Concrete Coating Qatar

Concrete coating systems for weather protection and increased durability

Concrete is one of the oldest construction materials still used: it is also the reason for the survival of so many historical monuments. However, unprotected concrete will deteriorate when exposed to harsh environments, like industrial areas, coastal areas, or areas with extreme weather variations. The reasons for coating concrete can be anything from protection to aesthetics and there is a concrete coating for each application.

In this article we will outline the various concrete coating types, the appropriate coating  products, and where to find suppliers and applicators in Qatar. If you need concrete coating for interior and exterior walls, driveways, balconies, factory or garage floors, you’ve come to the right place.

Choose the best concrete coating system from 3 options

One of the key reasons for coating concrete is its porous nature. Left unprotected concrete can absorb water, salts, acids, and other substances to which it is exposed, and deteriorate. If there is reinforcing steel within the concrete, these elements can lead to corrosion and failure. The job of the concrete paint in this case is to seal and protect the concrete from water, weather, chemicals, and other harmful factors the environment may contain. But concrete paint may also be used to beautify a substrate, to create an easy-to-clean surface, or to brighten up a warehouse or factory and improve safety. The different types of concrete coating are the following:

1. Epoxy: Hard-wearing, water resistant, chemical resistant, abrasion resistant, heavy duty, durable, hygienic, easy to maintain, range of colours and finishes
   Uses: workshop, garage, warehouse, and showroom floors, schools, prisons, hospitals, car parks, cold storage.
   Description: usually a two component coating, epoxy paints are the go-to flooring paint for factories and industrial facilities, in fact they are the most common flooring finish for concrete floors in Qatar. It comes in solvent- and water-based varieties, as well as 100% solids, and anti slip additives and aggregates can be added for a non skid finish. The downside to an epoxy paint is that is not UV stable, and will chalk and fade in sunlight. Epoxy is also available as a self-leveling paint.
2. Polyurethane: UV stability, durable, water resistant, chemical resistant, abrasion resistant, flexible, hygienic, easy to maintain, range of colours and finishes
   Uses: warehouse, hospital, storage floors and more, exterior finish for balconies, patios, pool surrounds, car parks, use as a UV stable topcoat over an epoxy paint.
   Description: a two component coating, polyurethane is often used for external applications or in environments with a high UV exposure where epoxy does not work. It provides protection against medium to high foot traffic and high wear situations, and is a flexible coating solution. Water-based, solvent-based, and 100% solids varieties are available. Less common in industrial setting than epoxy paints because they have weaker impact and chemical resistance.
   

   Polyurea concrete coating is a spray application.

3. Polyurea: Waterproof, chemical resistant, abrasion resistant, no VOCs, UV stability, fast return to service, thermal resistant, flexible
   Uses: secondary containment, bridges, tank coatings, car park decks, waterproofing membranes, foundations
   Description: the relative “new kid on the block”, polyurea has made a name for itself due to its outstanding physical properties. It is a hot spray applied coating with a dry time of only seconds, meaning there is a very short return-to-service time. Polyurea provides a monolithic, waterproof coating which can also cure at low temperatures. The other benefit of polyurea is its flexibility and tensile strength; polyurea can stretch with a substrate without damaging, unlike the other traditional coatings.

The 6 factors that finally define the most suitable concrete coating

Ultimately your choice of concrete coating will come down to which coating best meets all the requirements of your specific project. Factors which will affect the coating choice include:

1. Particular needs of the structure 
2. Location and accessibility restrictions
3. Pre-treatment and surface preparation
4. Application method 
5. Environmental impact
6. Required lifetime of the system

Concrete coating systems with special features

The basic concrete coatings can be given additional properties by modifying them. The most common of the additional properties are slip resistance and increased hygiene with an antimicrobial effect. Also chemical resistance, temperature tolerance and general strength can be enhanced by slightly modifying the coating formula.

Always, think through what you expect from the coating, and be sure to communicate the expectation to the concrete paint supplier and contractor.

Concrete coating Qatar: find products, suppliers and contractors

There are many brands and companies that provide concrete paint for customers in Qatar. In the table below is a representative selection of products, as well as an indication of price. For the best results from a coating, we recommend hiring a trained professional. Applicators for industrial coatings including polyurea operate across Qatar. If you would like more information, or have a project which needs concrete paint, our experts are here to help. Just get in touch through the “Request a quote” button and let us, in cooperation with our coating partners, connect you with the best coating solution for your needs.