Inc installs all three, including Sika epoxy systems, and selects other manufacturers to match the project spec.

Most of the published comparison data comes from product suppliers, so treat it as general guidance. Chemical resistance varies by the specific chemical, its concentration and exposure time. We match the system to your chemical list and the manufacturer's resistance chart.

General comparison of epoxy, polyurethane and polyaspartic floor coatings
SystemStrengthsTrade-offsTypical cure
EpoxyBroad indoor chemical resistance, decorative options, novolac versions for harsh chemicalsLonger cure, high-build systems can need several days out of service24 to 72 hours
PolyurethaneStrong against organic acids and thermal shock, between epoxy and polyaspartic for abrasionChemical resistance profile differs from epoxyVaries by product
PolyasparticFast cure, UV stable, high abrasion resistanceSpecific chemical resistance must be checked, supplier data variesAbout 2 to 6 hours

What coating systems do we install?

We install solid color, flake and metallic epoxy systems, safety striping and marked work zones, and chemical and abrasion resistant topcoats. Our work includes loading dock floors, back-of-house rooms, restrooms, garage and shop floors, and traffic coatings in parking structures.

  • Solid color and flake broadcast floors
  • Metallic epoxy for showrooms and shops
  • Safety striping, stall lines and marked work zones
  • Chemical resistant and abrasion resistant topcoats
  • Traffic coatings for parking structures

Why does surface prep decide how long a coating lasts?

A coating is only as good as the concrete under it. The slab must be sound, clean and mechanically profiled so the coating can grip, and it must be tested for moisture, because vapor pushing through the slab can blister or lift a coating. When readings are high, we install a vapor barrier first through our moisture mitigation systems.

Cracks, spalls and damaged joints should be repaired before coating through our concrete repair service. In Chicago's climate, ground-level slabs in parking structures carry the heaviest salt and water load, so repair and protective coating are often planned together.

How our Epoxy & Coatings process works

  1. 1

    Test and inspect

    We check slab soundness, moisture and the chemicals and traffic the floor will see.

  2. 2

    Prepare the surface

    Grinding and mechanical preparation remove old coatings and create the profile the system needs.

  3. 3

    Repair and prime

    Cracks and joints are repaired, and a primer sets the bond for the coating system.

  4. 4

    Apply the system

    Base coat, flake or metallic layers and topcoats are installed to the specified thickness.

  5. 5

    Cure and return to service

    We plan cure time around your operation and hand off care instructions.

What affects the cost of epoxy & coatings?

Every floor is different, so we price each project from the site, the slab and the spec. These are the factors that move the number. Send us your project for an itemized bid.

  • System type, such as solid color, flake, metallic or high-build
  • Chemical exposure and whether a novolac or specialty topcoat is needed
  • Slab condition, preparation and repair required
  • Moisture test results and any mitigation needed
  • Striping, graphics and slip-resistant texture requirements
  • Cure time and how long the area can be out of service

Epoxy & Coatings questions

Is epoxy or polyaspartic better for a commercial floor?

Neither wins everywhere. Epoxy generally offers broad indoor chemical resistance and decorative options. Polyaspartic cures in hours instead of days and resists UV yellowing. Supplier claims overlap, so the deciding factors are your specific chemicals, sunlight exposure and downtime. We review those with you before specifying a system.

How long before an epoxy floor can be used?

Standard epoxy systems commonly cure in 24 to 72 hours, and high-build systems can require several days out of service. Polyaspartic topcoats can be walkable in hours. We plan cure time around your schedule and phase the work when your operation needs part of the space running.

Can epoxy go on any concrete slab?

Only on a slab that is sound, clean, profiled and tested for moisture. Weak or contaminated concrete, old failing coatings and high moisture vapor are the usual causes of peeling and blistering. We inspect and prepare the slab first, and recommend repair or mitigation when it needs it.

Is epoxy flooring slippery?

A smooth, glossy coating can be slippery when wet, but slip resistance is a design choice. Textured finishes and aggregate broadcast add traction. Tell us where the floor gets wet or oily, and we specify the texture that fits, along with safety striping where needed.

How long does an industrial floor coating last?

Service life depends on traffic, chemical exposure, preparation quality and the system more than on the product label. Published estimates from suppliers vary widely, so we do not promise a number without the facts. We spec the system to your use and prepare the slab to support it.

What is the difference between an epoxy floor and polished concrete?

Epoxy is a coating bonded to the slab that adds color, chemical resistance and a seamless surface. Polished concrete is the slab itself, ground and densified with no applied film. Choose epoxy for chemical protection or marked zones, and polishing for a low-maintenance, reflective floor.

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Have a floor that needs to perform?

Send us your drawings, square footage and schedule. We will walk the site, test the slab and get you a clear, itemized bid.

Request a BidIllinois (312) 525-8827Indiana (219) 533-2662

What to send us

Have these ready and we can turn your bid around faster.

  • Drawings, specs or a floor plan
  • Approximate square footage
  • Current floor condition (photos help)
  • Your target schedule

Email plans to sales@corefloorings.com