When people look at a coated concrete floor, they usually notice the color, the flake blend, and the gloss. What they usually do not notice is the topcoat. But that final layer plays a huge role in how the floor performs over time.
In many professional systems, urethane is used as the finish coat. Even though it is applied as a thin film, it still serves an important purpose: it protects the decorative system underneath and becomes the surface that handles the day-to-day wear.
What a Urethane Topcoat Actually Does
In a broadcast flake floor or other resinous coating system, the urethane topcoat is the final protective layer. It helps by:
- Sealing and protecting the decorative surface
- Improving scratch and scuff resistance
- Adding abrasion resistance for foot and vehicle traffic
- Improving the resistance to chemicals like oil, fuel, and cleaners
- Helping maintain the overall appearance of the floor
- Can be applied in varying levels of luster (gloss, satin, matte)
- Reduce glare revealing depth of color (metallic floor applications)
- Improve slip resistance for safety
Even as a thinner application, it still has an important job. It is the layer that takes the daily abuse first.
Why Use a Thin-Film Urethane?
It creates a clean, even finish. By design, it leaves a uniform finish coat without burying the texture of the floor. Another purposeful reason for the thin build is to allow the addition of matte additives. These additives adjust the coefficient of friction of the floor for safety, and reduce light glare, allowing you to better see the decorative coating. The thin build aids in using finer mesh additives, keeping the floor from being too aggressive on bare feet.
It helps with chemical and stain resistance. Garages and shop floors deal with oil, road salt, cleaners, and other contaminants. A urethane topcoat helps protect the system below from those everyday exposures.
Final Thought
Polyaspartic topcoats are very durable and can stand on their own without the aid of a thin build urethane. That said, a urethane topcoat stacked on top of a polyaspartic layer is next level protection. Urethane is not necessary on every floor, but when durability and scratch resistance are key factors, it is an unmatched system.