Coating Systems - Technical Performance Resource Hub
This technical hub explains the chemistry, performance characteristics, and engineering differences of professional-grade epoxy floor coating systems and specialty epoxy coatings, using garage floor epoxy as the base reference. It details how these same epoxy technologies scale for commercial and industrial environments with higher traffic loads, harsher chemical exposure, and different performance requirements.
Why Many Garage Floor Epoxy Kits Fail Prematurely
Many garage floor epoxy failures are not caused only by improper installation, but by limitations in the coating chemistry itself.
Common failure modes include peeling, hot-tire pickup, surface staining and cracking. These issues are most often associated with high-solids used as primary build coats rather than just as primers or water-based epoxy coatings, which lack the film build and cross-link density required for long-term durability, impact and chemical resistance on garage concrete. Using a garage epoxy for every application including commercial, industrial areas and or where heavy off-road vehicles are used is a very common mistake.
Below you'll find product descriptions, data sheets, and application instructions for each system to support proper selection and installation. If this is your first time reading/thinking about epoxy floor coatings you may want to start with the basics: What Is Garage Floor Epoxy and Why ArmorGarage Epoxy Really Is The Best. Then when you read this page everything will make more sense and you'll know why you chose the system you did and how to apply it properly so you only do this once. We are of course also always available to personally guide you from start to finish to ensure your project's success. ArmorGarage is here to provde you longer lasting results and less stress at a fraction of franchise and contractor prices.
Quick System Navigation Links
Garage Epoxy Commercial Epoxy Non-Slip Military-Industrial Heavy Tonnage Novolak Metallic ArmorTrak V1 AG-591 Vertical Surface Bond HD Urethane Cement Waterproof Membrane
Use the table below to select the appropriate coating system, then scroll for full technical details and downloadable documentation. Also see our Interactive Epoxy Floor Selector Tool.
When to Use Each Coating System
| Environment / Requirement | Recommended System – Content Section |
|---|---|
| Residential garages, workshops, light storage | Garage Epoxy Systems |
| Commercial traffic, carts, dollies, light-medium forklift traffic | Commercial Epoxy Flooring System |
| Wet floors, ramps, ski resorts, floors with hazardous conditions | Industrial Non-Slip Coating System |
| Heavy forklifts, rolling equipment, impact loads, hangars | Military-Industrial Epoxy Flooring System |
| Extreme durability, heavy rolling loads, maximum abrasion resistance, heavy repetitive traffic | Heavy Tonnage Epoxy System |
| Acids, solvents, fuels, caustics, chemical immersion | Novolak Epoxy Flooring System |
| High-visual-impact floors where appearance is the primary driver | Metallic Epoxy Flooring System |
| Flexible, waterproof, slip-resistant coating for ramps and outdoor surfaces | ArmorTrak V1 Flexible Coating System |
| Vertical, overhead, wet, or marginally prepared surfaces requiring sag-free application | Floor-to-Ceiling Epoxy Coating (AG-591) |
| Color coating for concrete and asphalt pavement surfaces | Surface Bond HD Concrete & Asphalt Color Coating |
| High-heat, thermal shock, moisture-tolerant industrial floors (food processing, wash-down areas) | Self-Leveling Urethane Cement Flooring System |
| Waterproofing, crack isolation, and anti-fracture protection for interior, exterior, or below-grade substrates | Liquid Waterproof & Anti-Fracture Membrane System |
Coating Systems: Technical Quick Reference
ArmorGarage Epoxy Floor Installation Timeline (Typical)
| Day | Work Performed |
|---|---|
| Day 1 Prep & Prime |
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| Day 2 Base Epoxy & Flakes |
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| Day 3 Topcoat Application |
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| Day 4 Light Use |
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| Day 5 Full Use |
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Timeline Adjustments: Deduct 1 day if the floor was diamond-ground. Deduct 2 days if the primer was applied the same day as grinding. Actual cure times vary based on temperature, humidity, and system selection (whether 2-3-4 or5 layers).
Garage Epoxy Flooring Systems (Armor Chip & Armor Granite)
Multi-coat epoxy flooring systems designed for residential garages, workshops, and light-duty spaces where long-term adhesion, durability, and appearance are critical.
