Epoxy and polyurethane resins are used to make resin floors, but they differ in properties and recommended applications. The right system depends on where the floor will be installed, the expected loads, the desired finish and the conditions in which the surface will be used.

As a simple rule, epoxy resins work very well indoors, while polyurethane resins are often chosen where greater flexibility or better resistance to outdoor conditions is needed.

When should you choose epoxy resin?

Epoxy resin is a good choice for many indoor floors. It is used in garages, technical rooms, workshops, warehouses and other utility areas where mechanical resistance and easy cleaning are important.

An epoxy system can be made as a roller-applied floor, a quartz broadcast floor or a self-levelling floor. Depending on the chosen variant, the surface can be smooth, more anti-slip, or thicker and more durable.

A typical epoxy system may require:

• - primer resin,
• - pigmented epoxy resin,
• - quartz aggregate if you choose a broadcast system,
• - resin rollers,
• - spike shoes, optionally,
• - for self-levelling floors, also a trowel and a spike roller.

When should you choose polyurethane resin?

Polyurethane resin is more flexible than a typical epoxy resin and may be a better choice where the substrate works or the surface is exposed to changing conditions. Polyurethane systems are used, among others, on terraces, balconies, outdoor stairs and in places where UV resistance is important.

Polyurethane is often chosen for outdoor applications because it handles sunlight and temperature changes better than standard epoxy systems. In many cases, it also requires a lacquer or a sealing layer.

A typical polyurethane system may require:

• - primer resin,
• - polyurethane resin,
• - polyurethane lacquer or sealing layer,
• - resin rollers,
• - spike shoes, optionally,
• - for self-levelling systems, a trowel and possibly a spike roller.

Epoxy or polyurethane for a garage?

For a garage, an epoxy system is most often chosen because it is durable in everyday use and works well indoors. It can be a simple roller-applied system, a quartz broadcast system or a self-levelling floor.

If the garage is used intensively or you want better grip, it is worth considering a quartz broadcast system. The broadcast aggregate increases surface roughness and reduces the risk of slipping.

Epoxy or polyurethane outdoors?

For outdoor applications, polyurethane systems or systems designed specifically for outdoor conditions are usually the safer choice. Standard epoxy resins may not be the best option as a wearing layer on surfaces exposed to UV radiation.

On terraces, balconies and outdoor stairs, it is also important to properly protect the substrate against water. A resin layer alone will not solve problems caused by leaking or damaged waterproofing.

What should you choose if you are not sure?

If you need a simple indoor floor, an epoxy system is usually a good starting point. If the floor is to be installed outdoors or the substrate may move, it is worth considering a polyurethane system.

However, the choice of materials depends on the specific application, area, substrate condition and expected finish. That is why it is worth using the material calculator before buying, as it helps select a complete product set for the chosen system.

Calculate materials in the calculator

You do not need to select all layers and packages manually. In the calculator, you choose the type of system, area and substrate condition, and the calculator selects the products and full packages.