Polyurea coatings
Date of publication
26/3/2025
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Polyurea: the definitive guide to polyurea coatings

Polyurea is an efficient solution for companies and organizations that need a long-lasting coating, weather protection and quick application. It is therefore an interesting alternative for waterproofing surfaces without interrupting activities for too long.

In this guide, you'll find out more about polyurea, how to use it and where to request a quote. Follow along and check it out!

What does polyurea mean?

Polyurea is a high-performance elastomeric coating with excellent adhesion to various types of substrate. It stands out for being resistant to abrasion, impacts, chemical attacks and exposure to weather and humidity.

A product of the reaction between isocyanates and amines, it results in a material with strong chemical and mechanical resistance. It cures in just a few seconds - making it possible to apply it efficiently even in environments with high humidity and extreme temperatures.

Among its main differentials are:

  • Can be applied in a single coat;
  • Quick drying (45 to 60 seconds dry to the touch);
  • No amendments;
  • Minimum durability of 10 years.

Polyurea coatings generate a uniform finish and are therefore a solution for reducing structural failures. In addition, they have superior flexibility - which prevents cracking and peeling even on surfaces subject to thermal and mechanical variations.

Due to its durability, the material is widely used in places where downtime costs are high - such as industries and other companies. Therefore, its application also minimizes maintenance costs.

What are the benefits of polyurea waterproofing?

The use of coating offers a series of advantages for the organizations that use it. Among the benefits can be mentioned:

  • Reduced downtime: fast application and curing, allowing operations to resume on the same day;
  • High durability: proven resistance to abrasion, impact and chemical attack;
  • Efficient waterproofing: prevents infiltration and corrosion, protecting equipment and structures;
  • Lower maintenance costs: increase in the useful life of components, reducing frequent repair costs;
  • Versatility: can be applied to different types of substrates and industrial environments.

Therefore, polyurea waterproofing is an alternative to be analyzed by organizations seeking speed and effectiveness in their maintenance.  

Where to apply polyurea?

The coating can be applied in various industries and equipment that require protection against aggressive factors. Some of the main applications include:

Piping

Polyurea protects industrial pipelines against corrosion, impacts and aggressive chemicals. Companies in the sector use the coating to extend the life of pipelines and prevent leaks. Waterproofing and mechanical resistance also make the solution ideal for environments exposed to inclement weather.

Mining

Constant exposure to abrasion and chemicals causes mining equipment to suffer accelerated wear. The use of polyurea in buckets, conveyors and silos protects surfaces against impacts and corrosion, increasing operational efficiency.

Oil and gas

Offshore and onshore platforms have to deal with challenges such as exposure to humidity, chemical attack, salt corrosion, UV radiation and thermal variations. The coating can be applied to reinforce the resistance of metal and cement surfaces, reducing maintenance costs and increasing the useful life of structures.

Transportation and storage

Protecting wagons, tanks and silos with polyurea prevents corrosion, premature wear due to abrasion and contamination of stored materials. In addition, its rapid application reduces operational downtime, making it a strategic solution for these sectors.

ETE and ETA

Water treatment plants require resistant coatings to waterproof reservoirs and protect structures against chemical agents. The material guarantees a safe and leak-free environment, reducing operating costs and extending the durability of the installations.

Helipads

Polyurea's resistance to moisture and impacts makes it the ideal choice for revitalizing helipads. At Hospital São Camilo/SP, for example, the coating was applied by FCC to the helicopter landing pad to correct cracks and leaks. The project included the use of paint, following strict ANAC standards, and was completed in 10 days.

Elevated parking lots

The coating is a solution for floors exposed to heavy traffic and climatic variations. At the Club de Campo Supermarket in Diadema/SP, for example, the elevated parking lot was coated to protect against wear and infiltration. The work, which covered 3,200 m², is still the same thickness today.

What is the difference between polyurea, polyurethane and hybrid coatings?

As we have seen, polyurea has a highly resistant molecular structure, guaranteeing rapid drying, superior adhesion and resistance to impacts and aggressive chemicals. Its short curing time allows the surface to be released for use immediately.

But in addition to polyurethane waterproofing, you can also find hybrid versions. Here are the details!

Polyurethane coating

Polyurethane elastomers are also resistant, but have a slightly longer drying time. They are suitable for immersion applications at high temperatures, offering excellent adhesion and protection against mechanical wear.

Hybrid coating

Hybrid coatings combine the properties of polyurea and polyurethane, offering a balanced solution between the two. They are recommended for less complex applications, where cost-effectiveness and moderate resistance are priorities.

Check out this table with the main information about coatings:

Type Features Applications Advantages
Polyurea High chemical and mechanical resistance - Pipes
- Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Transportation
- Fast curing
- Seamless
- High durability
Polyurethane Good adhesion and thermal protection - ETE and ETA
- Mining
- Oil and Gas
- Industrial floors
- Easy to apply with varying thicknesses
Hybrid Balanced cost-benefit ratio - Construction
- Pipes
- Intermediate resistance
- Great value for money

What to remember about polyurea coating?

  • Polyurea is a high-performance industrial coating, resistant to abrasion, impact and chemicals;
  • Its rapid application significantly reduces downtime in industrial operations;
  • Polyurea waterproofing protects structures against infiltration and corrosion, extending their useful life.

With the knowledge you've acquired about polyurea throughout this content, you can now choose the best solution for your company. That's why we invite you to get to know FCC!

We specialize in surface coatings and polyurea. Committed to improving processes and developing new technologies, we have been working since 1969 with high-quality materials to bring excellence to your organization.

In addition, we offer specialized technical support, helping you choose the best solution for your needs.

Ensure excellence, speed and reliability with those who understand the subject. Discover our portfolio now and request a technical demonstration!