When it comes to protecting and enhancing your facility’s floors, not all coatings are created equal. Whether you manage a corporate office, school, healthcare facility, or industrial space, the right floor coating can impact not only aesthetics but also safety, longevity, and maintenance costs.
We break down the key differences between floor wax, sealers, and coatings, so you can choose the right solution for your space.
Floor Wax: A Traditional Approach with Modest Protection
Best for: Light-traffic commercial areas, spaces prioritizing appearance
Floor wax has been a go-to for years, especially in schools and older commercial buildings. It’s made from natural or synthetic waxes, resins, and polymers. Wax provides a thin, protective layer that gives surfaces a warm, often glossy look.
- Durability: Low to moderate – requires frequent reapplication
- Protection: Minor scuffs and light dirt
- Maintenance: High – must be stripped and reapplied periodically
- Appearance: Ranges from low to high gloss
When to use it: If your facility has low foot traffic and you want a traditional aesthetic at a lower upfront cost, but don’t mind more frequent maintenance.
Floor Sealers: A Protective Middle Ground
Best for: Offices, healthcare, and general commercial environments
Sealants are a step up in durability from wax. Typically made from acrylic, epoxy, polyurethane, or silane polymers, they create a stronger, more moisture-resistant layer. Sealers are often used to prep floors before waxing, but they can also stand alone.
- Durability: Moderate to high
- Protection: Moisture, stains, and general wear
- Maintenance: Moderate – recoating may be needed over time
- Appearance: Matte to high gloss; enhances the floor’s natural texture
When to use it: Ideal for environments needing more protection than wax can provide, without the thickness or cost of industrial coatings.
Floor Coatings: High-Performance Solutions for Demanding Spaces
Best for: Industrial, high-traffic, or specialty environments
If you need serious durability, floor coatings are the gold standard. These two-part systems (often epoxy, urethane, or polyaspartic) form a thick, hard shell over the floor. They resist abrasion, chemicals, impacts, and even heat, making them perfect for warehouses, labs, and facilities that operate 24/7.
- Durability: Very high to excellent
- Protection: Heavy traffic, impact, chemicals, heat
- Maintenance: Low – long-lasting with minimal upkeep
- Appearance: Broad range, including gloss, matte, and colored finishes
When to use it: For facilities where performance, safety, and longevity outweigh upfront costs. These coatings are engineered to withstand the toughest environments.
Which Coating Is Right for Your Facility?
Ask yourself the following questions:
How much traffic does the floor receive?
- Low: Wax or sealer may suffice
- Medium: Sealer is a good choice
- High/Heavy-duty: Choose a performance coating
Do you need chemical or moisture resistance?
- For spills and frequent cleaning: Sealer or coating
- For occasional moisture: Wax may be enough
What aesthetic do you want to maintain?
- Glossy and traditional: Wax or sealer
- Sleek, custom finishes: Performance coating
What’s your budget for maintenance?
- Wax has a lower upfront cost but higher lifetime maintenance
- Coatings are more expensive initially but save on long-term upkeep
Not Sure Where to Start?
At DPM Surface Care, we provide free site assessments to help you evaluate your floor’s condition and recommend a customized solution based on traffic levels, usage, and budget. Whether you need a light sealer for an office or a full-scale epoxy coating for an industrial floor, we’ll guide you to the best fit.
Click here to request a quote and learn how we can protect your floors and extend their lifespan with the right performance coating.
