Polyaspartic coatings, first introduced in the 1990s, are based on the reaction of an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyaspartic ester, which is an aliphatic diamine.

The name polyaspartics has been used to differentiate these polymers from polyureas and polyurethanes. Although they are classified as a pure polyurea, polyaspartic coatings are very different in both application and performance properties from conventional polyureas or epoxy.

The label “paint on steroids” has been attached to polyaspartic coatings due to the technology’s claims of high-build, fast-cure concrete floor coatings that promise gloss, low-VOC content, film toughness and long-term durability. It has fast pot life that can range from 5 minutes to 2 hours.

Initially used in heavy-duty, industrial and transportation settings such as bridges, water/wastewater plants and other demanding environments, polyaspartic coatings are staking a claim in the commercial and architectural marketplace as well.There shouldn’t be any mystery as to why: they have a strong performance profile and aesthetically they make colors “pop” on stained concrete floors.

Another big selling point for the technology is rapid turnaround, as a result of rapid cure and high film build — one coat delivers the performance equivalent to two coats of conventional polyurethane or epoxy coatings.

Polyaspartic systems contain two components, resins and a hardeners. The resin component is usually light, sometimes almost clear colored and almost odour free. Hardeners are usually dark and have a characteristic ‘ammonia-like’ smell.

Applications of polyaspartic based materials are extensive and include coatings, adhesives and composite materials like carbon fiber and glass-reinforced plastic (although polyester, vinyl ester, and other thermosetting resins are also used for glass-reinforced plastic).