A lot of homeowners love how strong and how good-looking epoxy floors are inside garages, and the next question is always the same: “Can I use this outside too?” The simple answer is not really — at least not normal 100% solids epoxy.
Epoxy is amazing indoors because it stays protected from the environments that can ruin it: sunlight, rain, snow, salt, and big temperature swings. But outside in Ontario, concrete sees hot summers, freezing winters, tons of road salt, and weeks of bright UV light. Epoxy just isn’t designed for these conditions. It can yellow, fade, chalk, and even peel when it sits in the sun or gets hit with moisture again and again.
That’s why pros almost always recommend polyaspartic or polyurethane coatings for outdoor spaces. These coatings look just as nice as epoxy, but they’re made for the outdoors. They don’t fade in the sun, they stay flexible when the concrete moves during freeze–thaw cycles, and they handle rain, snow, and salt way better. If you want to coat a driveway, patio, pool deck, or any open porch, polyaspartic is your best choice.
For covered porches or patios, epoxy can sometimes work, but only if the area is mostly shaded and you add a UV-stable topcoat. Even then, it still won’t perform as well as polyaspartic outside. If any part of the floor gets sun for several hours a day, it will start to fade or yellow over time.
One thing that matters for every outdoor coating is prep work. The concrete needs to be ground properly, cleaned, and tested for moisture. Outdoor slabs usually hold more moisture than indoor ones, so skipping this step can cause peeling no matter what product you use. A good installer will handle grinding, repairs, cracks, and choose the right coating based on how exposed the area is.
If you want an outdoor surface that’s easy to clean, tough against weather, and nice to look at, a UV-stable polyaspartic system is the way to go. It cures fast, looks clean and modern, and lasts through Ontario winters without giving you headaches later.
Thinking about upgrading your porch, patio, or driveway? Our team installs outdoor-safe, slip-resistant coatings that hold up in most seasons. Reach out for a free quote and we’ll help you choose the best system for your home.