Understanding Polyurea, Polyaspartic & Epoxy - What Homeowners Should Know
When researching garage floors, basement floors, or concrete coatings, you’ll see a lot of companies promoting “polyurea floors” or “one-day polyurea systems.” What most homeowners don’t realize is that polyurea is actually a category of coatings - not one single product. And in many cases, companies advertising polyurea are actually using polyaspartics, which behave differently and serve different purposes.
At American Poly, we think it’s important for homeowners to understand what’s really going onto their floors, how these materials perform, and why choosing the right primer and topcoat matters for durability. And of course, there is a time and place for different systems - the right choice always depends on your space, moisture levels, use-case, and what the floor needs. Not every coating performs the same everywhere.
Below is a breakdown in simple terms to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Polyurea?
Polyurea is a broad category of coatings used in the concrete coating industry. Two products fall under the polyurea family:
Polyurea
Polyaspartic (a type of polyurea with specific properties)
Most companies who claim to install “polyurea floors” are actually installing polyaspartic products, especially for topcoats. Sometimes they truly believe they're using polyurea; other times they’re simply using the term because it sells well — it’s almost impossible for a homeowner to verify the difference without seeing the labels themselves.
Why Contractors Use Polyurea/Polyaspartic Topcoats
Polyurea and polyaspartic topcoats are extremely popular because they offer:
UV resistance
High durability
Fast drying + quick return to service
Thick clear coats in one pass
These properties make them excellent topcoats, but they aren’t designed to be the primer layer.
The Biggest Myth: “Polyurea is Stronger Than Epoxy”
Contractors often market polyurea/polyaspartic as “stronger” or “better,” but the truth is:
Epoxy penetrates 2–4x deeper into concrete than polyurea/polyaspartic.
This creates a stronger mechanical and chemical bond.
Polyureas and polyaspartics mostly bond mechanically - meaning they sit more on the surface than into it.
This is why they can peel if the prep isn’t perfect, especially without moisture mitigation.
Epoxy Primers vs. Polyurea/Polyaspartic Primers
Epoxy Primer:
Penetrates concrete
Bonds chemically + mechanically
Thicker, stronger basecoat
Better moisture mitigation
Available in moisture-blocking formulas
Polyurea/Polyaspartic Primer:
Sits on top of concrete
Bonds mechanically only
No moisture-control versions
Peels easier if prep isn’t good
Often used because it speeds up the job
Why Do Some Companies Use Polyurea as a Primer?
Simple:
It benefits the contractor, not the homeowner.
Using one product for every coat means:
Faster installation
Less material inventory to carry
Lower cost for them
But faster does not mean better - especially for long-term adhesion or moisture issues.
What System Is Actually the Most Durable?
The most durable, proven system for residential garage floors is:
Epoxy Primer + Polyaspartic Topcoat
(Also called a hybrid system)
This combines deep adhesion with UV resistance and durability.
The only stronger option is urethane cement, which is rarely needed for homeowners.
Final Thoughts
Every floor, every slab, and every home is different. There truly is a time and place for different coating systems - but homeowners should know what they’re paying for, why a system is being recommended, and whether it's chosen for performance or convenience.
A proper system should always be tailored to the conditions of your space - moisture, age, condition, use, and environment.
If you want help determining what system is best for your garage, basement, or commercial floor, the American Poly team is here to walk you through it.