Polyurea Coatings for Car Wash Walls & Surfaces - Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc.

Updated October 29, 2024

Greg Holtz, owner of two car wash locations, wanted to protect and maintain the interior surfaces of his properties.

At one car wash location, he had an aluminum wall panel system. At the second location, he opted for a protective aliphatic white polyurea interior wall coating system. This two-component, 100% solids and 0 VOC coating offers a fast cure time to minimize downtime.

Which system would provide better long-term protection against the humid environment and the chemicals used during the washing process?

Installing the Polyurea Coating on the Car Wash Walls

The coating application process began with high-pressure washing to remove all surface contaminants, including oils, surfactants, silicones, and accumulated dirt.

After thorough cleaning, the car wash walls were primed, and the waterproof polyurea coating was spray applied to a minimum thickness of 32 mils. This fast-reactive coating ensured a quick turnaround, allowing the space to be returned to service promptly.

Polyurea Coating Stands the Test of Time

After 19 years of performance, the polyurea coating has proven to be the superior choice for Greg’s car washes. Greg said the coating on his car wash walls provided the best overall protection against humidity and chemicals, making it the most cost-effective solution for preserving the interior surfaces.

“Concrete surfaces ended up being smooth [and] easy to clean,” he said.

In contrast, the aluminum wall panel system at the second location proved difficult to clean due to its complex surface profile, which facilitated mold growth in the connections and panel surfaces. Mr. Holtz described the washdown process as “a real pain,” underscoring the advantages of the polyurea coating in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.

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Benefits of Polyurea Coatings for Car Washes

If you’re considering a long-lasting, durable, and waterproof polyurea coating for your car wash or working with a car wash business, here are a few key benefits to note.

Chemical Resistance

Polyurea is highly resistant to harsh chemicals, detergents, and cleaning agents commonly used in car washes to protect surfaces over time.

Fast Cure Time

Polyurea coatings fully cure within hours, minimizing downtime and profit loss for car washes during installation.

Waterproofing

These coatings provide a waterproof barrier that protects the underlying surfaces from water damage, corrosion, mold, and more. This is especially beneficial for businesses like car washes, where surfaces are constantly exposed to moisture.

Easy Maintenance

Polyurea surfaces are easy to clean and maintain. Their smooth texture prevents dirt and grime buildup that can impact cleanliness and scratch vehicles.

Work With Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc.

As Greg’s car wash comparison shows, polyurea coatings improve durability, aesthetics, and operational efficiency. These benefits make polyurea an excellent choice for protecting surfaces in high-use environments.

If you’re looking for high-quality polyurea coatings and mobile spray rigs, we’re here to help. Contact us today to explore our various spray coating and equipment options.