Whether you’re looking to protect against stains, increase longevity, or you just want to make your concrete look better, both concrete sealer and epoxy coating can help you out. While concrete sealing and concrete coating are sometimes used interchangeably, they’re two distinct methods for finishing your concrete.

Before you decide which one to implement on your concrete flooring, it’s important to understand the differences.

Concrete Sealer

Concrete sealer is a substance that penetrates the surface of the concrete, filling the pours and making the surface more resilient. By itself, sealer doesn’t change the appearance of the concrete. However, by filling in the pours of the concrete, it enables your concrete to better repel water and other liquids.

Concrete sealer can also be combined with other concrete finishing methods including staining and stamping to create beautiful finishes that are better protected.

Epoxy Coating

Epoxy is a substance made up of resin and a hardener that combine to create a strong, smooth finish across the surface of your concrete. Instead of penetrating the surface like sealer, epoxy coating forms a new layer on top of the concrete.

This offers advanced protection. Not only does it do a better job of keeping out stains and liquids, but it provides further resistance to abrasions and general wear. It’s also very easy to clean, due to its smooth finish.

By default, epoxy coating is usually glossy, and it can be slippery when wet. However, the level of gloss can be decreased, and additives can be mixed in to reduce slipperiness.

Epoxy coating can also be mixed with stains to create unique and beautiful colors and patterns. It isn’t as versatile when it comes to creating different textures, however.

Deciding Which is Right for You  

The right finishing option for your concrete can depend on a variety of factors including location, design preference, and more. Sealers are often used in places where you either want the concrete to retain its original appearance, or you’re trying to mimic other flooring materials such as brick, stone, wood, etc.

Epoxy coatings are often used for more trafficked areas, as well as garages, showrooms, lobbies, and more.

Whichever you decide on, it’s best to use a flooring professional to handle the job. Not only will they be capable of a more exotic designs, but they have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. Both sealer and epoxy coating can cause a lot of problems when applied incorrectly.

For concrete sealing and epoxy flooring in Ohio, contact Select Flooring Systems today!