Penntek Industrial Coatings vs. Simiron Concrete Coatings: Which is Better For Me?

Whether it’s your driveway, back patio, sidewalk, garage, or company warehouse, you’ve probably grown tired of looking at those cracks and stains in your concrete. 

You want to elevate your space, cover those blemishes, and maybe even provide some added safety to your concrete surface. So, you’re looking for an industrial concrete coating that is going to meet all your needs. 

Penntek and Simiron are two prominent concrete coating companies in the country. Both manufacturers offer similar products and services, like two-step concrete coatings, chip and quartz systems, and metallic coating options.

When you look at their website and research each of them on a surface level, it can be hard to spot any differences. 

If they offer similar products and services, what makes them different from each other? Is one better than the other? Which one is better for my project? 

All of these questions and more are running through your mind as you try to find the best solution for your concrete coating project. You’re looking for more specific and succinct information on each company so you can directly compare them and see if Penntek or Simiron will be right for you. 

Lucky for you, Southwest Exteriors is here to help. 

We’ve been an exterior remodeling company in San Antonio since 1989 and have offered concrete coatings from Penntek for the past several years. We only offer Penntek coatings because of their many benefits, like durability, UV resistance, and longevity. 

Now, just because we only offer Penntek coatings does not mean we don’t know there are other great options out there. We know we aren’t always the right contractor for everyone, but we just want to help guide you to make the best choices for you. 

This article will provide an unbiased comparison of Penntek and Simiron coatings in their material, performance, design, and warranties. 

After reading, you’ll clearly understand how each of these coatings perform and compare to one another. Then, you’ll be able to choose which coating is better for you and can confidently move forward with your project. 

About Penntek Industrial Coatings

Penntek Industrial Coatings hit the ground running in 2010, offering industrial-strength concrete coatings for commercial and residential use. 

Founder Kyle Baynes started the company installing his products himself. Now, Penntek partners with expert contractors across the country to install their products.

Penntek offers polyurea and polyaspartic two-step concrete coatings, epoxy concrete coatings, metallic coatings, concrete repair products, and more. 

About Simiron Coatings

Simiron Innovative Protective Coatings was founded in 1992 to offer a variety of solutions for almost any surface that needs protection. From concrete floors to walls and roofs, Simiron has formulated a product for almost any coating project. 

They offer industrial-grade coatings meant for professional application as well as kits available for the DIY-er. 

Simiron coating systems are made of epoxy and polyaspartic with a chip or quartz layer, which is optional depending on your goals for your project.

Penntek vs. Simiron: What are they made of, and how do they perform? 

When comparing two products, the first thing you want to look at is what they are made of. The material and makeup of a product will tell you all about how durable they are, what maintenance is required, and even what they will look like. 

Penntek and Simiron both offer numerous concrete coating systems made of different materials, like epoxy and polyurea. Here we will outline what products each company offers and some of their major benefits and potential drawbacks. 

What are Penntek concrete coatings made of? 

Penntek has different concrete coating solutions made of polyurea, polyaspartic, epoxy, and urethane. They offer quite a few different combinations of these coating types, so let’s briefly break down their options and what’s a part of each of them. 

• Chip system concrete coating: This is made with a polyurea base coat, layer of colored vinyl chips, and polyaspartic topcoat. 
• Quartz system concrete coating: This is made with a polyurea base coat, layer of colored quartz, and a polyaspartic topcoat.
• Solid epoxy concrete coating: This is made with a primer epoxy coat, solid epoxy layer, and either polyurea or urethane topcoat.
• Solid polyurea concrete coating: This consists of a solid-colored polyurea basecoat and topcoat. 
• Polyurea shop floor coating: This is made with a polyurea base coat, layer of dry sand, and topcoat with the option of a tinted topcoat. 
• Metallic concrete coating: This is a metallic epoxy base coat with a urethane topcoat. 

