Our Coating Technology
At Citadel, we engineer coatings that protect, perform, and inspire. Below you’ll find how our technology works, how it holds up in the real world, what professional installation entails, and how our systems deliver exceptional performance with long-term dependability.
Citadel Technology
Citadel systems are built on 40+ years of innovation and materials science. We design for strength, longevity, and repeatability, so pros deliver consistent installs and property owners get surfaces that elevate their spaces.
What Is Polyurea?
Polyurea is a high-performance polymer that cures rapidly, bonds tightly to properly prepared concrete, and flexes with the substrate. In practice, that means excellent resistance to hot-tire pickup, abrasion, and UV exposure with long-lasting color and gloss.
- Seamless, dense film with excellent chemical resistance
- Flexibility to handle thermal movement
- Low-odor options; rapid cure supports efficient scheduling
Durability in Real-World Conditions
Citadel coatings are engineered for daily life in garages, shops, and demanding facilities. They stand up to traffic, spills, temperature swings, and regular cleaning—maintaining appearance and performance over time.
- Outstanding abrasion, impact, and stain resistance
- UV stability and color retention
- Salt, oil, and common chemical resistance with easy cleanup
Installation & Application Highlights
Great chemistry deserves great practice. Citadel partners with professional installers who follow proven prep and application methods to ensure consistent outcomes.
- Mechanical surface prep (e.g., diamond grinding) and moisture checks
- System-appropriate base, broadcast (where used), and topcoat selection
- Clear cure and return-to-service guidance communicated to the client
Low VOCs & Environmental Considerations
We offer low-VOC, low-odor options that help reduce disruption during installs. Our approach emphasizes performance with responsibility across residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
- More comfortable application experience
- Several options for compliance with stringent regional requirements
- Durable surfaces that extend replacement cycles
- Coating concrete floors helps control dust that naturally forms from bare concrete under foot and vehicle traffic. By sealing the surface, coatings reduce particle shedding, improve cleanliness, and contribute to a more durable and maintainable flooring system.
Product Knowledge: What to Know
We believe in clear expectations:
- Premium materials and professional installation are investments that pay off in service life, aesthetics, and fewer callbacks.
- Proper prep is essential for performance; we stand behind systems installed to spec.
| Performance Property | Epoxy | Polyurea Base Coat | Polyaspartic Grout Coat | Polyurethane Top Coat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Product Line Reference | SLE-100, PLE-100 | Polyurea 350 | RG-80X, UL-80 | Polyurethane 1-HD |
| Distinctive Benefits | Epoxy offers strong adhesion, excellent durability, and extended working time for easier application. It’s cost-effective and resistant to chemicals, making it ideal for industrial and garage floors. Our epoxy coatings excel for thick-mil systems and applications where self-leveling properties are required. | Polyurea cures extremely fast and can be applied in a wide range of temperatures—even on damp surfaces. Its flexibility and impact resistance make it suitable for environments with heavy mechanical stress or rapid installation needs. | Polyaspartic coatings cure quickly and are highly UV stable, preventing yellowing over time. They offer a glossy, decorative finish with excellent chemical and abrasion resistance—ideal for residential and commercial spaces. | Polyurethane enhances wear resistance for flooring systems, making it ideal for high-traffic environments. It also offers excellent flexibility and UV protection, helping floors maintain performance and appearance over time. |
| Typical Use Case | Commonly used as the foundational layer in industrial, commercial, and garage flooring systems. Ideal for environments requiring strong adhesion and durability. Also provides a solid base for decorative or protective top coats and systems requiring self-leveling, such as metallic floors. | Commonly used in one-day floor systems thanks to its rapid cure and ability to bond to damp concrete. Ideal for garages, commercial spaces, and outdoor areas where fast installation and flexibility are critical. Often paired with polyaspartic top coats for a durable, UV-stable finish. | Preferred in residential garages, retail spaces, and showrooms due to their fast cure, UV stability, and glossy finish. Used as a top coat over epoxy or polyurea bases to provide chemical resistance and aesthetic appeal. Ideal for one-day floor systems and decorative flake finishes. | Commonly applied in high-traffic commercial areas, food-processing facilities, and outdoor walkways. Used as a wear-resistant top layer over epoxy or polyurea bases to extend floor life and maintain appearance. Excellent for environments needing long-term durability and UV protection. |
| System Functionality | Epoxy serves as a durable, high-adhesion base layer that anchors the flooring system and supports decorative or protective top coats. Its extended working time and self-leveling characteristic allow for smooth integration with broadcast media or additional layers. | Polyurea is a fast-curing base coat that bonds tightly to concrete and readily accepts broadcast media like flakes or quartz. It forms a flexible, seamless foundation for high-performance flooring systems. | Polyaspartic is applied as a top coat over epoxy or polyurea bases to deliver rapid curing, UV stability, and enhanced chemical resistance. It completes the system with a durable, glossy finish. | Polyurethane is used as a wear-resistant top layer that adds flexibility and long-term surface protection. It helps preserve the integrity and appearance of the flooring system under continuous use. |
| Working Time (Ambient Dependent) | 20–60 Minutes | 20–30 Minutes | 20–40 Minutes | 30–60 Minutes |
| Cure Time (Ambient Dependent) | 4–12 Hours | 2–4 Hours | 2–4 Hours | 4–6 Hours |
| Application Temperature Range | > 50°F | 30°F – 140°F | 0°F – 90°F+ | > 50°F |
| Full Return to Service (Ambient Dependent) | 36–48 Hours | 24 Hours | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
| UV Resistance | No | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| Wear Resistance | Moderate | High | High | High |
| MVT Resistance / Damp Concrete Adhesion | Not intended for MVT resistance/damp concrete application | Not intended for MVT resistance/damp concrete application | Not intended for direct to concrete | Not intended for direct to concrete |
| Flexibility | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bond Strength to Concrete | High | High | Not intended for direct to concrete | Not intended for direct to concrete |
| Applicator Skill Required | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Self-Leveling | Yes | No | No | No |
| Means of Application | Squeegee or Roller | Squeegee or Roller | Squeegee and Backroll | Roller |
| Full Broadcast Acceptance | Yes | Yes | As required in double-broadcast systems or single lift when used as basecoat over primer | No |
| Odor Through Curing Process | Low | Low | Low | Moderate |
| VOCs | Low (<50 g/L) | Low (<50 g/L) | Varies by product (<50 g/L to <250 g/L) | Low (<50 g/L) |
Disclaimer: This chart provides general information only. Performance may vary by formulation and application environment. For detailed specifications, refer to individual product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Technical Data Sheets (TDS).
Summary
Choosing Citadel means choosing systems engineered for reliability, ease of application, and lasting performance. Whether you’re specifying coatings for a facility or improving a garage, our technology is built to protect, perform, and inspire—built to stand the test of time.