Epoxy Coating for Concrete Driveway vs. Polyaspartic: Which is Best for US Homes?
You are likely reading this because you are looking for a high-quality epoxy driveway coating to enhance your home's curb appeal. It makes sense. We often use "epoxy" as a catchall for floor coatings, just as we say "Kleenex" for tissues. But before you spend your hard-earned money, Floortek Coatings wants to share an important industry secret with you.
While an epoxy driveway coating might seem like the standard choice, it is actually not the best option for outdoor surfaces. In fact, standard epoxy often fails when exposed to the elements.
At Floortek Coatings At Floortek, we believe in doing the job right the first time. That's why we use advanced technology that is 10X more durable than epoxy, designed to withstand American weather. Please feel free to contact us today for a free quote and a special discount, and rest assured, you'll get a long-lasting driveway.
Let’s dig into why traditional epoxy struggles outdoors and why our polyaspartic solution is the upgrade you actually need.
The Problem with Traditional Epoxy Outdoors
Many homeowners ask us about using an epoxy coating for concrete driveway surfaces because they have seen how good it looks in indoor garages. However, the outdoors is an entirely different animal.
The Sun is the Enemy of Epoxy
The biggest issue with putting an epoxy driveway coating outside is the sun. Traditional epoxy is chemically sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays. When sunlight hits standard epoxy, a chemical reaction occurs that breaks down the polymer chains.
Think of it like leaving a plastic lawn chair out in the sun all summer. Eventually, it fades, turns yellow, and gets brittle. The same thing happens to epoxy driveways. Within a few months of exposure to direct sunlight, a clear epoxy coat can turn a sickly shade of yellow (a process called "ambering"). Eventually, the coating creates a chalky powder on the surface and begins to peel.
According to general materials science resources from educational institutions like the University of Southern Mississippi Polymers without UV stabilizers degrade rapidly when exposed to photo-oxidation from sunlight. This is why we never recommend standard epoxy for anything without a roof.
Temperature Swings Cause Cracks
In the United States, we experience significant temperature changes. Whether you are dealing with freezing winters in the North or scorching summers in the South, your concrete expands and contracts.
When you apply an epoxy driveway paint Or coating, it hardens into a very rigid shell. It does not like to stretch. So, when your concrete driveway expands in July or shrinks in January, that rigid epoxy layer cannot move with it. The result? It cracks and delaminates (pops off).
The Floortek Solution: Polyaspartic Technology
So, if an epoxy driveway coating isn't the answer, what is?
The solution is Polyaspartic technology. This is the material we use at Floortek. It was initially developed for industrial bridges and ship decks to stop corrosion, so you know it is tough. It solves every problem with epoxy.
It Loves the Sun
Unlike an epoxy coated driveway Our polyaspartic coatings are 100% UV-stable. This means they are chemically immune to the yellowing effect of the sun. You could leave it in the Arizona sun for ten years, and it would look as clear and bright as the day we installed it.
It Flexes with the Seasons
The secret weapon of polyaspartic is flexibility. It creates a strong bond with your concrete while retaining some elasticity.
In Cold Climates: When the ground freezes and concrete shifts, our coating flexes with it rather than snapping.
In Hot Climates: It resists "hot tire pickup," where hot rubber tires peel up cheap store-bought coatings.
Because of this durability, we back our installations with a Life-of-Home warranty. You won't get that with a DIY kit from the hardware store.
Why 1-Day Floor Coatings Matter
We know you are busy. You do not want your driveway blocked off for a week.
One of the significant downsides of a traditional professional epoxy garage floor coating Our driveway system is the cure time. Unlike epoxy, which can take 5 to 7 days before you can park, our polyaspartic coating cures in just 1 day, saving you time and reducing disruption.
Floortek offers 1-day floor coatings. Our polyaspartic system cures fast, so you can walk on it in hours and drive on it the next day, saving you time and hassle, and making the process feel less disruptive.
For more on this speed, you can read our post: Can epoxy flooring be done in one day? (The answer for polyaspartic is yes!).
Our Proven Installation Process
We don't just paint over dirt. Whether we are working on driveways coating service projects or a patio coating service Our process is rigorous.
Grinding the Surface: We use industrial diamond grinders to remove the top layer of concrete. This opens the "pores" of the stone so our base coat can soak in deep.
Repairing Damage: We fix pits, spalls, and cracks using specialized menders.
The Base Coat: We apply the polyurea base coat, which bonds aggressively to the concrete.
