If you’re searching for epoxy flooring in Los Angeles, chances are you want something better than bare concrete. You may want a garage floor that’s more attractive, durable, easier to clean, and professionally finished.
But before choosing traditional epoxy, there’s another option worth considering: polyurea concrete coatings.
At Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings, we do not install traditional epoxy flooring. We specialize in professional polyurea concrete coating systems for garage floors and other concrete surfaces throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
Why?
Because when homeowners ask us for an “epoxy floor,” what they’re usually looking for isn’t necessarily epoxy itself. They’re looking for the finished appearance and performance of a professionally coated garage floor.
Let’s look at the differences between epoxy and polyurea and why Pro-Tect specializes in polyurea coating systems.
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring has been used for decades in garages, warehouses, commercial facilities, and other concrete applications.
Traditional epoxy is generally created by combining a resin with a hardener. Once mixed and applied over properly prepared concrete, the material cures into a hard coating.
Epoxy became so closely associated with garage floors that today many homeowners use terms like “epoxy flooring,” “garage floor epoxy,” and “epoxy garage floor” to describe almost any decorative concrete coating.
But not every garage floor coating is epoxy.
Modern professional coating systems can use materials such as polyurea and polyaspartic coatings, which have different characteristics than traditional epoxy.
Does Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings Install Epoxy?
No.
Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings does not install traditional epoxy flooring.
Instead, we specialize in premium polyurea concrete coating systems.
So if you found us while searching for epoxy flooring near you, you’ve come to the right place if your real goal is to transform your concrete with a professional, durable, full-flake coating system.
We’ll explain your options and help determine whether our coating system is appropriate for your concrete and how you plan to use the space.
What Is Polyurea Flooring?
Polyurea is a coating technology used in professional concrete coating systems.
It is known for properties including rapid curing, durability, and flexibility. Depending on the complete system and formulation, polyurea can be used as part of a high-performance alternative to traditional garage floor epoxy.
At Pro-Tect, we install Penntek concrete coating systems designed for professional application.
A finished floor isn’t just about the coating material, either.
The quality of the finished system depends on several factors, including:
- Concrete condition
- Surface preparation
- Repairs
- Coating materials
- Installation procedures
- Decorative flake application
- Protective topcoat
- Proper curing
That’s why choosing a garage floor shouldn’t come down to simply asking, “Epoxy or polyurea?”
You should compare the entire system.
Polyurea vs. Epoxy Flooring
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
Is polyurea better than epoxy for a garage floor?
Both technologies can be used in concrete coating applications, but there are important differences to consider.
1. Flexibility
Traditional epoxy cures into a hard surface.
Polyurea is generally more flexible than traditional epoxy, which can be beneficial in concrete coating applications where temperature changes and normal substrate conditions are considerations.
It’s important to remember that no surface coating can stop the underlying concrete from moving or developing future cracks.
However, the properties of the coating itself are an important part of choosing a flooring system.
2. Cure Time
One of polyurea’s biggest advantages is its rapid cure time.
Traditional epoxy systems can require longer curing periods depending on the product and conditions.
Professional polyurea coating systems can cure considerably faster.
Depending on the condition of the concrete and the system being installed, Pro-Tect coating installations can be completed in as little as one day.
That means less disruption and a faster transformation of your garage.
3. UV Exposure
Certain traditional epoxy formulations can discolor or amber when exposed to ultraviolet light.
This can be particularly relevant around garage entrances and other areas receiving regular Southern California sunlight.
A properly selected coating system and topcoat should account for the environment where the floor will be installed.
4. Durability
Garage floors have to deal with much more than foot traffic.
They can be exposed to vehicles, tools, dirt, automotive fluids, dropped objects, tires, and everyday household use.
Both product selection and professional installation affect durability.
This is why Pro-Tect focuses on the complete coating system, beginning with preparation of the concrete.
5. Installation
A premium coating won’t perform as intended if it’s installed over poorly prepared concrete.
For us, the installation starts before the first coating is applied.
Why Surface Preparation Matters
If you’re comparing epoxy flooring companies in Los Angeles, one of the most important questions you can ask has nothing to do with epoxy:
“How are you preparing my concrete?”
At Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings, we use professional diamond grinding to mechanically prepare concrete for our coating systems.
Diamond grinding helps remove surface contaminants and creates the appropriate concrete profile for the coating system to bond to.
We can also evaluate cracks, damage, previous coatings, and other concrete conditions before installing the new floor.
This is a major difference between a professionally installed coating and simply rolling a DIY product onto concrete.
Diamond Grinding vs. Acid Etching
Many DIY epoxy kits rely on acid or chemical etching to prepare the concrete.
Pro-Tect uses mechanical diamond grinding.
Professional mechanical preparation gives our installers greater control over the concrete surface and allows us to prepare the substrate as part of a complete flooring installation.
The floor you see at the end of the project is only as good as the work underneath it.
What Is a Full-Flake Garage Floor Coating?
The decorative flakes are one of the most recognizable features of today’s premium garage floors.
After the base coating is applied, decorative vinyl flakes are broadcast across the floor to create a textured, multi-color appearance.
The flake layer is then prepared before the protective clear topcoat is installed.
The result is a seamless-looking decorative floor that can completely change the appearance of a garage.
And there are numerous flake colors available, allowing homeowners to choose a finish that complements their garage, vehicles, cabinetry, and home.
