Resin Screeds Vs Resin Coatings: What’s the difference?

The short answer is build-up. A resin screed is a heavy, trowel- or pump-applied layer that rebuilds the floor surface and carries load, impact and thermal shock. A resin coating is a thinner protective film applied over a sound concrete slab to seal it and make it easier to clean. Which one your building needs comes down to the condition of the substrate underneath and what the floor has to survive day to day.

UltraSyntec has installed both across UK industrial and commercial buildings since 1996. This guide sets out where each system suits, so you can specify the right one rather than the cheaper one, and if you already know the floor needs the heavier build-up, our heavy duty resin floor screed installation page covers the systems we lay.

If you have any questions, the specialist team at UltraSyntec is always on hand to provide assistance, technical support, and even site surveys to determine exactly which resin floor is required for individual applications and environments.   

What is a resin screed?

Screeds are usually specified when a level surface is required, typically over an existing concrete floor, although they may also be specified for other substrates. Screeds are generally trowel-applied.

Their purpose is to create a heavy-duty floor while incorporating a hygienic surface. Resin screed systems are perfect for wet and greasy areas predominantly found in the food and beverage sector.

A screed also makes the space suitable for installing plant and machinery, making it ideal for environments within the engineering sector. It can also enhance the space’s aesthetics. Once in place, a resin screed is suitable for both pedestrian and wheeled traffic. UltraSyntec have vast experience with heavy duty resin floor screed installation.

Additional coats of material may be applied over the resin screed to achieve specific flooring performance characteristics. They are labour-intensive to install, may require significant preparation work and are therefore more expensive per square metre than a simple floor coating.

FeRFA, the Resin Flooring Association representing the major resin manufacturers and specialist contractors, quantifies resin screed as a Type 6 product – “ A trowel-finished, heavily filled system, generally incorporating a surface seal coat to minimise porosity.”

What are the benefits of resin screeds?

Experienced industrial floor screed contractors at UltraSyntec understand the following benefits of this material.

• They are hard-wearing and durable
• Resin screeds conform to the most stringent food hygiene regulations because they are easy to clean down and very hard for bacteria to become trapped.
• A resin floor screed offers significant safety benefits too, providing an excellent standard of slip resistance which can be enhanced by different specifications
• They are resistant to a whole range of aggressive products such as chemicals and solvents, so provide a practical solution for more industrial environments where accidental spillages can cause issues
• They are seamless and can be steam cleaned and/or pressure washed at a high PSI and do not absorb surface contaminants, which makes them the perfect choice for applications where food safe resin flooring must be specified
• The finish to a resin screed is aesthetically pleasing, with a wide range of standard colours and/or any RAL colour of choice available to complement and enhance the environment
• Resin floor screeds provide a versatile, long-lasting surface which can be applied in most sectors.

Recommended uses for resin screeds

Their inherent versatility and performance characteristics make this product suitable for an extensive range of applications, from food and beverage to heavy industrial environments. Typical applications for epoxy resin flooring screeds include:-

• Food and beverage processing
• General industrial and manufacturing applications
• Commercial kitchens
• Washrooms, gyms and leisure environments
• Pharmaceuticals
• Public areas and sports stadia
• Anywhere cleanliness, safe passage and durability are important considerations

What is a resin coating?

A resin coating will provide an excellent finish with superb aesthetic qualities.

These are usually applied within 2-3 coats at an average thickness of 250 microns per coat.

The purpose of resin coating is for light- to medium-duty environments, such as light engineering warehousing, to provide a concrete substrate with a seal that will ensure the longevity of the surface.

Resin coatings are also available as a fast cure option, which allows a faster turnaround in the application process, which can be an important operational consideration.

FeRFA classifies resin coatings as Type 2 products – “Applied in two or more coats. Generally solvent free.”

What are the benefits of resin coatings?

Choosing between a resin screed and a resin coating largely depends on the environment and workload of the specific area. Some of the benefits include:-

• Speed of application, enabling a quick resumption of operations when required
• Cost-effective for many applications and environments
• Excellent slip-resistant properties, which can be further enhanced with the addition of certain aggregates
• Hygienic and easy to clean, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing with a wide range of colour choices
• Fast-cure options are available

Recommended uses for resin floor coatings

Resin floor coatings are usually specified for larger areas that have less foot and wheeled traffic than a specified floor screed area would experience.

Applications are suitable in areas such as:-

• Warehousing and storage
• Light to medium engineering
• Commercial, retail and industrial units
• Leisure spaces such as sports stadia and arenas

Which resin system should you choose?

Choosing between a resin screed and a resin coating depends on the existing environment and the operational challenges the floor will face. Choosing the right system from the outset will save money in the long term.

Important issues to consider include:-

• How long do you expect the floor to last?
• What levels of traffic will it be subject to, ie light pedestrian or heavy wheeled traffic
• Is chemical resistance an important consideration
• What are the hygiene requirements for the floor, and what methods of cleaning will be used

The main differences between floor screed and floor coatings

Resin flooring offers a wide range of benefits. The key performance and operational differences between a resin screed and a resin coating are as follows.

Resin Screeds

• Extremely durable
• Laid at thicknesses between 6 mm and 9 mm
• Slip-resistant properties to BS 7976 – 2
• High chemical resistance
• Suitable for uneven floors
• Available to provide hygienic food-grade qualities.

Resin Coatings

• Durable
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Fast cure options available
• Cost-effective solution for many environments.
• Available as an epoxy or polyurethane range.

Summary

If you have an environment that requires either heavy-duty or light-to-medium-duty resin screeds or coatings, they would be the perfect option.

A resin coating may be more appropriate if your existing floor is in good condition and level, with a smooth surface.

If you are considering a resin flooring project, why not contact the specialist technical team at UltraSyntec for expert advice and guidance on all aspects of epoxy resin floor coatings and epoxy resin floor screeds?