- Category: Residential / Light- Heavy Duty Epoxy Flooring with military topcoat option
- System Type: Multi-coat epoxy flooring system (optional primer + epoxy base coat + decorative chips + clear protective topcoat)
- Finish Options: Solid color epoxy, metallic finish, Armor Chip flake system-75% coverage, and Armor Granite heavy-broadcast system-90-95% coverage
- Surface Preparation: Mechanical grinding or acid etching required to open concrete pores for proper epoxy bonding
- Moisture Requirements: Concrete must be dry and free of moisture vapor transmission; moisture testing recommended prior to installation on homes 25 years or older.
- Application Method: Roll-on and squeegee application; decorative chips broadcast into wet epoxy base coat
- Typical Coverage: Designed to cover stated square footage with no concrete bleed through at proper film thickness when applied per instructions
- Topcoat Options: Standard clear topcoat (2 coats - Armor Chip), Armor Granite has 4 layers of topcoat, or optional single layer military-grade topcoat for both for increased durability
- Traffic Resistance: From parked passenger vehicles, to heavy off-road vehicles and workshops
- Cure Schedule: Light foot traffic ~6–8 hours after topcoat; vehicle traffic typically after 2–3 days
- Application Conditions: Apply between approximately 55–95°F with relative humidity ≤85%
- Recommended Use: Residential garages, home workshops, storage areas, and hobby spaces
- Not Intended For: Continuous industrial traffic or heavy equipment environments (use Commercial, Military-Industrial, or Heavy Tonnage systems)
Commercial Epoxy Flooring System
Two-layer commercial epoxy flooring system combining a penetrating epoxy primer basecoat with a military-grade urethane topcoat for increased abrasion resistance, durability, and chemical resistance.
- System Type: 2-layer epoxy flooring system (epoxy basecoat + heavy-duty urethane topcoat)
- Basecoat: AGARM144X high-performance solids-based epoxy primer for concrete penetration and permanent adhesion
- Topcoat: AGARM321X ArmorGarage commercial-grade polyurethane topcoat for abrasion, chemical resistance, and UV stability
- Total System Build: Approximately 12-14 mils
- Abrasion Resistance: ~8.0 mg loss (ASTM D4060, CS-17 wheel, 1000 g, 500 cycles – topcoat)
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to common automotive fluids, fuels, oils, cleaners, salts, and many industrial chemicals (ratings vary by chemical)
- Slip Resistance: UltraWear non-skid aggregate added to the topcoat to increase traction & durability
- Traffic Capability: Designed for sustained foot traffic, pallet jacks, dollies, and light forklift traffic
- Cure Schedule: Light foot traffic ~12 hours; full cure for heavier traffic ~1-2 days (temperature and humidity dependent)
- Application Conditions: Apply between approximately 50–95°F; substrate temperature must be at least 5°F above dew point
- Recommended Use: Commercial garages, workshop garages, warehouses, service areas, repair shops, small aircraft hangars and light industrial spaces
- When to Step Up: Continuous heavy forklift traffic, heavy tracked equipment, larger aircraft hangars or extreme point loads → use the Military-Industrial Epoxy System
ArmorGarage Military-Industrial Epoxy Flooring System
Three-layer, high-build epoxy flooring system designed for extreme mechanical abuse, heavy equipment traffic, and aggressive industrial or military service environments.
- System Type: 3-layer epoxy flooring system (epoxy primer + 100% solids high-build epoxy + military-grade urethane topcoat)
- Primer: AGARM144X 2-part solids-based epoxy primer for deep concrete penetration and permanent adhesion
- Build Coat: AGARM707X ArmorGarage 100% solids high-build epoxy for impact resistance and load distribution
- Topcoat: AGARM356X ArmorGarage military-grade aliphatic polyurethane for abrasion, chemical resistance, and UV stability. Chemically hardened coating, think bunker hardened concrete versus sidewalk concrete. 4 mg abrasion rating (the lower the number the better)
- Typical Total System Build: ~23-25 mils
- Abrasion Resistance (Topcoat): ~4.0 mg loss (ASTM D4060, CS-17 wheel, 1000 g, 500 cycles)
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to fuels, oils, solvents, acids, caustics, and industrial chemicals (ratings vary by chemical, concentration, and exposure duration)
- Traffic Capability: Designed for sustained foot traffic, heavy rolling loads, forklifts, and industrial equipment, off-road vehicles.