Benefits of Choosing a Polyurea Garage Floor Coating
If you’re considering epoxy garage flooring, it’s worth comparing what a professional polyurea system can offer.
Beautiful Appearance
A full-flake coating transforms unfinished concrete into a professionally finished surface and can make the garage feel more like an extension of your home.
Easy Maintenance
Bare concrete can hold dirt, dust, and spills.
A professionally coated surface is much easier to sweep, blow out, mop, and maintain.
Durable Finish
Professional coating systems are designed to withstand the demands associated with normal garage use.
Fast Installation
Depending on floor conditions and the selected system, installation can be completed in as little as one day.
Multiple Color Options
Full-flake systems are available in numerous colors and blends, giving homeowners much more design flexibility than plain concrete.
What Does Polyurea Garage Flooring Cost in Los Angeles?
Whether someone searches for epoxy flooring cost or polyurea flooring cost, there isn’t one price that’s accurate for every garage.
Pricing can depend on:
- Square footage
- Concrete condition
- Existing coatings
- Cracks or damaged areas
- Required surface preparation
- Moisture conditions
- Repairs
- Coating system
- Project accessibility
For that reason, Pro-Tect provides free estimates rather than giving homeowners a misleading one-size-fits-all price.
We’ll evaluate your project and provide pricing based on the actual floor and work required.
Is DIY Epoxy Cheaper Than Professional Polyurea?
Initially, yes. A DIY epoxy kit will generally have a lower upfront cost than hiring a professional concrete coating company.
But you’re not comparing the same installation.
A professional flooring system involves specialized equipment, surface preparation, professional coating materials, installation experience, repairs where appropriate, decorative flake application, and a protective topcoat.
For homeowners considering a DIY kit, it’s worth asking:
Am I looking for the cheapest way to put something on my concrete, or do I want a professionally installed garage floor?
Those are two different goals.
Can Polyurea Be Installed Over an Existing Epoxy Floor?
Potentially, but the existing floor needs to be evaluated first.
If an old coating is peeling, failing, or poorly bonded to the concrete, installing another coating over it won’t correct the underlying problem.
Existing coatings may need to be mechanically removed so the concrete underneath can be properly prepared.
Pro-Tect can inspect the existing floor and determine what preparation is necessary before installing a new coating system.
Can You Coat a Cracked Garage Floor?
Existing cracks don’t automatically prevent a concrete floor from being coated.
The floor should first be inspected so the condition of the concrete can be evaluated.
Repairs may be possible depending on the type and condition of the crack.
However, it’s important to understand that a coating cannot guarantee that concrete will never crack again. Concrete can move, settle, shift, and develop new cracks over time.
A professional installer should explain those limitations rather than making unrealistic promises.
Choosing a Garage Floor Coating Company in Los Angeles
Don’t choose a contractor simply because their advertisement says “epoxy flooring.”
Ask what’s actually being installed.
Before hiring a concrete coating company, consider asking:
- How do you prepare the concrete?
- Do you mechanically diamond grind the floor?
- What type of coating system do you use?
- Is it epoxy, polyurea, polyaspartic, or another material?
- What happens if my floor has an existing coating?
- How are cracks and damaged areas addressed?
- What topcoat is installed?
- How long before I can use the floor?
- What warranty comes with the system?
- Are you licensed and insured?
These questions make it much easier to compare what you’re actually getting rather than comparing two prices for installations that may be completely different.
Looking for Epoxy Flooring in Los Angeles? Talk to Pro-Tect First
If you searched Google for epoxy flooring in Los Angeles, you don’t necessarily need epoxy.
You need the right coating system for your concrete.
At Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings, we specialize in premium polyurea concrete coating systems rather than traditional epoxy.
Our professional installation process includes proper surface preparation using diamond grinding and premium coating materials to create a durable, attractive, easy-to-maintain floor.
Pro-Tect is a Penntek Certified Dealer & Installer serving homeowners and businesses throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, including Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Sun Valley, Valley Village, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Altadena, and surrounding communities.
Get Your Free Garage Floor Estimate
Considering epoxy for your garage?
Before you make your decision, see what a professional polyurea concrete coating system can do for your floor.
Get it installed by Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings.
Call 747-333-5901 today for a FREE estimate.
Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings
Penntek Certified Dealer & Installer
Licensed, Insured & Bonded
Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley
747-333-5901
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pro-Tect install epoxy flooring?
No. Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings specializes in professional polyurea concrete coating systems rather than traditional epoxy flooring.
Is polyurea better than epoxy?
Polyurea and epoxy have different properties. Polyurea’s fast curing and flexibility make it an attractive choice for professional garage floor coating systems. The appropriate system depends on the concrete, environment, and application.
Is polyurea more expensive than epoxy?
Costs vary considerably depending on the products, floor size, preparation requirements, concrete condition, repairs, and installation. A professional coating system should be compared based on the complete installation rather than material name alone.
How long does a polyurea garage floor take to install?
Depending on the concrete condition and coating system, Pro-Tect installations can be completed in as little as one day.
Do you grind the concrete before coating it?
Yes. Pro-Tect uses professional diamond grinding to prepare concrete as part of our installation process.
Can polyurea go over old epoxy?
The existing coating needs to be inspected first. Failed or poorly bonded coatings may need to be removed before the concrete can be properly prepared for a new system.
Where does Pro-Tect install garage floor coatings?
Pro-Tect Concrete Coatings serves Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, including Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Sun Valley, Valley Village, Sylmar, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Altadena, and surrounding Southern California communities.