Epoxies and polyurethane are applied to garage floors topically. After the application and a short curing period, epoxy and polyurethane both leave a protective layer on the surface of the floor.
Consumers can purchase various types of garage floor sealants including epoxy and polyurethane at most home improvement stores. Consumers have the option of using water-based or solvent-based epoxies and polyurethanes.
To avoid unevenness, epoxy and polyurethane both need to be applied quickly because they cure shortly after their application. These materials are often applied on top of each other to create a more durable surface.
Epoxy is known to fade upon consistent overexposure to ultraviolet light, such as from sunlight. Polyurethanes, on the other hand, are largely unaffected by ultraviolet light exposure.
An epoxy finish creates a harder surface than a polyurethane finish; however, polyurethane is more resistant to scratching. Both materials, once applied to a surface, leave a “glossy” look on the material.