- Slip Resistance: UltraWear non-skid additive in the topcoat for increased traction and durability
- Cure Schedule: Light foot traffic ~12 hours; full cure for heavy traffic ~2-3 days (temperature and humidity dependent)
- Application Conditions: Apply between approximately 55–95°F with relative humidity below 90%; substrate temperature must be at least 5°F above dew point
- Recommended Use: Aircraft hangars, heavy equipment shops, industrial warehouses, maintenance bays, pole barns with snowmobiles, rubber tracked vehicles and large trailers, and military facilities
- Not Intended For: For outdoor use.
ArmorGarage Novolak Epoxy Flooring System (Chemical-Resistant)
High-performance novolak epoxy system engineered for extreme chemical, acid, and solvent exposure where the chemical resistance of standard epoxy systems are not sufficient.
- System Type: Chemical-resistant novolak epoxy flooring system (primer/base + novolak topcoat)
- Primary Use: Chemical processing areas, labs, battery rooms, manufacturing facilities, wastewater plants, mining operations, and containment zones
- Base / Primer: AG257X chemical-resistant novolak primer/base designed for aggressive environments
- Topcoat: AG253X novolak epoxy topcoat for maximum chemical, heat and abrasion resistance
- Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to acids, solvents, fuels, caustics, and industrial chemicals (varies by chemical, concentration, and exposure duration)
- Heat Resistance: Enhanced heat resistance compared with standard epoxies
- Solids Content: 100% novolak epoxy formulation for dense, cross-linked chemical barrier
- Finish Options: Solid color finishes; high-gloss
- Application: Roll-on application; multiple coats may be required for full chemical resistance
- Substrate: Properly prepared concrete; moisture mitigation required where applicable
- Where to Use: Interior industrial environments with continuous or repeated chemical exposure
- Not Intended For: Residential use. Areas without significant chemical exposure where standard epoxy systems are sufficient
ArmorGarage Heavy Tonnage Epoxy System (HVTN100X)
Extreme-durability, high-build coating engineered for heavy equipment and harsh service environments requiring maximum abrasion and impact resistance. We call this the toughest epoxy on earth.
- Product Type: Polyester/aliphatic high-performance coating formulated for superior abrasion, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and flexibility
- Recommended Use: Diesel truck service centers, high volume warehouses, industrial plants, large commercial and military aircraft hangars, heavy maintenance shops, autobody shops, and wherever extreme durability is required
- Film Thickness: ~30 mils
- Coverage: ~125 sq ft per gallon at 30 mils
- Solids: 100% solids by weight; 100% solids by volume
- VOC: < 0.5 g/L (mixed)
- Mix Ratio: 2 parts A to 1 part B by volume
- Pot Life: ~30 minutes (1.5 gal volume)
- Abrasion Resistance: ~2.5 mg loss (Taber CS-17, 500 cycles)
- Adhesion: ~420 psi (elcometer) with concrete failure / no delamination
- Cure Schedule: Tack free ~5–7 hours; light foot traffic ~14–18 hours; full cure (heavy traffic) ~2–4 days
- Primers: AGARM144X included, or LOW VOC AGARM015X where required by EPA standards
- Topcoat: None recommended, epoxy has 2.5 mg abrasion loss rating with chemical cure that is harder than construction hard hats, 90+ on Shore D Hardness Schedule. Unequaled by any topcoat or epoxy.
- Application Conditions: ~55–95°F with relative humidity below 90%; substrate must be at least 5°F above dew point
- Limitations: Not recommended for high UV exposure ( may amber, cosmetic issue does not affect performance). Not recommended for residential use.
ArmorGarage Metallic Epoxy Flooring System
Decorative multi-layer metallic epoxy flooring system designed to create high-visual-impact finishes with one-of-a-kind patterns.
