Concrete Coating Company Discusses Quartz Coating Systems

Broadcast and troweled quartz coating can both result in a stunning, durable epoxy floor. However, there are distinct differences between the two. The experts at Pro Armour Concrete Coatings, a leading Plano floor coating company, recommend home and business owners consider seven key points when choosing between the two.

Top 7 Differences Between Broadcast and Troweled Quartz Coating Systems

1: Application

The main difference between broadcast and troweled quartz coating systems involves the application of the quartz crystals. To create a broadcast quartz coating, the technician will scatter the quartz on top of wet epoxy before applying a topcoat. For a troweled quartz coating, they add quartz to the epoxy before using a trowel to apply the mixture.

2: Texture

When a flooring professional uses a trowel to create a quartz-coated floor, it results in a smoother surface than a broadcast quartz coating. While the difference remains slight, quartz crystals stick up above the surface when hand-tossing the quartz aggregate. However, the broadcast method can provide extra traction.

3: Appearance

When implementing the broadcast method, the quartz pieces mostly sit on top of the epoxy. Troweling a mixture of epoxy and quartz allows the aggregate to settle at different levels. This difference means that troweled quartz coating systems create a little more depth, resulting in a more speckled appearance.

A broadcast quartz coating appears flatter than a troweled one because the quartz all remains on the same level. Both methods will cover up any concrete stains.

4: Quartz Size

Another difference between the two quartz flooring systems relates to the different sizes of quartz aggregate used. In general, the troweling method utilizes larger quartz pieces than the broadcast method.

As a result, a troweled floor appears flashier because more contrast exists between the quartz and the epoxy. However, a broadcast coating still sparkles because the crystals remain near the surface of the floor.

5: Durability

While both floor coatings prove incredibly durable, the troweling method produces a coating that lasts a little longer and can withstand heavy use better than a broadcast quartz coating. Troweled industrial epoxy flooring works well for companies that use heavy machinery or experience vehicle traffic. As such, Pro Armour recommends the trowel method for garage floor coatings.

6: Thickness

A troweled coating usually has a thickness 50% to 100% greater than a broadcast coating. Broadcast coatings usually only measure about one-eighth of an inch. Troweled coatings, on the other hand, often measure between three-eighths and one-quarter of an inch, perfect for commercial epoxy flooring.

The increased thickness of a troweled coatings factors into their superior durability and ability to survive significant impacts.

7: Time

A troweled floor epoxy coating usually takes less time to apply than a broadcast coating. This difference exists because broadcasting the quartz aggregate requires an extra pass over the entire floor.

When using the trowel, the quartz and epoxy paint are mixed together before application. Troweled quartz flooring is ideal for outdoor applications, like pool deck coatings.