Hi Rick. A multi-layer, high solids, full color flake epoxy system is a bit more durable due to the fact that it is thicker. 10-12 mils of epoxy, 5 mils of color flakes, and few more mils of clear coat create a surface that is more resistant to impacts. It also hides repairs and small imperfections in the concrete surface better. The life of a coating, in many cases, is determined more by the clear coat. It’s the sacrificial layer and is why it should perform just as well if not better than the color coat. We know of people who have had high-performance coatings in their garage for more than 20 years that still look good. That’s because when the clear coat began to wear thin 8 – 12 years later, they properly prepped the surface and applied a new clear coat.

The wear resistance, scratch resistance, chemical, and stain resistance of a single-part polyurea system is very similar to that of the type of system mentioned above. Where they differ is in thickness. The thicker epoxy system will handle impacts better. However, it doesn’t mean the polyurea system performs poorly in this regard. Both will perform similarly in terms of the weather conditions they encounter in your area as long as you perform regular floor cleaning maintenance and don’t wait to do so for long periods of time. A single-part polyurea system is easier and quicker to install as well.

I hope I didn’t confuse the issue. I just wanted to present you with the facts as we see it.

You mentioned a multilayer coating with epoxy primer, base, flakes, and topcoat would be tougher. I’m looking for the longest lasting coating for a residential garage where I do occasional auto work and projects as a hobby. This is a northeast garage which sees sand/salt from snow. For some reason my concrete is also insanely hard where I can do almost no harm trying to scratch with a screw driver. In your opinion/experience, would a mulitlayer epoxy coating be expected to last longer than a polyurea coating such as AWF in my situation?

Hi Mark. Two gallons of AWF polyurea color coat would be more than sufficient. The first coat would act as the primer coat and the second will will provide coating thickness and rich color. You can add optional color flakes to the second coat if you like and then a clear coat. We highly recommend that use an anti-slip media in the final coat whether it be a color coat or clear coat. Prep the surface with 60-80 grit sandpaper. This ensures good adhesion and will remove any wood waxes, conditioners or sealers that are typically present in wood floors.

Hi Mark. If you have already applied the Rust-Oleum epoxy coating, a single-part polyurea applied over it would provide much better wear, scratch, and stain resistance. It will require that you rough up the initial coating with 120-150 grit sandpaper first to obtain a proper mechanical bond. If you haven’t applied the Rust-Oleum, then we recommend not using it at all and just use the single-part polyurea of your choice.