Introduction
Choosing the right floor coating in Nigeria can be challenging, given the country’s diverse environments from humid coastal areas to dusty northern climates. Floor coatings not only improve aesthetics but also protect surfaces against heavy traffic, chemical spills, and harsh weather conditions. Among the most popular options are epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic coatings.
Each of these coatings comes with unique properties, benefits, and limitations. While epoxy is renowned for its durability, polyurethane is praised for its flexibility and UV resistance, and acrylic stands out for its affordability and decorative appeal. This guide breaks down the differences to help homeowners, contractors, and facility managers make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Epoxy is the go-to for industrial strength and chemical resistance.
- Polyurethane excels in outdoor or high-traffic areas thanks to UV stability and flexibility.
- Acrylic is best for residential or decorative applications, where cost and quick drying matter more than long-term durability.
Understanding Floor Coatings
Floor coatings are surface finishes applied to concrete, tiles, or other substrates to enhance performance, lifespan, and visual appeal. In Nigeria, coatings are used in industrial plants, warehouses, shopping malls, hospitals, and even residential homes.
Key functions of floor coatings include:
- Protection: Shielding surfaces from moisture, corrosion, abrasion, and chemical attack.
- Durability: Extending the life of floors under heavy use.
- Aesthetics: Providing glossy, matte, or decorative finishes.
- Maintenance: Making floors easier to clean and maintain.
The three common choices in Nigeria epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic differ in application environments and long-term performance.
Epoxy Floor Coating
Composition & Properties:
Epoxy coatings are made by mixing resin and a hardener, creating a rigid and highly durable finish. They bond tightly to concrete and form a thick protective layer.
Advantages:
- High resistance to chemicals, oil, and industrial spills.
- Extremely durable, handling heavy machinery and foot traffic.
- Glossy finish that enhances lighting in factories and warehouses.
- Easy to clean, making it ideal for hospitals and laboratories.
Limitations:
- Poor UV resistance; tends to yellow outdoors.
- Requires skilled application and proper surface preparation.
- Can be slippery if not textured or treated with additives.
Best Suited For:
- Industrial workshops.
- Warehouses and factories.
- Hospitals and pharmaceutical plants.
Food and beverage processing areas.
Polyurethane Floor Coating
Features & Properties:
Polyurethane (PU) floor coatings are known for their flexibility and superior resistance to sunlight, chemicals, and abrasions. Unlike epoxy, which can become brittle under stress, polyurethane retains some elasticity, making it better suited for surfaces that experience temperature fluctuations or vibration.
Advantages:
- UV Resistant: Does not yellow or fade when exposed to direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use.
- Scratch & Abrasion Resistance: Withstands heavy traffic in malls, showrooms, and commercial spaces.
- Chemical & Stain Resistance: Performs well in environments with oil, grease, and cleaning chemicals.
- Flexibility: Absorbs minor movements in concrete without cracking.
Limitations:
- Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than epoxy and acrylic coatings.
- Application Complexity: Requires skilled applicators due to sensitivity to moisture during installation.
- Curing Time: May take longer to fully cure, delaying use of the space.
Best Suited For:
- Outdoor spaces such as parking lots, walkways, and recreational areas.
- Commercial spaces with high foot traffic (airports, malls, showrooms).
- Food and beverage processing areas requiring chemical resistance.
- Areas where UV stability is critical.
Acrylic Floor Coating
Properties & Features:
Acrylic floor coatings are water- or solvent-based formulas that create a thin protective film on the surface. They are popular in Nigeria because of their low cost, ease of application, and decorative options. Unlike epoxy and polyurethane, acrylic coatings dry quickly, making them suitable for projects that require fast turnaround times.
Advantages:
- Fast Drying: Can be applied and walked on within a few hours.
- Cost-Effective: More affordable than epoxy or polyurethane.
- Decorative Options: Available in various finishes and colors for aesthetic appeal.
- Easy Application: Can be applied with rollers or brushes, even by non-professionals.
Limitations:
- Lower Durability: Less resistant to abrasion and heavy loads compared to epoxy and PU.
- Frequent Maintenance: Requires regular re-coating to maintain appearance.
- Limited Chemical Resistance: Not ideal for industrial or heavy-duty environments.
Best Suited For:
- Residential floors (homes, apartments, light-traffic areas).
- Decorative spaces such as shops, showrooms, and offices.
