Concrete coatings are a great option for commercial, residential and industrial floors. Epoxy and urethane coatings started out as a durable and functional way to protect concrete in harsh or heavy traffic situations. Concrete floors were and still are the standard for industrial and warehouse buildings but when left unprotected they generate dust and break down over time.
Coatings became the best way to protect and allow the surface to last longer and be cleanable. This is still the best reason to choose coatings and over the years polymers have evolved to where the options are almost limitless. Some of the most common options are clear coats, solid colour coatings, flake filled floors, decorative sand systems and metallic epoxies.
Preparation of the concrete is what they all have in common. The surface needs to be mechanically ground or shot blasted in order to get to the meat of the concrete and provide a profile for proper bonding. Once the concrete has been properly prepared any of the mentioned coatings can be applied.
Coatings can look amazing and also be functional but there are limitations, This is why I also polish concrete, scuffing, scratching and moisture from below the slab are concerns. The choice between coatings and polish is ultimately yours but I feel you should be informed and educated before choosing.