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Interior Overlays & Toppings
Concrete Overlays Home
Get the Look - Interior Overlay Pictures
When to Use a Polymer Overlay
Comparison Chart of Overlay Systems: Which is best for your project?
Five Factors to Consider when Choosing a Resurfacing System
Concrete Overlay Reviews
Types of Overlays
Epoxy Coatings
Microtoppings & Skim Coats
Self-Leveling Overlays
Spray-Down Toppings
Polishable Overlays
Stamped Concrete Overlays
Preparing Concrete for Resurfacing
Concrete Resurfacing
Reducing Bond Failures Caused by Moisture-Vapor Transmission
Don't Let Water Vapor Delaminate Your Overlay: How to seal concrete before an overlay
How-To Tips for Installing Concrete Overlays
Answers to Common Questions About Concrete Overlays: Advice from expert Chris Sullivan
How to Add Color to Concrete Overlays
How to Protect and Maintain Resurfaced Concrete
Overlay Tools: Seven essential tools for concrete resurfacing
Related Information
Concrete Overlay Videos, with Bob Harris
Decorative Concrete Overlays: A primer of the various overlay types and the decorative possibilities with each
Vertical Concrete Overlays: Lightweight cement-based overlays mimic stone, brick, and other wall textures

There are a wide variety of overlay systems available for refinishing concrete flatwork, ranging from ultra-thin systems (also called "microtoppings" or "skim coats") that can be applied in layers as thin as a credit card to floor underlayments that go on at thicknesses of up to an inch or more in one lift. Each overlay type offers different decorative options and performance attributes (see table below).

Hawkeye Custom Concrete in Sand Springs, OK (Before) Hawkeye Custom Concrete in Sand Springs, OK (After)

Although the type of overlay you choose will depend primarily on the final look you want to achieve, it's equally important to consider the conditions the overlay will be exposed to (see Concrete Resurfacing). Generally, higher-build systems will stand up better to wear and tear and hide flaws more effectively than ultra-thin toppings. They will also permit the use of deeper patterns and textures.

Concrete Refinishing System Application Thickness Decorative Options Performance Attributes
Microtoppings or skim coats Featheredge to 1/8 inch Can be troweled to a texture or troweled silky smooth. You can incorporate color into the mix, broadcast dry pigments onto the surface while troweling for a marbleized appearance, or accent with stains and dyes. These polymer-based systems are applied super-thin, giving them the ability to flex, unlike other systems. May also be applied to wall surfaces.
Spray-down systems 1/8 inch Usually applied as a splatter coat or a knock-down (troweled) finish, and are ideal for use with paper or plastic stencils. Available precolored or can be integrally colored during mixing. Stains, dyes or tints may be applied for accent color. The textured finish is durable and skid-resistant, making it well suited for surfaces such as pool decks, sidewalks, and driveways.
Stampable overlays 1/4 to 3/4 inch Can be stamped and textured (similar to conventional stamped concrete) to mimic brick, slate, natural stone and other materials. Color options include broadcast pigments, colored liquid or powdered releases, stains, dyes and tinted sealers. Are applied thickly enough to accept texture and cover minor imperfections in the concrete substrate.
Self-leveling overlays 1/4 to 1 inch (in one lift) Can be left seamless (except at joints) or used as a canvas for sawcut or engraved designs. For color, mix in integral pigments or apply stains, dyes or tints. Restores structurally sound yet worn concrete surfaces and can be used to level uneven floors.
Underlayments Up to 1 1/2 inch Removal of weeds and moss that grow in the joints; refilling joints with sand as needed. Restores structurally sound yet worn concrete in preparation for floor coverings. Provides a smooth, level base.

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Featured Products
Rapid Set Skim Coat Repairs, levels, and smooths concrete for applications.
Thin Micro-Topping Produces durable surface to color or stain
Self Leveling Overlay Find the overlay to meet your project's needs
T1000 Stampable Overlay For use with resurfacing concrete floors and hardscapes.
Kemiko® Buildable Overlay Decorative interior or exterior resurfacing
Flooring & Coating System Epoxy Flooring System designed for concrete
Stamped Concrete Overlay Warm weather and cold weather formulas
Imprinta Stampable Overlay 2-component system
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