As you can see, Penntek offers a variety of solutions ranging in what they’re made of and what design options they offer. 

Although epoxy and polyurea perform differently than one another, in this article, we will look at how Penntek’s specific products perform, not epoxy and polyurea in general. Let’s look at the benefits and some potential drawbacks of Penntek concrete coating solutions.

What are some of the benefits of Penntek concrete coatings?

There are many benefits to Penntek’s industrial coatings. Polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coating systems are some of the most durable types of concrete coatings. 

These coatings are more durable than epoxy, and they are also flexible. Flexibility in a concrete coating allows it to bounce back and not chip when impacted. 

Both polyurea and epoxy are also resistant to any scratching or abrasions and do not stain. This means if you spill anything, all you need is a towel and all-purpose cleaner to wipe it up. Both coatings types are also UV stable, so they will not fade under the sun. 

Polyurea/polyaspartic coatings can also be installed in one day. Typically, you can walk on it six hours after installation and park your cars on it in 24 hours. Their chip system coatings also have an orange peel-like feeling, which helps with slippage. 

What are some potential drawbacks of Penntek concrete coatings? 

With Penntek, the cure time of their coatings can be a pro and con.  

Polyurea coatings have a fast cure time. While this is mostly a benefit as you can use your coating faster, it’s important it is applied within an appropriate time frame. If they are not installed quick enough, the composition of the coating will not apply properly and even. 

Epoxy coatings also have a longer cure time. Penntek epoxy coatings also have a quick cure-time, however, not as quick as polyurea. This means you will have to wait a little longer to use your coating.

Is applying a Penntek Industrial Coating to my garage floor a good investment?

Yes, applying a Penntek Industrial Coating to your garage floor is a great investment. Penntek's seamless epoxy flooring system provides superior protection against harsh conditions, making it perfect for garages that experience heavy foot traffic, chemical spills, and impact from heavy equipment. The Polyurea coating technology cures quickly, so you can have your garage floor ready for use in as little as one day. This means you won't have to endure long periods of downtime or disruptions to your daily routine. The floor coating is also slip-resistant and extremely durable, delivering long-lasting performance that requires minimal maintenance. Plus, a coated floor is much easier to clean than an uncoated one, eliminating the need for constant upkeep. With its wide range of colors and finishes to choose from, your garage floor will look fantastic and increase your property value. So, investing in a Penntek Industrial Coating will not only enhance the resale value of your home but also improve your quality of life and provide you with a higher level of safety while working in your garage.

Overall, how do Penntek concrete coatings perform? 

Penntek offers high-quality, durable polyurea, polyaspartic, and epoxy concrete coatings. Because of the material of their coatings, they offer a lifelong solution for your concrete surface. 

They also allow you to add an extra coating layer for added safety and have many design options available, which we’ll get into later in this article. 

What are Simiron concrete coatings made of? 

Simiron also offers a variety of concrete coating systems made with epoxy, polyaspartic and urethane. Similar to Penntek, they carry a wide array of coating systems that vary in layered material, so we will outline them here. 

• Decorative chip systems: These coatings are made of an epoxy base coat with a layer of colored vinyl chips and a clear topcoat. They also offer a fast curing chip option with a polyaspartic topcoat.
• Decorative quartz system: This system is made with a solid base coat, layer of colored quartz, and topcoat. 
• High performance systems: These coatings can be made with either an epoxy or urethane layered system.
• Metallic floor system: This coating is made with an epoxy primer, base coat, and topcoat with a metallic additive layer. 
• Shop floor system: This coating is made with a solid primer, base coat, and top coat, and is made for environments that endure a lot of traffic and abuse.
• Urethane mortar systems: These systems are urethane coatings that are made to repair and beautify eroded or damaged concrete surfaces. They can be solid or made with a colored vinyl or quartz layer as well. 

Simiron offers many different solutions for your concrete coating project, though most of their products are epoxy based. 

