Polyurethane concrete coating

Refresh Your Concrete with the Right Solution

Is your concrete surface starting to look tired, cracked, or stained? Whether it’s a garage, patio, factory, or workshop, there are high-performance concrete coating solutions available to protect and enhance your floors. Two common options are polyurethane coatings and polyurethane cement, but they serve different purposes.  Here’s how to choose the right one for your space.

Polyurethane Coating vs. Polyurethane Cement

What is Polyurethane Coating?

A polyurethane coating is a protective topcoat applied over concrete (or epoxy) floors. It’s ideal for homes, garages, and light commercial areas where durability and appearance matter. Benefits include UV resistance, chemical protection, and a glossy finish.

What is Polyurethane Cement?

Polyurethane cement (also called PU cement) is a heavy-duty, industrial-grade flooring system made from a blend of cement and polyurethane resin. It’s thicker and more robust than a standard coating and is designed for demanding environments like food production, pharmaceutical plants, and industrial warehouses.

Benefits of Polyurethane Coating

• Excellent UV resistance – doesn’t yellow in sunlight
• Good chemical and oil resistance
• Glossy or matte finish options
• More flexible than epoxy, reducing cracks
• Great for garages, patios, and indoor spaces

Benefits of Polyurethane Cement

• Handles extreme conditions, including hot water and thermal shock
• Slip-resistant and antimicrobial (great for food areas)
• Highly resistant to abrasion, impact, and moisture
• Performs well in wet or cold environments
• Ideal for commercial kitchens, breweries, and factories

Why Choose Polyurethane for Long-Term Floor Protection?

When it comes to protecting and enhancing concrete floors, polyurethane coatings offer a powerful balance of strength, flexibility, and longevity. Unlike basic sealers or paints, polyurethane forms a robust, chemical-resistant barrier that stands up to heavy traffic, moisture, and harsh environmental conditions. Whether you’re managing a busy warehouse, outfitting a commercial kitchen, or simply upgrading a home garage, polyurethane delivers professional-grade results that look great and perform even better over time. Both products have great long-term concrete coating results when used in the right situation.

Which Concrete Coating is Right for You?

Surface Preparation Tips

• Clean thoroughly to remove oil, dirt, and dust
• Repair cracks or surface damage before coating
• Etch or grind the surface to ensure proper adhesion
• Check for moisture levels before applying

Application: DIY or Hire a Pro?

Polyurethane coatings can be DIY-friendly, especially water-based versions. However, solvent-based or polyaspartic types need skill and proper ventilation. Polyurethane cement, due to its rapid cure time and technical mixing process, is best installed by professionals.

Maintaining Your Coated Floor

• Clean regularly using non-abrasive cleaners
• Wipe spills quickly to prevent staining
• Reapply topcoat every few years (as needed for coatings)

Get Expert Help in Sydney & NSW

Still unsure which system suits your space? Contact Diamond Grind for a professional assessment and quote. We offer both polyurethane coatings and cement flooring systems across Sydney and the greater NSW region.  Visit our other blog posts for more information on all your concrete flooring needs.