Choosing Chemical-Resistant Epoxy Coatings for Industrial Facilities

Industrial space with Chemical-Resistant Epoxy Coatings

Not all epoxy is created equal—especially when you’re dealing with the harsh environments found in industrial facilities. From battery acid in warehouses to bleach in food processing plants, chemicals can wreak havoc on floors if you’re not using the right system.

In this guide, we’re walking through how to choose the best chemical-resistant epoxy coatings for tough industrial jobs, what makes them different, and how to install them for long-term durability.

Why Chemical-Resistant Epoxy Coatings Matters

When you’re working in environments like:

• Manufacturing plants

• Commercial kitchens

• Pharmaceutical facilities

• Car washes or battery storage

• Food & beverage processing

...you need a floor that can stand up to:

• Acids

• Alkalis

• Solvents

• Grease/oil

• Detergents & sanitizers

💥 One spill from the wrong chemical can degrade standard coatings, leading to bubbling, delamination, or even full system failure.

🔍 What Makes an Epoxy System “Chemical-Resistant”?

Here’s what to look for:

1. High-Solid Formulas

• Low water/solvent content = better performance and bond.

• Better build thickness = improved surface protection.

2. Novolac Epoxy Resins

• The gold standard in chemical resistance.

• Designed for high-heat, high-corrosive environments.

3. Topcoat Pairings

• Chemical resistance is often enhanced with polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoats.

• Clear or pigmented, they protect the epoxy from surface attack.

Product Recommendations We Trust

🔹 Kretus Polyurethane HP

• Resists a wide range of chemicals

• Designed for harsh environments and abrasion

🔹 Citadel Ultra-Hard Epoxy

• High-solids formula with excellent durability

• Great for mechanical shops and maintenance bays

🔹 Urethane Cement Systems

• Ideal for extreme chemical exposure + thermal shock

• Used in breweries, food processing, and pharmaceutical spaces

📦 Need help figuring out which to use? We stock multiple chemical-resistant options in both Sandy and Fife—and we’ll help match the product to your environment.

Best Practices for Industrial Coating Jobs

• Always verify chemical exposure: Talk to the facility manager about what spills, cleaners, and processes the floor will endure.

• Surface profile matters: Shoot for ICRI CSP 3–5 for thicker systems.

• Moisture mitigation: If it’s an older slab or high-moisture environment, consider a primer or vapor barrier layer first.

• Use a test patch: Especially in high-risk zones like battery rooms or chemical wash areas.

Use Case Scenarios

Facility Type	Best Coating System
Brewery or Distillery	Urethane Cement + Polyurethane Topcoat
Vehicle Service Bay	Novolac Epoxy + Polyaspartic Topcoat
Food Packaging Plant	Urethane Cement + Slip-Resistant Finish
Lab/Pharma Facility	Epoxy + High-Gloss Polyurethane

Conclusion

Industrial floors need more than durability—they need chemical resilience.Choosing the right epoxy system doesn’t just protect the floor—it protects your client’s operations, their compliance, and your reputation.

At PNW ECS, we stock the chemical-resistant coatings contractors trust—and we’ll help you build a system that lasts.

📍 Fife & Sandy Locations Ready to HelpNeed guidance on a tricky spec or fast shipping to your jobsite? Call or drop by—we’re here to get your industrial coating job dialed in.