Polyurethane paints may be used to provide a protective coating for hardwood floors.
Polyurethane paint (also known as "two-part urethane paint") is a popular finish for many residential and commercial projects. Because polyurethane paint hardens when it dries, it not only provides a glossy finish, but it also provides a protective coating on walls, floors, artwork and other surfaces. There are several types and brands of polyurethane paint, which vary based on shelf life, thickness, composition and durability.
Acrylic Polyurethane
Acrylic polyurethane paint is considered to be the most affordable type of polyurethane paint (compared to polyester polyurethane). These paints provide more protection against abrasions, stains and chemicals than most standard paints, but they do not provide as much protection as their polyester counterparts.
Common applications for acrylic polyurethane are on automobiles and water towers, where surfaces have limited friction and chance for abrasion. Acrylic polyurethane can be applied with a paint sprayer, spray can or paint brush. When applied from a sprayer or spray can, the polyurethane is thinner than when it is applied by a brush, but may dry faster. It may take up to 10 days for polyurethane paint to fully harden and dry. It may also come in a gloss, semi-gloss or satin sheen.
Polyester Polyurethane
Polyester polyurethane is considered to provide optimal protection because it is highly stain-resistant, abrasion-resistant and chemical-resistant. Polyester polyurethane paints are used to protect airplanes, boats and floors.
As with acrylic polyurethane, polyester polyurethane can be applied with a paint sprayer, spray can or paint brush. When applied from a sprayer or spray can, the polyurethane is thinner than when it is applied by a brush, but may dry faster. It may take up to 10 days for polyurethane paint to fully harden and dry. It may also come in a gloss, semi-gloss or satin sheen.
Polyurethane paint types for special surfaces
There are certain types of polyurethane paint especially recommended (or required) for different types of surfaces, such as boats, airplanes, floors and automobiles. For example, when the Missouri Department of Transportation paints structural steel projects with polyurethane paint, workers may be required to use only certain types and brands of polyurethane paint, which include Amercoat 450 HS, Carbothane 134 HS, Sherwin-Williams Hi-Solids Polyurethane B65 Series and ByGuard Hi-Build Polyurethane V-41 Series.
When a certain type of polyurethane paint is required for a building project or structure, such as a bridge, the polyurethane paint is generally selected based on its shelf-life and durability once hardened. Because polyurethane paint is used to protect surfaces, it is important that the correct type of polyurethane paint is used---not only to reduce maintenance, but also to reduce the risk of a surface becoming cracked or contaminated.
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