Epoxy vs. Polyurea: Which Floor Coating is Better for Your Space?

January 4, 2025

If you're looking to upgrade your concrete floors, you’ve probably heard about epoxy and polyurea coatings. Both are durable, long-lasting, and protective, but each has its own set of advantages. So, how do you decide which is better for your space? At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses across the Treasure Valley—from Boise to Nampa—make the right choice for their floors. Let’s break it down.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a tried-and-true floor coating that’s been around for decades. It’s made by mixing a resin and a hardener to create a tough, chemical-resistant finish. Here are some key benefits of epoxy:

Durability: Epoxy coatings can handle heavy foot traffic and even vehicles, making them popular in garages and warehouses.
Affordable: Typically, epoxy is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a strong, basic coating.
Customizable: You can choose from a range of colors, textures, and finishes to suit your needs.

However, epoxy does have some downsides. It takes longer to cure (usually several days), and it’s more prone to cracking in extreme temperatures, which can be a concern in places like Idaho, where we see hot summers and cold winters.

What is Polyurea?

Polyurea is a newer, advanced technology that’s gaining popularity. It’s a type of polymer that’s highly flexible and cures much faster than epoxy. Here’s why people love polyurea:

Superior Flexibility: Polyurea expands and contracts with temperature changes, making it perfect for Idaho’s climate.
Rapid Curing: It’s ready to use within hours, which is great if you’re on a tight timeline.
Chemical and UV Resistance: Polyurea holds up against chemicals, stains, and sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor patios, pool decks, and high-traffic areas.
Longer Lifespan: While polyurea coatings cost more upfront, they tend to last longer, giving you better value in the long run.

The only potential drawback? Polyurea might not fit every budget, especially for larger spaces.

Which is Better for Your Space?

The answer depends on your needs.

If you’re looking for an affordable, durable option and can wait for the longer cure time, epoxy is a solid choice.
If you want a premium coating that’s built to handle Idaho’s temperature swings and lasts longer, polyurea is the way to go.

At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we specialize in both epoxy and polyurea floor coatings for residential and commercial spaces. Whether you need a durable garage floor in Meridian or a sleek, UV-resistant patio in Eagle, we’ve got you covered.

Why Trust Spray ’n Coat Painting?

We’ve been serving the Treasure Valley since 2009, earning over 400 5-star reviews from happy customers. Our team ensures every project—from concrete prep to the final coat—is completed with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Ready to transform your floors? Contact Spray ’n Coat Painting today or fill out our request form to schedule a free on-site estimate.

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Project Spotlight: Sealing the Deal at the Caldwell Airport Terminal

May 30, 2025

At Spray ’n Coat Painting, we often get called in to finish what others couldn’t quite get right—and that was the case with this 2,000 sq. ft. concrete floor coating project at the Caldwell Airport terminal. The building, now home to a private charter company, needed a durable and clean finish to make the space more welcoming for employees and travelers. Project Background This terminal originally had carpet in several areas, and after it was removed, thick glue residue was left behind across the concrete floors. Our customer had hired another contractor to handle the coating work, but unfortunately, they lacked the necessary equipment and experience for the job. That’s when we stepped in to get things done right. Our Process To give the customer the clean, sealed finish he was hoping for, our crew tackled the job in several key steps: Joint Filler Replacement: We started by removing the old joint filler and refilling the seams. Heavy Grinding & Surface Prep: Using professional grinding equipment, we stripped away all glue residue and opened up the pores of the concrete to ensure a strong bond. Matte Polyurethane Coating: We applied a commercial-grade polyurethane sealer in a matte finish. This not only improved the look of the space but also provided a stain-resistant, slip-resistant surface that can stand up to heavy foot traffic. Why It Matters For a commercial space like this—where first impressions matter and safety is non-negotiable—the right prep and coating system makes all the difference. The finished floor is now sealed, low-maintenance, and ready to take on day-to-day traffic from both staff and customers.

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Finished kitchen island painted in Dried Thyme with smooth, factory-grade finish.

Kitchen Island Cabinet Painting: Creating a Standout Statement with Dried Thyme

May 12, 2025

Kitchen Island Cabinet Painting: Creating a Standout Statement with Dried Thyme Not every kitchen upgrade requires a full remodel. Sometimes, one bold, well-executed change can make the biggest impact. That was the case with this recent kitchen island makeover, where our customer wanted one thing: to make their island the statement piece of the space. They chose Dried Thyme by Sherwin-Williams—a soft, earthy green that brings both character and calm to a room. We used our cabinet painting process to deliver a durable, factory-grade finish that gave their island a whole new identity. Here’s how it came together—and why cabinet painting is one of the smartest updates you can make in your kitchen. Why the Island? Why Dried Thyme? This homeowner wasn’t trying to overhaul their entire kitchen. Their layout worked well, the surrounding white cabinetry was in great shape, and their countertops already brought a clean, timeless look. But the island felt flat. It blended in too much—and they wanted something with a little more presence. Enter Dried Thyme (SW 6186) . This sage-toned green shifts beautifully with the light throughout the day, creating a cozy yet elevated look. It paired perfectly with their existing white perimeter cabinets, quartz counters, and the updated matte black hardware. Looking for more island color inspiration? Sherwin-Williams has a great visualizer tool for testing colors in real spaces.