So, let’s look at some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of Simiron’s concrete coatings. 

What are the benefits of Simiron concrete coatings? 

Each of Simiron’s concrete coating systems have similar benefits, though made of different materials. Their coatings are UV resistant, so they won’t fade under the sun. They are also scratch resistant and durable for high-traffic areas. 

They also have a non-slip finish, and epoxy chip coatings have an added layer for extra slip resistance properties. The satin finish also allows for easy cleanup for any spills. 

They have the option for a chemical-resistant topcoat, so if you have a coating in a shop or lab, this would be a great option for you. 

Their urethane coatings also specially repair eroded concrete while also giving it a shiny and durable coating finish. 

What are potential drawbacks of Simiron’s concrete coatings?

One of the biggest potential drawbacks of Simiron coatings is that they are mostly epoxy-based. While they are still a durable option for concrete coatings, they are not as flexible as polyurea concrete coatings. 

This means that some coatings, under heavy impact, can end up chipping or cracking. Epoxy has some known common problems in general, like misshaping under high temperatures and not bonding well with concrete. 

But, if you’re interested in an epoxy coating, you must choose a high-quality manufacturer with added benefits for your project, which will cost more than other contractors. 

Overall, how do Simiron’s concrete coatings perform? 

Most all of Simiron’s coatings have many benefits, like being UV stable, abrasion-resistant, and non-slip. They also offer a variety of coating solutions for different applications, from residential to specialty commercial areas. 

How do Penntek and Simiron concrete coatings compare in their services, material, and performance? 

When comparing Penntek and Simiron concrete coatings, you can see they offer similar services and even products. Both companies offer three layer coatings with colored chips and quartz solid color epoxy coatings.

You must consider how durable you want your coating to be, how you want it to perform, and what maintenance you may need to do. Penntek polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are made with one of the best materials for concrete coatings, whereas epoxy has more of a reputation not to last. 

Though both companies offer high-quality coatings, you cannot ignore the makeup of the material of the coating. So, while both concrete coatings can provide you with many benefits in their performance, this is something to consider.

Penntek vs. Simiron: How do they compare in their design options? 

After learning about the different concrete coatings Penntek and Simiron offer, you have a better idea of which type of coating is right for you. Now, you want to make sure the concrete coating company you choose will give you the look you want. 

Penntek and Simiron offer similar options in their design and coloring for their concrete coatings. Here we’ll outline what design options each concrete company offers. 

Penntek concrete coating design options

Penntek offers solid colored-coatings, colored vinyl chip blends, colored quartz blends, and metallic epoxy designs. 

Their colored chip and quartz blends come in a variety of combinations, from vibrant reds to muted tans and grays. Depending on the contractor you work with, you can customize the color of the chips, quartz, and solid coating to any color of your choosing. 

Simiron concrete coating design options

Similar to Penntek, Simiron also offers numerous color options for vinyl chip blends, quartz blends, solid coatings, and metallic patterns with the option for some customizations. 

It’s important to note that Simiron offers DIY kits you can buy and install yourself. If you plan to DIY your concrete coating with Simiron, know you may not have as many color options for your project. 

How do Penntek and Simiron concrete coatings compare in their design? 

Penntek and Simiron both offer similar options when it comes to color, design, and customizability. The biggest difference between the two is that with Simiron, you will have limited options if you choose one of their DIY kits. 

If you work with a professional contractor, you will also want to know what kind of designs they can do. If you want a checkerboard pattern, stripes, or a logo embedded into your coating, you’ll have to find the right contractor that has the skill to meet your needs for your concrete coating. 

Penntek vs. Simiron: How do their warranties compare? 

Before finalizing your decision on whether either of these concrete coating companies are right for you, you want to understand what kind of warranty they offer. 

Knowing what is included and excluded in a warranty, how long it is good for, and what the company will do if damage is warranted will tell you a lot about what kind of company they are and how well their products perform. 