- System Type: Multi-layer metallic epoxy flooring system (base coat + metallic clear epoxy + protective topcoat)
- Appearance: Three-dimensional, marble-like finish created using metallic pigment powders
- Base Coat: High-contrast dark primer/base coat (black commonly used; gray for lighter metallics)
- Design Notes: Final visual pattern varies by application technique; number of colors and or accent highlight colors used. No two floors will ever be alike.
- Protection: Military grade clear protective topcoat selected to preserve gloss, clarity, and long-term wear resistance
- Recommended Use: Garages, showrooms, retail/office display areas, man caves, and other high-visibility spaces
- Not Intended For: Heavy industry factory floors where extreme mechanical and work conditions are present
ArmorTrak Flexible Coating System
Single-component, moisture-cured flexible polyurethane coating with proprietary rubber granules embeded, designed for waterproofing, slip resistance, and long-term durability on interior and exterior surfaces.
- System Type: One-part, moisture-cured flexible polyurethane coating (no mixing required)
- Primary Function: Waterproofing, flexibility, and slip resistance rather than rigid impact resistance
- Recommended Thickness: 30–40 mils total (applied in a minimum of two coats)
- Flexibility: Fully flexible; will not chip, crack, or delaminate under movement
- Abrasion Resistance: ~30.5 mg loss (Taber CS-17, 1000 g, 1000 cycles)
- Slip Resistance: COF ~0.91 (dry) / ~0.62 (wet) when textured
- Application: ArmorTrak roller and or brush
- Typical Uses: Ramps, walkways, bridges, loading docks, decks, truck beds, marine surfaces, parking areas, steps and playgrounds
- Compatible Substrates: Concrete, metal, wood, fiberglass, tile, and properly prepared asphalt
- Environmental Resistance: Resistant to water, salt water, fuels, chemicals, and weather exposure
- UV Resistance: Aromatic polyurethane; ArmorTrak 18 recommended for maximum long-term UV stability
- Cure Schedule: Walk-on ~6–12 hours; full cure ~1-3 days (environment dependent)
- Indoor / Outdoor Use: Suitable for both interior and exterior applications
- Not Intended For: Rigid industrial floors requiring high compressive strength (use epoxy systems)
Floor-to-Ceiling Epoxy Coating System (AG-591X)
100% solids, high-build epoxy coating engineered for vertical, overhead, and wet-surface applications where standard epoxies sag, drip, or fail to bond.
- System Type: Two-component, 100% particle infused solids epoxy coating for floor-to-ceiling applications
- Primary Function: High-build, sag-resistant coating for walls, ceilings, pits, manholes, and structural surfaces
- Unique Advantage: May be applied to vertical, overhead, wet, or underwater surfaces without sagging or dripping
- Film Build: Up to 20 mils DFT per coat on horizontal surfaces; high-build vertical application capability
- Self-Priming: Self-priming on steel and most concrete substrates
- Surface Tolerance: Performs on marginally prepared surfaces, lightly rusted surfaces and over sound existing coatings without lifting
- Moisture Tolerance: Can be applied to wet or submerged surfaces; ideal for wastewater and marine environments
- Flexibility: Low-modulus epoxy film resists chipping and cracking under impact or movement
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to acids, caustics, fuels, oils, salt water, and industrial chemicals
- Application Methods: Roll, brush, or spray; no solvent required for rolling
- Application Temperature: Approximately 40–120°F; cures down to ~35°F
- VOC Content: 0 g/L (0 VOC), compliant with EPA and air-quality regulations
- Recommended Use: Manholes, pits, correctional facilites, water treatment facilities, paper mills, refineries, power plants, marine structures, steel and concrete walls, ceilings, and wet-process areas
- Not Intended For: Decorative flooring applications, not for residential use
Industrial Non-Slip Coating System
High-traction industrial coating system designed to improve slip resistance in wet, oily, or hazardous environments where safety and traction are critical.
