High-traffic spaces demand flooring solutions tough enough to handle everything from forklift traffic to chemical spills. And, trafficable coatings provide that essential protection.
This blog explains what traffic coatings are and showcases three main types of these coatings with their applications. Read on to learn smarter strategies for traffic coatings.
Contents
What Are Traffic Coatings?
Traffic coatings are protective systems applied over concrete surfaces. Common applications include multi-story parking garages, pedestrian walkways, stadiums, and open public spaces. Indoor areas such as mechanical rooms and industrial zones also benefit from these coatings. Overall, traffic coatings help extend the life of concrete surfaces in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Traffic coatings protect against:
- Vehicle loads and pedestrian traffic
- Water penetration during monsoons
- Chemical exposure in industrial areas
- Oil stains in parking areas
- Slip hazards in wet conditions
You apply these coatings in multiple layers. Each layer serves a purpose: primer bonds firmly to concrete, base coat provides strength, and topcoat gives final protection from spills and stains.
3 Main Types of Traffic Coatings
The following are three of the most popular types of traffic coatings preferred by industrial/commercial spaces. Let us have a closer look.
PU (Polyurethane) Coatings
Polyurethane coatings are the flexible choice for surfaces that move and stretch. They handle India’s extreme temperature swings: from 5°C winter mornings to 45°C summer afternoons. The coating expands and contracts with your concrete, making it perfect for outdoor areas like parking decks and terraces. PU floor coatings also resist UV rays and have good chemical resistance.
The downside is that PU is not as hard as epoxy, so heavy machinery can damage it over time.
Best Applications:
- Parking decks: Handles car movement and thermal expansion
- Rooftop areas: Resists UV rays and temperature fluctuations
- Shopping malls: Food courts and corridors where people walk constantly
- Office complexes: Basement parking with daily car traffic
- Hospitals: Emergency vehicle ramps that need slip resistance
- Pedestrian bridges: Absorbs foot traffic vibrations
Know the 5 reasons why airports rely on PU concrete flooring for lasting performance under heavy loads and safety compliance. (must link blog after published)
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy creates the hardest, most durable surface among traffic coatings. It handles heavy loads: forklifts, trucks, and constant foot traffic. Chemical resistance is excellent, making it ideal for factories where acids, solvents, and oils are common. Epoxy coatings also give you an easy-to-clean surface that looks professional.
The disadvantage is rigidity: epoxy can crack if your concrete moves too much. It also takes longer to cure, meaning more downtime during installation.
Best Applications:
- Warehouses: Heavy forklift and truck traffic
- Loading docks: Constant goods movement
- Food processing units: Easy cleaning and bacterial resistance
- Pharmaceutical plants: Clean rooms requiring sterile, non-porous surfaces
- Loading docks: Constant goods movement
- Data centres: Anti-static properties protect sensitive equipment
Want to know 5 reasons why anti-static epoxy flooring is preferred by electronics manufacturers and chemical companies handling inflammable materials? Head to our blog to know how anti-static epoxy flooring controls electrostatic discharge to protect sensitive manufacturing equipment and reduce operational risks. (must link blog after published)
Polyurea Coatings
Polyurea is the speed champion of traffic coatings. It cures in hours, not days, so you can reopen areas to traffic quickly. Polyurea also handles extreme conditions: chemicals, temperature changes, heavy impacts.
The catch is cost: polyurea is the most expensive option upfront. But if downtime costs you money or you need maximum performance, polyurea pays for itself.
Best Applications:
- Metro stations: Quick installation during night maintenance windows
- Stadiums: Handles crowd loads and weather exposure
- Bridge decks: Extreme weather resistance
- Logistics hubs: Loading bays with 24/7 truck movement
- Chemical storage areas: Tanks and containment areas needing immediate protection
- Water treatment plants: Areas exposed to chemicals and constant moisture
Pure polyurea is shaping the future of commercial waterproofing with fast-curing technology and low environmental impact, ideal for smart cities, airports, and more. Know why Pure Polyurea is the future of commercial waterproofing. (must link blog after published)
How to Choose the Right Traffic Coating?
You need the right coating for the protection and longevity of any concrete surface exposed to traffic. Here are some insights to help you choose:
Traffic Type: Heavy vehicles require strong coatings such as epoxy. Light pedestrian traffic can be served well by polyurethane.
Chemical Exposure: Facilities with chemicals, like factories, need epoxy or polyurea. Office spaces generally do well with PU coatings.
Installation Time: For fast project completion, polyurea is ideal due to its rapid curing. Epoxy requires a bit more time but offers value in durability.
Climate: High-humidity environments benefit from PU’s flexibility. Dry climates are suitable for most coating types.
Budget: PU coatings have lower upfront costs. Epoxy and polyurea cost more initially but offer longer service life.
Why Sunanda Global’s Solutions Stand Out
With 45+ years of industry experience, Sunanda Global provides high-quality coatings for commercial/industrial needs. We are the only Indian construction chemical manufacturer with ISO 9001:2015 Certification.
Sunanda Global also actively invests 5% of its annual revenue into Research and Development and directs 60% of our R&D efforts toward developing LEED-compliant products and ecologically sustainable solutions. We offer complete solutions, from technical guidance to trained application partners.
Partner with Sunanda Global today for reliable, long-lasting solutions that cater to your industrial needs.