Now, warranties can be hard to digest when looking at the technical document. Let’s break down Penntek and Simiron’s warranties in a language that’s easier to understand. 

What is Penntek’s warranty?

Penntek Industrial Coatings ensure their products will not yellow or fade from UV rays for the lifetime of the original purchaser of the product. 

When properly prepared and installed, chipping, peeling, separating, or delaminating are covered for 15 years post-installation. This includes interior, exterior, vertical, and horizontal surfaces, or essentially any coated surface. 

This warranty also ensures that Penntek products will be free from defects under these conditions and perform without failure for 15 years. 

If your coating must be replaced under warranty, Penntek will either issue credit to the contractor for the cost of materials to be replaced or send the materials directly. 

Exclusions in Penntek’s warranty include improper preparation of the surface and application, fire damage, slip accidents, abuse or neglect of the product, and violations of local codes and ordinances for application. 

What is Simiron’s warranty? 

Simiron offers a limited 10-year warranty on their coating products, starting on the date of purchase. Primer products are warranted for one year.

This warranty ensures the products to be free from defects for the duration of the 10 years. 

If you must file a claim for a Simiron product, they must deem it defective in order for the warranty to be in place. Then, Simiron will replace only the quantity of defective coating. 

The cost of installation and labor is excluded in this warranty.  

How do Penntek and Simiron’s warranties compare? 

Penntek outlines a more robust warranty, including specific inclusions and exclusions that are and are not covered under warranty. 

Penntek’s warranty for concrete coatings is valid for 15 years, while Simiron’s warranty is only 10 years. 

Both warranties do not explicitly cover installation and labor for the replacement product. So, you must check with the contractor you worked with to know if they cover the cost of installation. 

Overall, when comparing two different warranties, think about how long you will be in your home and how long you want your product to last. 

15 years and 10 years are both a large time frame. But, if you are in your forever home and want your concrete coating to last as long as possible, Penntek will be the better option for you. 

Penntek vs. Simiron Concrete Coatings: Which is Better for You?

Now that you know all about what the products and services Penntek and Simiron offer, what design and color options are available, and what their warranties are, you can have a better idea of which is better for your project. 

Overall, Penntek and Simiron offer similar products and design options for concrete coatings. The biggest differences between the two are the material of those products and that Simiron has personal kits you can use yourself. 

Penntek offers polyurea/polyaspartic as well as epoxy concrete coatings. Simiron offers mostly epoxy concrete coatings and urethane concrete solutions. 

While both offer concrete coatings that are durable and UV resistant, epoxy and polyurea are different in their makeup. Polyurea is a polymer and an elastomer, making it a flexible material and allowing it to be impact resistant. Epoxy is also a polymer, though epoxy concrete coatings typically consist of a resin and a hardener mixed together. 

This is what makes polyurea more durable than epoxy coatings - because of its flexibility. Both Penntek and Simiron concrete coatings are durable solutions for a concrete coating. But, you always want to consider the material of the product to know if it will perform how you want it to. 

If you’re considering either of these coatings for your project, you not only want to know what the great things are about it, but what potential problems you might run into. 

Check out these two articles that outline the top potential problems with an epoxy concrete coating and a polyurea/polyaspartic concrete coating. Then, you will know how to find the right contractor that knows how to install your concrete coating properly so you won’t run into these problems.

Looking for the right contractor to install your Penntek concrete coating? 

Southwest Exteriors offers polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings from Penntek because they are the most durable and long-lasting option for San Antonio homeowners. They can withstand the Texas heat and won’t melt under your tires when you pull your car in the garage.

Our professional installation teams will properly prepare and apply your concrete coating to your complete satisfaction. If anything happens in the future, our lifetime warranty means we’ll take care of you for as long as you own your home. 

So, are you ready to upgrade your space with a new concrete coating? Schedule your free consultation with a design consultant today!