PU Coating: roller-applied PU flooring
A roller-applied polyurethane floor coating that is flexible, chemical resistant and abrasion resistant, suited to industrial floors that need high durability.
- Withstands temperatures up to 80°C
- Resists acids, alkalis and food-industry chemicals
- Helps inhibit bacteria and mold
- Impact and wear resistant
What is Polyurethane Coating (PU Coating)?
Polyurethane Coating, or PU Coating, is a floor coating system based on polyurethane, a synthetic polymer that outperforms epoxy in flexibility, in resistance to sudden temperature changes and in resistance to the organic acids found in the food industry.
Unlike epoxy, which can crack under severe temperature changes, PU is more flexible, so it resists cracking in cold rooms and in areas frequently washed with hot water. That is why it is widely used as a flooring material in the food and beverage industry.
DMH Groups offers its PU systems as either PU Coating (applied thin) or PU Screed (poured thick), in thicknesses of 2–10 mm to suit how the floor will actually be used.
Why is polyurethane a better fit than epoxy for food plants?
| Item | Polyurethane (PU) | Epoxy |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance to sudden temperature changes | Excellent | Moderate |
| Organic acid resistance (vinegar, lime juice) | Excellent | Moderate |
| Flexibility | Higher | Lower |
| Maximum heat resistance | Up to 80°C | Up to 60°C |
| Helps inhibit bacteria and mold | Dedicated formula available | No dedicated formula |
| Price | Higher ฿฿฿ | More economical ฿฿ |
In short: for areas with frequent temperature changes, organic acids, or exposure to hot water and steam → PU is a much better fit than epoxy. For general areas without special challenges → epoxy is sufficient and more economical.
Polyurethane Coating floor in an industrial plant
PU systems offered by DMH Groups
1. PU Coating (roller-applied, 2–5 mm thick)
A 2-part PU floor paint (Part A + Part B) applied by roller, giving a high-gloss finish in a wide choice of colors. It can be used indoors and outdoors and suits areas that need an attractive, durable floor at a reasonable cost.
Thickness 2–5 mm | High-gloss finish | Service life 7–10 years | For general areas
2. PU Screed MF — smooth finish (3–6 mm thick)
A smooth-finish PU Concrete system, poured and troweled thicker than a regular coating. It takes impact and 2–4 ton forklifts and resists organic acids and strong cleaning agents, making it suited to wet areas in food plants.
Thickness 3–6 mm | Smooth finish | For wet areas, food plants, kitchens
3. PU Screed HF — textured, slip-resistant finish (6–9 mm thick)
Like MF but with a rougher surface for more traction. Suited to areas that are wet all the time and need high slip resistance, such as cold rooms, freezer rooms and slaughterhouse floors, and it copes with sudden temperature changes.
Thickness 6–9 mm | Textured, slip-resistant finish | Withstands -20°C to +80°C | For cold rooms
Key properties of Polyurethane Coating
Withstands temperatures up to 80°C
Withstands hot steam, hot-water cleaning and sudden temperature changes, and resists cracking and blistering.
Resists acids, alkalis and food-industry chemicals
Resists organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid), inorganic acids, hydrochloric acid and alkalis found in food and beverage processing.
Helps inhibit bacteria and mold
Special PU formulations for the food industry help inhibit the growth of bacteria and mold (manufacturer data), and the seamless finish leaves no joints for germs to collect in.
Impact and wear resistant
Greater flexibility than epoxy lets it absorb impact from dropped equipment better, and it is less prone to cracking.
Smooth, glossy, easy to clean
A non-porous surface that resists staining and is easy to clean with disinfectants, in a wide choice of bright colors.
Suited to GMP/HACCP/FDA-regulated facilities
Suited to the safety requirements of food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics plants, and does not release hazardous chemicals once fully cured (manufacturer data).
Areas suited to Polyurethane Coating
Food, beverage and dairy plants
These areas are exposed to organic acids and cleaning agents and are washed down with hot water every day. PU Screed MF/HF is a common choice for food plants.
Cold rooms and freezer rooms
PU HF withstands -20°C and sudden temperature changes, resists cracking as temperatures shift, and has a textured, slip-resistant surface for staff working in wet conditions.
Pharmaceutical and medical-supply plants
Suited to GMP/HACCP facilities. It resists germ build-up and withstands disinfectants and high-strength cleaning agents.
Warehouses, storage facilities and heavy-use areas
Takes 2–4 ton forklifts and resists wear from rubber wheels and constant movement, with a longer service life than epoxy in demanding environments.
Breweries, drinking-water and alcoholic beverage plants
These floors are often exposed to acids from beer and other drinks. PU resists acid far better than epoxy, so the floor needs repair less often.
Polyurethane Coating installation steps
- Inspect and prepare the concreteMeasure moisture (must not exceed 4%), prepare the floor by shot blasting or with a diamond grinder, and repair cracks with PU filler.
- Apply the PU primerApply 1–2 coats of PU primer and allow 4–6 hours to dry. The primer helps block moisture from below and improves adhesion between the concrete and the PU layer.
- Pour or apply the PU body coat (depending on the system)PU Coating is applied by roller; PU Screed MF/HF is poured and spread with specialist tools, keeping the thickness even across the whole area.
- Apply the PU top coat and inspectApply the final coat and allow 24–48 hours of cure before foot traffic and 7 days before heavy use. Then inspect the quality and hand over with warranty documents.
See the material specifications used in this system: Roller-applied polyurethane coating (PU Coating)
Frequently asked questions
How much do PU Coating and PU Screed cost?
How is PU Screed different from Epoxy Self-Leveling?
Is PU suitable for plants that must meet GMP?
Related articles
What is Polyurethane HF (PU HF), the textured-finish floor?
What is roller-applied Epoxy Coating? Systems, benefits and pricing
Interested in a PU Coating floor?
Free on-site survey and quote nationwide — by the professional team at DMH Groups
Want to compare PU with other concrete floor coating systems before you decide? Read the summary: Concrete floor coatings: which system to choose — acrylic, epoxy or PU
