Clear Epoxy vs Concrete Sealer: Which Finish Is Best for Your Floor? - B-Protek

Clear Epoxy vs Concrete Sealer: Which Finish Is Best for Your Floor?

 In Our Expert Advice, Our Interior Coatings

When it comes to protecting or enhancing a concrete floor, two options often come up: concrete sealer and clear epoxy coating. Both aim to protect and beautify concrete, but their performance differs depending on use and environment.

Important: For garages or outdoor areas, neither epoxy nor sealer is suitable. For these conditions, the polyaspartic coating with vinyl flakes remains the most durable and easy-to-maintain option, especially in Canadian climates.

What Is a Concrete Sealer?

A concrete sealer is a liquid applied to the surface to protect concrete from moisture, stains, and wear.

It acts as an invisible barrier that keeps water, salt, and oil from penetrating the concrete.

Benefits of a Concrete Sealer

  • Adequate protection against freeze-thaw cycles, salt, and liquids
  • Easy maintenance and quick cleaning
  • Affordable and fast to apply
  • Keeps a natural matte look

Limitations

  • Moderate durability (about 2 to 5 years)
  • Matte or semi-gloss finish only.
  • Doesn’t correct cracks or imperfections
  • Requires periodic reapplication

A sealer is a solid choice for basic, low-cost protection for indoor concrete with minimal exposure.

What Is a Clear Epoxy Coating?

A clear epoxy coating is a resin-based product applied in multiple layers.

It creates a smooth, glossy, and durable finish, often used in basements, workshops, and commercial spaces.

Benefits of Clear Epoxy

  • Long-lasting (10 to 15 years when properly installed)
  • High resistance to chemicals, oils, and abrasion
  • Premium glossy appearance
  • Option to add decorative flakes or non-slip texture

Limitations

  • Higher upfront cost
  • Technical application requiring proper surface prep
  • Not UV-resistant, so not ideal outdoors

Epoxy is perfect for interior concrete floors where you want a durable and elegant finish.

Polyaspartic with Vinyl Flakes: The Garage Solution

For garages or heavy-duty areas, polyaspartic is the best-performing coating.

It’s engineered to withstand Canadian winters and high-traffic conditions.

Benefits

  • Resists salt, humidity, and temperature variations
  • Handles hot tires, chemicals, and impact
  • Non-slip, safe, and easy to clean
  • Installed in one day
  • Decorative vinyl flake finish with multiple colour options

At B.Protek, polyaspartic is our signature system, backed by a 20-year adhesion warranty.

Comparison: Concrete Sealer vs Clear Epoxy vs Polyaspartic

Feature Concrete Sealer Clear Epoxy Polyaspartic with Flakes
Lifespan 2 to 5 years 10 to 15 years 20+ years
Chemical resistance Moderate Excellent Excellent
UV resistances High Low High
Appearance Matte to satin Glossy Textured decorative
Maintenance Easy Very low Very low
Best use Indoor protection Indoor decorative Garage or high-traffic
Cost Lower Higher Long-term investment

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Project

Surface type Recommended coating
Residential garage Polyaspartic with vinyl flakes
Basement Epoxy or sealer (depending on desired look)
Workshop or warehouse Industrial epoxy
Outdoor areas Specialized exterior systems (neither epoxy nor sealer)
alt="basement with concrete sealer gives a modern look to your spaces"
alt="clear epoxy gives modern look in penthouse, mirror effect"
alt="polyaspartic floor with vinyl flakes in garage"

Preparing Your Concrete Surface

A proper concrete preparation ensures coating longevity.

Our teams perform diamond grinding, crack repair, and dust removal to achieve optimal adhesion and a flawless finish.

Learn more about surface preparation

FAQ

What’s the difference between a sealer and epoxy?

A sealer protects the surface, while epoxy creates a hard, decorative layer over it.

Can clear epoxy be used outdoors?

No. It’s not UV-resistant. Use a specialized exterior coating instead.

How much does clear epoxy cost?

Typically, the cost is between 12 and 15 CAD per square foot.

Does a sealer make concrete slippery?

It can. Adding a non-slip additive improves traction.

Summary

  • Concrete sealer = affordable, basic protection
  • Epoxy coating = premium interior finish
  • Polyaspartic = the most durable garage solution in Canada

Protect and elevate your concrete floor today.


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