- Category: Safety / Slip-Resistant Industrial Coating
- System Type: Textured non-slip coating system using industrial-grade epoxy binders and proprietary traction aggregates
- Primary Function: Increase traction and reduce slip-and-fall risk in safety-critical environments
- Slip Resistance: High-traction surface profile when properly applied
- Texture Options: Medium, or aggressive profiles depending on application method
- Application Areas: Walkways, ramps, stairways, loading docks, platforms, equipment pads, and designated safety zones. Works well at ski resorts, marine applications, food processing plants
- Surface Compatibility: Concrete, steel, metal decking, and previously coated surfaces (proper preparation required)
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to water, oils, fuels, cleaners, and common industrial contaminants
- Application Method: Applied by roller for aggressive finish or flat squeegee for less aggressive finish
- Indoor / Outdoor Use: Suitable for both interior and exterior environments when properly topcoated
- Traffic Resistance: Designed for heavy foot traffic, forklift traffic, carts, and service access
- Maintenance: Cleanable with standard commercial cleaners; recoatable as needed to refresh traction
- Not Intended For: For residential use, smooth decorative floors or high-gloss environments where high traction is not required
Surface Bond HD – Concrete & Asphalt Color Coating
High-durability, slip-resistant, 100% acrylic pavement color coating engineered to protect and beautify concrete and asphalt surfaces exposed to heavy traffic, weather, and fuel exposure.
- Category: Pavement & Traffic Surface Coating
- Product Type: One-part, self-priming 100% acrylic water-based emulsion coating
- Primary Function: Color coating, surface protection, and slip resistance for pavement surfaces
- Resin Technology: Cross-linking acrylic system designed to deliver superior outdoor traffic durability compared to thermoplastics and epoxies
- Slip Resistance: Fortified with silica sand for enhanced traction; pedestrian friction >75 BPN (ASTM E303)
- Fuel Resistance: Excellent resistance to fuel exposure for traffic and parking applications
- Recommended Film Build: 20–25 mils dry per coat
- Number of Coats: Minimum 2 coats (3 recommended for high-wear areas)
- Coverage: ~240–280 sq ft per 5-gal pail (varies by surface porosity)
- Cure Time: Recoat ~25–45 minutes; traffic ready ~5–7 hours (temperature dependent)
- VOC Content: <75 g/L (environmentally compliant)
- Service Temperature: –40°F to 150°F (cured)
- Compatible Substrates: Bare concrete and unsealed or acrylic-sealed asphalt
- Recommended Uses: Roadways, streets, driveways, parking lots, walkways, golf cart paths, amusement parks, and traffic areas
- Not Intended For: Surfaces previously sealed with coal tar or asphalt-based sealers; decorative interior floors
Self-Leveling Urethane Cement Flooring System (AG903SLX)
Heavy-duty, self-leveling urethane cement slurry flooring system engineered for extreme wear, thermal shock, moisture vapor transmission resistance, and aggressive chemical environments.
- Category: Industrial Urethane Cement / Slurry Mortar Flooring
- System Type: Multi-component bio-based urethane slurry mortar (3- or 4-component system depending on color)
- Primary Function: Provide a seamless, shock-resistant, hygienic floor for demanding industrial and food-service environments. Meets all USDA requirments and Health Department codes.
- Typical Thickness: 1/8" – 1/4" depending on application requirements
- Coverage: ~37–46 sq ft per kit at ~1/8" thickness
- Moisture Tolerance: Resistant to moisture vapor transmission (MVT); suitable where epoxies may fail
- Thermal Shock Resistance: Designed for hot wash-down areas, hot spills and wide temperature cycling. Designed not to crack where standard epoxy systems would.
- Heat Resistance: Withstands temperatures up to 200°F
- Abrasion Resistance: Heavy-duty slurry mortar designed for sustained heavy abrasion and high impacts. Heavy forklift traffic rated. Repetitve traffic rated.
