Guide
Full vs. Medium Flake Broadcast: What's the Difference?
Medium and full flake broadcast are the two looks most customers choose between — and the difference is more than cosmetic. Full broadcast uses about twice the flake, hides the base coat completely, and costs more. Here's how to pick (and price) each.
- Medium broadcast (~0.10 lb/sq ft) leaves some base color showing — a lighter, partial look.
- Full broadcast to refusal (~0.15–0.20 lb/sq ft) buries the base entirely in a solid chip bed.
- Full roughly doubles the flake material, so it should carry a higher price.
The difference in one table
| Medium | Full / to refusal | |
|---|---|---|
| Density | ~0.10 lb/sq ft | ~0.15–0.20 lb/sq ft |
| Look | Even coverage, base shows through | Solid chip bed, zero base showing |
| Flake for 400 sq ft | ~40 lb (1 box) | ~80 lb (2 boxes) |
| Flake cost (≈$160/box) | ~$160 | ~$320 |
| Best for | Budget jobs, lighter/accent looks | Premium floors, hides repairs, max wear surface |
What each actually looks like
At medium broadcast, the base-coat color peeks between the chips — great when the base is part of the design or the budget is tight. At full refusal, you keep throwing flake until the wet base will not take any more, so the finished floor is all chip: a richer, more uniform look that also hides minor slab repairs and gives a thicker wear surface.
The cost difference
Flake is the main variable. For a 400 sq ft garage, medium runs about 40 lb (one box) and full-to-refusal about 80 lb (two boxes) — so the flake line roughly doubles, from ~$160 to ~$320. The labor to broadcast and scrape excess also rises slightly. Price the full look accordingly; it is a genuine upgrade, not a freebie.
Price both looks side by side
Switch broadcast density in CoatBid and instantly see the flake pounds, cost, and customer price for medium vs. full — so you can offer the upgrade with confidence.
Frequently asked
Medium broadcast (~0.10 lb/sq ft) leaves some base coat showing for a lighter, partial look. Full broadcast to refusal (~0.15–0.20 lb/sq ft) buries the base completely in a solid chip bed, using about twice the flake.
Yes. It uses roughly double the flake — about 80 lb versus 40 lb on a 400 sq ft garage — so the flake material cost roughly doubles, plus a bit more labor. It is a real upgrade and should be priced higher.
It gives a thicker, more uniform chip layer and a fuller wear surface, and it hides minor slab repairs better. Both looks are durable when properly topcoated; full broadcast is mostly about appearance and a slightly thicker build.