- Projects needing quick application and drying.
| Factor | Epoxy | Polyurethane (PU) | Acrylic |
| Durability | Very high – resists heavy traffic & loads | High – flexible, scratch-resistant | Moderate – less durable, wears faster |
| UV Resistance | Weak – yellows outdoors | Excellent – does not yellow or fade | Moderate – decent but not long-term |
| Cost | Medium – more expensive than acrylic | Highest – premium product | Lowest – budget-friendly |
| Maintenance | Low – easy to clean, long recoat cycles | Moderate – durable but needs skilled care | High – frequent recoating required |
| Application Ease | Requires professional surface prep & skill | Complex – sensitive to moisture during install | Easy – quick drying, DIY-friendly |
| Best Suited For | Industrial floors, hospitals, warehouses | Outdoor areas, malls, food & beverage plants | Homes, decorative shops, light traffic |
Price Guide in Nigeria (2025 Update)
Below are typical price ranges for epoxy coating options in Nigeria, based on recent listings. Actual cost depends on finish, surface prep, contractor fees, thickness, and location.
| Epoxy Flooring Materials | Prices(₦) |
| 20 Kg Epochem concrete sealer part A and B (PRIMER) | 200,000.00 |
| Epocoat Floor Paint Part A(20kg) and B (4 kg) (TOPCOAT) | 180,000.00 |
| ANTISCRATCH PU. Part A(4kg) Part B(1 kg) | 190,000.00 |
| Xylene 1 Kg | 5,000.00 |
| Colour paste 1 kg | 30,000.00 |
| Paint Talc Powder 25 kg Bag | 30,000.00 |
| Mortar Quartz Sand 25 kg Bag | 5,000.00 |
“Please note: The above prices are subject to change. For confirmation, kindly call 08053390165 to verify current pricing.”
Key Price Influencers
- Surface preparation (leveling, cleaning, crack repair) can add significantly to cost. Rough or damaged concrete needs more work.
- Thickness & number of coats: More coats or thicker layers = higher cost.
- Design complexity: Basic single-colour coatings cost less than decorative or multi-layered finishes.
- Labour & location: Prices in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt tend to be higher than in smaller towns due to higher labour rates and logistics.
Brand and quality: Premium epoxy or polyurethane systems like Epochem often cost more but provide better longevity and performance.
Expert Tips on Choosing the Right Floor Coating
Match Coating to Environment
- For indoor industrial spaces with heavy machinery, epoxy is best.
- For outdoor or sun-exposed areas, polyurethane outperforms others.
- For residential or decorative projects, acrylic provides affordability and flexibility.
Balance Budget vs Long-Term Savings
- Acrylic is cheaper upfront but requires frequent re-coating.
- Epoxy and polyurethane cost more initially but save money in the long run through durability and low maintenance.
Hire Professional Applicators
- Proper surface preparation is key to coating performance.
Skilled application ensures even thickness, adhesion, and long-lasting results. Cutting corners with untrained labour often leads to premature failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which floor coating lasts the longest?
Epoxy floor coatings typically last the longest in industrial and heavy-duty environments, provided they are properly installed and maintained.
Can epoxy be used outdoors in Nigeria?
Yes, but epoxy can yellow under direct sunlight. For outdoor applications, polyurethane is the preferred option due to superior UV resistance.
Which coating is best for decorative floors?
Acrylic coatings are most suitable for decorative and residential floors because they dry quickly, offer colour variety, and are budget-friendly.
What is the cheapest floor coating option?
Acrylic is the most affordable option upfront, but it requires more frequent maintenance compared to epoxy or polyurethane.
Where can I buy genuine epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic coatings in Nigeria?
You can purchase them from Epoxy Oilserv Nigeria, GZ Industrial Supplies, and Tikweld Welding Supplies, all of which offer genuine products, expert guidance, and nationwide delivery.
Related Article
The Best Floor Paint for Different Types of Flooring
Epoxy vs Polyurethane Floor Coatings: Which One Should You Choose?
Guide to Buying Industrial Floor Paint in Nigeria
Conclusion
When it comes to floor coatings in Nigeria, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Epoxy offers unmatched durability and chemical resistance, making it perfect for industrial floors and warehouses. Polyurethane stands out for UV resistance and flexibility, ideal for outdoor or high-traffic commercial spaces. Acrylic provides a budget-friendly, decorative option for residential and light-traffic areas, though it requires more frequent maintenance.
The best choice depends on your environment, budget, and long-term expectations. Investing in the right coating today ensures lower maintenance costs, better aesthetics, and longer-lasting floors.
For genuine epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic coatings in Nigeria, contact Epoxy Oilserv for expert advice, warranty-backed products, and nationwide delivery.