- Impact Resistance: ~160 in-lbs (ASTM D-4226)
- Bond Strength: 100% concrete failure (ASTM D-4541)
- Compressive Strength: ~8,400 psi (ASTM C-579)
- Flexural Strength: ~2,700 psi (ASTM C-580)
- Slip Resistance: Textured, broadcast finish with optional topcoat provides inherent slip resistance when properly installed
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to acids, caustics, solvents, fuels, and food-service chemicals
- Finish Characteristics: Slightly textured, rough finish when broadcast
- Primers: None required on properly prepared substrates
- Topcoat: Optional; Novolak or other specialty topcoats may be used depending on exposure and slip resistance requirements
- Cure Schedule: Light foot traffic ~12 hours; full heavy-traffic service ~24 hours (77°F)
- Application Temperature: ~45–85°F with RH ≤85%; substrate must be ≥5°F above dew point
- Recommended Use: Commercial kitchens, food prep areas, food & beverage facilities, commercial restrooms, locker rooms, hot wash-down areas, and industrial processing spaces
- Not Intended For: Not for residential use or decorative floors where appearance is the primary concern
Epoxy vs. Urethane Cement — Technical Selection Guidance
- Epoxy Flooring Systems: Best suited for dry to moderately wet environments where abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and aesthetics are primary considerations. Epoxies provide excellent adhesion and durability but are more sensitive to moisture vapor transmission, thermal shock, and rapid temperature cycling.
- Urethane Cement Flooring Systems: Engineered for extreme service environments involving constant moisture, hot water wash-downs, steam cleaning, thermal shock, and aggressive chemicals. Urethane cement systems tolerate moisture vapor transmission and temperature extremes that can cause epoxy systems to debond or crack.
- Thermal Performance: Epoxy systems perform well under stable temperature conditions, while urethane cement systems are designed to withstand rapid temperature changes and sustained heat exposure without damage.
- Moisture Tolerance: Urethane cement systems are inherently moisture tolerant and can be installed where elevated moisture vapor transmission exists. Epoxy systems generally require moisture mitigation or vapor barriers for long-term performance.
- Typical Applications: Epoxy systems are commonly used in garages, warehouses, laboratories, and industrial facilities with controlled environments. Urethane cement systems are preferred in food and beverage plants, commercial kitchens, processing areas, and wash-down environments.
- Selection Summary: When conditions include heat, moisture, thermal shock, or hygiene-driven cleaning processes, urethane cement is the preferred solution. Many health departments will not accept epoxy for commercial kitchen floors, the often require a minimum of 1/8" thickness which is not achievable with traditional epoxy coatings. For dry, controlled environments where appearance and abrasion resistance are primary, epoxy flooring systems remain an effective and economical choice.
Liquid Waterproof & Anti-Fracture Membrane System (ARMMCX)
Single-component elastomeric liquid membrane engineered for waterproofing, crack isolation, and anti-fracture protection on interior, exterior, and below-grade substrates.
- Category: Waterproofing / Anti-Fracture Membrane
- Product Type: One-part latex cross-link hybrid elastomeric membrane
- Primary Function: Waterproofing, crack bridging, and substrate stabilization
- Application Method: Roller, brush, or airless sprayer (minimum 2 coats)
- Recommended Thickness: ~30 mils total dry film thickness
- Coverage: ~150–250 sq ft per gallon (2 coats, substrate dependent)
- Crack Bridging: Effective for cracks up to 1/16" without fabric; larger cracks reinforced with mesh
- Waterproofing Test: Flood test capable ~35 minutes after application
- Dry Time: ~25–30 minutes at 72°F
- Full Cure: ~3 days
- Elongation: Up to 1,300% (ASTM D42370)
- Tensile Strength: Up to ~453 PSI (ASTM D412)
- Water Vapor Transmission: ~1.52 g/hr·m² (ASTM E96)
- ANSI Compliance: ANSI A118.10 waterproof membrane
- Substrates: Concrete, plywood, stone, tile, interior/exterior cladding
- Indoor / Outdoor Use: Interior, exterior, and below-grade applications
- Topcoat: Optional ArmorGarage Clear Shield for added protection
- Clean-Up: Water
- VOC: Low-odor, water-based formulation
- Recommended Use: Bathrooms, showers, wet rooms, balconies, roof decks, slabs, planter boxes, foundations, and waterproofing transitions
- Not Intended For: Exposed decorative wear surfaces without a protective topcoat
Please contact us for product selection guidance or Request A Quote for recommendations and quantity discounts. See our Epoxy vs Garage Tiles vs Garage Mats Guide to explore other flooring options that might be right for you.