Urethane Cements: Where & Why Contractors Use Them

When a client needs a floor that can handle boiling water, forklift traffic, acids, and bacteria—all at once, you don’t reach for epoxy. You reach for urethane cement.

This hybrid powerhouse is one of the most durable, chemical-resistant, and temperature-tolerant flooring systemson the market. But it’s not for every job—and it installs differently than most coatings.

In this post, we’ll cover where to use urethane cement, why it outperforms in tough environments, and what you need to know to install it successfully.

What Is Urethane Cement?

Urethane cement (also called polyurethane concrete) is a 3-component system made of:

• Part A: Isocyanate resin

• Part B: Polyol or polyether

• Part C: Cement-based powder

Together, they form a self-leveling or trowelable slurry that bonds to concrete and resists just about everything.

Think of it as epoxy’s bigger, tougher sibling—with built-in strength from Portland cement.

Where Urethane Cement Shines

Application Site	Why It Works So Well
Commercial kitchens	Hot water, grease, acids, impact resistance
Breweries & distilleries	Thermal shock, lactic acid, forklift traffic
Food & beverage plants	Meets USDA & FDA flooring guidelines
Chemical processing areas	High chemical resistance, no delamination risk
Cold storage facilities	Tolerates below-freezing application temps
Veterinary clinics	Odor-free, non-slip, highly sanitary

It can handle steam cleaning, spills, and cold-to-hot transitions without cracking or peeling.

Key Advantages of Urethane Cement

✅ Thermal Shock Resistance

Can go from freezer to boiling wash-down without delaminating—something epoxy cannot do.

✅ Moisture Tolerance

Can be applied on green concrete or high-MVER slabs. No vapor barrier needed.

✅ Slip-Resistant Texture

Broadcast with quartz or aluminum oxide for OSHA-compliant traction.

✅ Zero VOCs

Safe for occupied buildings, food zones, and interior use.

When NOT to Use Urethane Cement

• Decorative installs (flakes, metallics, or high-gloss finishes)

• UV-exposed zones without a protective topcoat

• Tight budget projects (material costs are higher than standard epoxy)

• Thin-mil applications—urethane cement typically builds 1/8" to 3/8"

Installation Basics

Surface Prep:

• Shot blast or diamond grind to ICRI CSP 3–5

• Clean and degrease thoroughly

• No primer needed for most systems

Mixing:

• Mix all three components quickly and completely

• Short working time—only mix what you can place

Application:

• Pour, rake, or trowel evenly

• Broadcast if traction or topcoat is required

• Use spike shoes to maintain even surface

Pro Tip: Work in teams of 2–3 to keep material moving. Once it kicks, it kicks fast.

Trusted Products at PNW ECS

• Duravel Urethane Cement

• Kretus Urethane Cement SL & TG

• Citadel Polyurea Urethane Systems (for hybrid setups)

Ask us about:

• Quartz and aluminum oxide broadcast media

• Moisture test kits

• Topcoats for UV or aesthetic protection

Conclusion

Urethane cement isn’t the flashiest floor system—but it’s one of the toughest, most trusted choices for demanding commercial and industrial spaces.If your client needs cleanability, durability, and total resistance to chaos, this is your go-to system.

At PNW ECS, we’ll help you choose the right system, tools, and media for the job—and teach your crew how to install it the right way.

📍 Fife & Sandy LocationsNeed a urethane cement quote or walkthrough? Stop in with your project specs and we’ll help you build the right floor, step by step.