Polyaspartic floor protection has quickly become one of the most popular choices for protecting concrete floors in garages, commercial spaces, and industrial environments. This advanced coating offers fast drying times, durability, and resistance to chemicals and UV light. However, while polyaspartic floors offer many benefits, there are specific actions you should avoid to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your floor coating.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover things you should not do with polyaspartic floor protection, so you can keep your floors looking and functioning like new for years to come.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals on Your Polyaspartic Floor
While polyaspartic coatings are resistant to many chemicals, this doesn’t mean you should expose your floors to harsh cleaning agents regularly. Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners can slowly erode the surface, leaving your polyaspartic coating vulnerable to wear. Over time, this can weaken its protective layer, leading to potential peeling, discoloration, and even structural damage to the underlying concrete.
Stick to pH-neutral cleaners
We recommend using pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for polyaspartic or epoxy floor coatings. These cleaners will effectively remove dirt and grime without causing any damage to your floor’s finish. By using the correct cleaning agents, you ensure the longevity of the coating while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Never Install Polyaspartic Floor Protection on a Poorly Prepared Surface
One of the most common mistakes with polyaspartic floor coatings is applying them to improperly prepared surfaces. Surface preparation is critical to ensure the coating adheres correctly to the concrete. If the surface is dirty, oily, or contains moisture, the coating may fail prematurely, leading to cracks, peeling, or bubbling.
What you should do instead:
Before applying polyaspartic coatings, ensure the concrete is properly cleaned, degreased, and dried. A clean, dry surface allows for better adhesion, ensuring the polyaspartic coating bonds to the concrete surface. We recommend mechanical preparation methods like diamond grinding or shot blasting for best results.
Do Not Ignore Temperature and Humidity Levels During Application
Another crucial factor to keep in mind is the temperature and humidity during application. Polyaspartic coatings cure quickly, which means that environmental factors like temperature and humidity can significantly affect the outcome of your installation.
Why temperature matters:
If the temperature is too low, the polyaspartic coating may not cure properly, resulting in a tacky or uneven finish. On the other hand, if temperatures are too high, the coating may cure too quickly, making it difficult to achieve a smooth and even application.
Similarly, high humidity levels can introduce moisture into the mix, potentially leading to bubbles or improper curing. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and humidity ranges for optimal application conditions.
Avoid Skipping Regular Maintenance
Although polyaspartic floors are extremely durable, they still require regular maintenance to remain in top condition. Over time, even the toughest coatings can accumulate dirt, debris, and small scratches that can dull their appearance.
What you should do:
Sweep or vacuum your polyaspartic floors regularly to remove dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. Additionally, mop the floors with a mild cleaner every couple of weeks to remove grime and keep the finish looking fresh.
Don’t Overload the Floor with Heavy Equipment Without Proper Protection
Polyaspartic coatings are designed to withstand heavy loads, but extreme weight from heavy machinery or sharp objects can still cause dents, gouges, or scratches. While the coating is resilient, frequent exposure to excessive weight or sharp edges can eventually degrade its surface, leading to damage.
Use protective measures:
If you’re planning on moving heavy equipment, tools, or machinery across the floor, it’s a good idea to use floor protectors or mats to reduce direct impact. Additionally, placing soft pads beneath equipment legs can help prevent scratches or gouges in the coating.
Do Not Allow Spills to Sit for Long Periods
While polyaspartic floors are resistant to chemicals, oils, and other substances, prolonged exposure to spills can eventually stain or damage the surface. Letting spills sit for extended periods may allow them to seep into the coating, making them harder to clean and potentially causing discoloration or surface degradation.
Clean up spills promptly:
Whenever spills occur, clean them up immediately. Use a microfiber cloth or mop to absorb the liquid, and then clean the area with a pH-neutral cleaner. By being proactive about spill management, you can keep your polyaspartic floor in pristine condition.
Never Skip the Proper Number of Coats
When applying polyaspartic coatings, it can be tempting to cut corners by applying fewer coats than recommended. However, skimping on the number of coats can compromise the durability and lifespan of the floor protection. A single coat may not provide the same level of protection as multiple layers, leaving your floor vulnerable to damage.
Apply the recommended number of coats:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how many coats to apply. Typically, two or more coats are required to achieve full protection and optimal coverage. Adding the extra layers ensures that your floor will be fully protected against wear, tear, and environmental factors.
Avoid Using the Floor Immediately After Installation
One of the key advantages of polyaspartic coatings is their fast curing time. However, this does not mean the floor is ready for use immediately after application. Using the floor too soon can result in damage, as the coating may not have fully hardened.
Give the floor ample time to cure:
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing time before walking or placing objects on the floor. While polyaspartic coatings cure faster than traditional epoxies, it’s important to wait the full duration to avoid damaging the freshly applied surface.
Don’t Neglect UV Protection
Polyaspartic coatings are highly resistant to UV rays, but some lower-quality formulations may still be vulnerable to UV degradation over time. Exposure to direct sunlight without UV protection can cause discoloration or fading of the floor coating.
Ensure UV protection:
When selecting your polyaspartic floor coating, choose a product that includes UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage. This is particularly important in spaces with large windows or outdoor areas where sunlight exposure is constant.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the best practices for polyaspartic floor care, you can ensure that your floors remain durable, beautiful, and long-lasting.
