ET-80 vs. RG-80X: Which Polyaspartic Topcoat Should Contractors Choose?
- Platinum Concrete Coatings of Texas
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Selecting the right topcoat is one of the most important decisions when building a high-performance resinous flooring system. While both Citadel ET-80 and Citadel RG-80X are polyaspartic topcoats designed to protect decorative and industrial concrete floors, they each offer unique advantages depending on the project requirements.
Whether you're installing a decorative flake floor, a quartz broadcast system, or a commercial concrete coating, understanding the differences between these two products can help you deliver better long-term performance for your customer.
In this guide, we'll compare ET-80 and RG-80X to help you determine which product is the best fit for your next installation.
What Do ET-80 and RG-80X Have in Common?
Both products are designed to provide durable, chemical-resistant protection for concrete coating systems.
Both offer:
Excellent abrasion resistance
UV stability for long-term color retention
Chemical resistance
High gloss finish
Easy-to-clean surface
Excellent durability for residential and commercial environments
Because they're both polyaspartic coatings, they provide significantly better UV resistance than traditional epoxy topcoats, making them excellent choices for both indoor and outdoor applications.
ET-80 Overview
Citadel ET-80 is a contractor favorite because it provides a longer working time, allowing installers to maintain a consistent wet edge over larger areas. This added application window can make installation more forgiving, especially on decorative systems where appearance is critical.
ET-80 is commonly used for:
Decorative flake floors
Quartz systems
Garage floor coatings
Commercial spaces
Retail floors
Residential interiors
Why contractors choose ET-80
✔ Longer working time
✔ Excellent clarity over decorative flakes
✔ Smooth application
✔ Great flow and leveling
✔ Ideal when appearance is the top priority
Because of its extended working time, ET-80 gives contractors more flexibility during installation without feeling rushed.
RG-80X Overview
Citadel RG-80X is designed for contractors who need a faster return to service and greater productivity. It offers a quicker cure while still delivering the durability and chemical resistance expected from a polyaspartic coating.
Another major advantage is that RG-80X is tintable, making it a versatile choice for solid-color floor systems where color consistency throughout the coating is important.
RG-80X is commonly used for:
Commercial facilities
Industrial floors
Fast-turnaround projects
Solid-color coating systems
Warehouses
Manufacturing spaces
Why contractors choose RG-80X
✔ Faster cure
✔ Tintable for solid-color applications
✔ Excellent durability
✔ High chemical resistance
✔ Ideal for projects that need to return to service quickly
ET-80 vs. RG-80X Comparison
Feature | ET-80 | RG-80X |
Working Time | Longer | Shorter |
Cure Speed | Standard | Faster |
Tintable | No | Yes |
Best For | Flake & Quartz Systems | Solid Color & Industrial Systems |
Ease of Application | More forgiving | Best for experienced installers or fast-paced jobs |
UV Stable | ✔ | ✔ |
Chemical Resistant | ✔ | ✔ |
Abrasion Resistant | ✔ | ✔ |
Which Product Should You Choose?
Choose ET-80 if you are:
Installing decorative flake floors
Applying quartz systems
Looking for a longer working time
Prioritizing finish quality
Working on residential garage floors
Choose RG-80X if you are:
Completing fast-turnaround projects
Installing industrial flooring systems
Building solid-color floor systems
Needing a tintable polyaspartic topcoat
Working in commercial facilities where downtime is critical
Both Products Are Part of a Complete Flooring System
No matter which topcoat you choose, long-term performance depends on the entire flooring system—not just the final coat.
Proper surface preparation, crack repair, primer selection, and base coat installation all contribute to the durability and performance of the finished floor.
If you're unsure which system best fits your project, our team can help you select the right combination of repair materials, primers, base coats, decorative media, and topcoats based on your customer's needs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Polyaspartic?
At Platinum Concrete Coatings of Texas, we work with contractors across Texas and Louisiana to build complete flooring systems—not just sell products.
Whether you're installing a residential garage floor, a commercial showroom, or a heavy-duty industrial coating, we can help you choose the right products for your application.
Visit our Katy showroom, call (832) 593-6096, or contact our team for product recommendations, system guidance, and contractor support.
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