The Flake: We broadcast your chosen flakes into the wet base. This adds strength and beauty.
The Shield: We finish with a polyaspartic topcoat that locks everything in and protects against UV rays and chemicals.
This same process applies to our sidewalks coating service and even pool decks coating service.
Not Just for Driveways: Garages and Basements
While we are focusing on the outdoors, remember that this technology is equally effective in indoor spaces. Traditional epoxy garage floors They are popular, but they can still chip or peel over time if the prep isn't perfect.
Our system is ideal for:
Garage floors epoxy Alternatives (stronger and faster).
Basement coating service (great for finishing living spaces).
Check out our Gallery To see how these spaces transform.
Custom Looks for Your Home
Just because it's industrial-strength doesn't mean it has to look industrial. We offer a wide range of colors and finishes to match your home's siding or landscaping.
You can move beyond the dull gray of standard concrete. From earthy browns to cool blues, our Colors and Flake Options Please allow us to customize your curb appeal. Many people search for specific epoxy floor coating colors, and we can match or exceed those aesthetic goals with materials that actually last.
You can learn more about the science behind our materials on our Our Coating Products Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
We hear these questions often from homeowners searching for an epoxy driveway coating.
1. Is an epoxy driveway coating good for outdoor use?
Generally, no. Standard epoxy is not UV stable. Direct sunlight causes it to yellow and chalk very quickly. We recommend polyaspartic coatings for all outdoor applications because they are 100% UV stable and will not fade.
2. How long does an epoxy driveway coating last?
A DIY epoxy kit might last 1 to 2 years outdoors before it starts peeling or yellowing. In contrast, our professional polyaspartic system is designed to last for decades, which is why we offer a Life-of-home warranty.
3. Can I power wash my coated driveway?
Yes, absolutely. Our coatings are non-porous and very easy to clean. You can use a garden hose or a pressure washer (on a lower setting) to easily clean off dirt, oil, and tire marks.
4. Will the coating crack in the winter?
Traditional epoxy often cracks in freezing temperatures because it becomes brittle. Our polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are flexible. They can withstand extreme freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or peeling.
5. Is this coating cheaper than concrete replacement?
Yes. If your concrete is structurally sound but looks ugly or has minor cracks, coating it is significantly more affordable than ripping out and pouring a new concrete driveway. Plus, you get a Free Quote from us to compare.
6. How quickly can I drive on it?
With our 1-day floor coatings, you can typically walk on the surface in 4 to 6 hours and drive your car on it after 24 hours. Epoxy can take up to a week to fully cure.
7. Does the coating handle road salts and oil?
Yes. Our coatings are chemically resistant. Motor oil, brake fluid, and winter road salts will not damage the floor. You can wipe or wash them away.
8. Is the installation dusty?
We use vacuum-attached grinders to capture the vast majority of concrete dust during the prep phase. It is a cleaner process than demolition.
9. Can you coat over old epoxy?
Usually, we have to grind off the old, failing epoxy driveway coating to ensure a perfect bond to the concrete. We do not recommend putting a new coating over a failing one.
10. Do you offer warranties?
Yes. Floortek offers a Life-of-home warranty against peeling and delamination. We stand by our work.
Would you be ready to Upgrade Your Home?
You started this search looking for an epoxy driveway coating, but now you know there is a better way. Don't settle for a product that yellows in the sun or cracks in the winter. Choose the technology that offers 10X the durability and can be installed in just one day.
We are About us—a team of dedicated professionals who care about your home as much as you do.
Take the Next Step:
Do you want a driveway that makes your neighbors jealous? We are currently offering 30% Off on the first installation for new customers.
Don't wait until your concrete deteriorates further.
Please feel free to contact us today or call 844-844-4164 To speak with a specialist.
Get your Free Quote now and see the Floortek difference.
FREE In-Home Estimate
Plus 30% Off
Testimonials
We had both of our garages done and an outdoor concrete platform. The crew was courteous and professional. Everyone from Nancy our salesperson to Patrick, the manager, Logan and his crew were outstanding. Our floors look fantastic and we were very happy we chose this company.
I am very pleased with the quality of work FloorTek has done for me. The two employees that did the actual work were very courteous, worked hard, and explained everything they were doing. Thank you for a great job.
I was happy with the job Floortek did. Good customer communication and customer relationship. My old ugly porch was transformed and I love it. Nancy was very helpful throughout the process. Just know that rain may impact your schedule to make sure the products at highest quality during application.
Contact FloorTek Today
