Alkyd vs. Epoxy vs. Urethane – Which Coating Is Right for You?

When it comes to painting steel, concrete, or even wood, knowing the differences between alkyd, epoxy, and urethane coatings is key to getting the results you want.

Alkyd coatings are ideal for general-purpose use—especially when ease and practicality are top priorities.

Benefits of Alkyd Paints:

• Great for steel, concrete, and wood
• Doesn’t promote corrosion like water-based paints can
• Offers basic barrier protection in mild environments
• Simple to use and store—open, apply, reseal, done
• Attractive finish that holds color and gloss over time

If you’re looking for a facility-friendly coating that can be used by anyone, touched up easily, and still looks sharp—alkyd is still a good choice.

How Do Epoxies and Urethanes Compare?

Epoxies Offer:

• Superior corrosion, chemical resistance, and adhesion
• But they’re finicky to apply and require experience

Urethanes Offer:

• Excellent gloss, color retention, and corrosion resistance
• But they usually require a good primer and require experience
   

While epoxies and urethanes offer far superior protection, finish, and durability, they require expertise to apply correctly—and that’s where we come in. With the right experience and guidance, we help you get the most out of these high-performance coatings to protect your facility long-term. Contact us today to get started.