Choosing the Right Topcoat: Why Epoxy Needs to Be Sealed & What Works Best for Every System
- Platinum Concrete Coatings of Texas
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 24
The Difference Between a Floor That Lasts… and One That Fails
A lot of coating failures don’t come from prep—they come from what happens after the epoxy is installed.
More specifically: they come from improper or missing topcoats.
If you’re building floors meant to last, understanding the difference between polyaspartic, polyurea, and urethane topcoats is critical.
Why You Should Never Leave Epoxy Unsealed
Epoxy is a strong base—but it’s not designed to be the final surface.
When epoxy is left exposed, you’ll start to see:
UV yellowing (especially in sunlight)
Surface scratching and dulling
Chemical staining from oil and cleaners
Premature wear under traffic
*Epoxy lacks the UV stability and abrasion resistance that polyaspartic, polyurea, and urethane topcoats provide.
Bottom line: epoxy builds the system—but the topcoat protects it.
Understanding the Main Types of Topcoats
Polyurea Topcoats
Fast curing
Strong adhesion
High durability
Best for: production work, flake systems, fast turnaround jobs
Polyaspartic Topcoats
UV stable (non-yellowing)
Can be applied thicker
Excellent durability
Urethane Topcoats
Hard, scratch-resistant finish
Smooth and controlled application
Ideal for maintaining appearance
Best for: metallic floors, interior projects, high-end finishes
Flake Floors: Why Build Thickness Matters
Flake systems are designed for durability first.
They require:
A fully locked-in broadcast
A sealed surface
A topcoat that can take abuse
Why Polyaspartic Topcoats (Like ET-80) Work Best
Polyaspartic topcoats such as ET-80 perform well in flake systems because:
*They can be applied thicker
That thickness:
Locks in the flake
Creates a uniform, sealed surface
Increases long-term durability
When to Use a Higher-Performance Option (RG-80X)
For more demanding environments:
Increased abrasion resistance
Stronger chemical protection
Better long-term performance
Best for: commercial or high-traffic floors
Metallic Floors: Why Clarity & Hardness Matter
Metallic systems are built around visual impact—movement, depth, and finish.
That means the topcoat must:
Stay clear
Lay smooth
Resist scratching
Why Urethane & High-Performance Polyurea Work Best
Products like:
Water-based urethane (WB Polyure 3 B)
High-performance polyurea (Poly 1HD)
are ideal because:
*They are harder and designed for thin application
This allows them to:
Preserve the metallic effect
Maintain clarity
Deliver a smooth, refined finish
Can You Use These on Flake Floors?
Yes—but not by themselves.
Urethane and certain polyurea topcoats are designed to be applied thin.
If applied directly over flake:
You won’t build enough thickness
The system won’t fully seal
Durability will suffer
The Right System Approach
For best results:
Polyaspartic (ET-80 or RG-80X) → builds and locks in flake
Urethane or Polyurea (Poly 1HD / WB Polyure 3 B) → adds hardness and finish
👉 This combination gives you both thickness and surface strength
The Bottom Line
Not all topcoats are interchangeable.
Flake floors need build and thickness (polyaspartic)
Metallic floors need clarity and hardness (urethane/polyurea)
Choosing the right system is what determines whether your floor lasts months—or years.
A coating system is only as strong as its final layer.
Epoxy builds the base—but polyaspartic, polyurea, and urethane topcoats are what make it perform.
Recommended Top Coats
Flake Floor Top Coats
Metallic Floors Top Coats
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