Cement Overlays & Micro-Toppings
Cement overlays and micro-toppings are used to resurface concrete that is out of level or is too old, damaged, or unsightly to be functional in its current application.  These products are categorized as 'polymer-modified cements', meaning they combine Portland cement with acrylic or latex polymers.  The combination allows the cement based products to be installed in thin applications, restoring slab surfaces to a 'like new' condition and eliminating the need to completely tear out and replace entire concrete slabs.  For decorative applications, cement overlays and micro-toppings readily accept pigments, decorative stains and dyes and may also be installed over wood and a few other substrates to create concrete surfaces.

Toughstuff fully prepares all substrates in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations.  This includes shot blasting and/or diamond grinding of all concrete to provide the optimum surface for bonding, ensuring the overlay or micro-topping will remain intact for years.        

Below you will find more specific descriptions of cement overlays and micro-toppings to assist you in determining which product is best suited to your application.  Please contact Toughstuff Industrial Floors if you would like to learn more about cement overlays and micro-toppings, or to receive a free estimate or price quote for your project.      

Cement overlays are polymer modified, Portland cement based materials used to resurface concrete that is out of level or badly damaged, providing a 'like new' surface.  Overlays generally range in thickness from 1/8" to 2".  Overlays may generally be categorized into three types:  self-leveling, trowelable, and stampable.

• Self-leveling overlays mix to a runny consistency, engineered to flow and seek its own level, when installed at a minimum thickness of 3/16".  These work well for applications that require the finished floor to be flat and level, and may be used both as finished flooring and as underlayment for floor coverings.  Self-levelers are fast setting and fast curing for quick turnaround times; able to be sealed or receive floor coverings after just 12 hours.
• Trowelable overlays mix to a stiffer consistency, similar to mortar, and are typically used when job conditions aren't conducive to self-levelers.  Trowelable overlay may be installed at thicknesses from 1/8" up to 2" or more and work well for sloped, vertical, and ramp applications.
• Stampable overlays are placed using a screed rake and trowel, then stamped using regular concrete stamping techniques.  Stampable overlays are typically installed at a thickness of approximately 1/2".

Cement micro-topping is a polymer modified cementitious resurfacer that may be used to transform badly damaged or unsightly concrete into a beautiful concrete surface at a fraction of the cost of removal and replacement of the existing surface.  Micro-topping may be used to provide a new canvas for applying various staining techniques and accepts any water-based pigment, allowing it to be virtually any color.   

Micro-topping is extremely versatile.  The high polymer content makes for a surface with superior adhesion and bonding properties that is also tough and resistant to water, abrasion and salt.  Micro-topping may be applied to interior, exterior, horizontal and vertical surfaces.  It may be applied by trowel, brush, roller, or sprayed on to produce a wide range of looks and textures.  With the virtually limitless pigmenting and staining options and the versatility in application techniques, the design possibilities with micro-topping are almost endless.  Unlike thicker overlays, micro-topping is applied in 2 or more thin layers with a finished total thickness of approximately 3/32" (about the thickness of a credit card).  Additional layers may be applied without significantly affecting the overall thickness, allowing cut-ins, patterns and stencils to be integrated wonderfully.  Customers may design a finish that is completely unique to their home or business.

Typical uses include:

• Designer retail flooring & showrooms
• Themed entertainment flooring
• Casinos
• Restaurants and Bars
• Residential surfaces
• Food concession areas
• Museums 
• Countertops, walls & more

Micro-topping also may be applied over wood substrates to create concrete countertops, tables, walls, fireplace surrounds, steps, and accent pieces.  Micro-topping is so adhesive that it may even be applied over existing ceramic tile or laminate countertops.  Please visit our Concrete Countertops page to learn more about these applications.