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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
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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

A self-leveling concrete overlay applied over brick and tile.

Question:


What is the best self-leveling concrete overlay to apply over ceramic or clay tiles? Do the tiles need to be treated before applying the overlay?

Answer:

This will depend on the type of tiles you are going over. Glazed tiles usually require a light sanding to "rough up" the surface. The glaze can often act as bond breaker and is a difficult surface for anything to adhere to. Porous unglazed clay or stone tiles, on the other hand, require no additional preparation.

The other factor to consider is the depth or thickness of the overlay. If you go too thin, the grout lines in the tile floor can ghost through the material. This won't matter if another hard flooring surface will be going over the self leveler, but the ghosting can ruin the appearance of the floor if the self leveler is going to be stained or sealed. If you will be applying the self leveler at thickness less than 1 inch, consider using a crack-suppression membrane or fiber fabric to help eliminate the possibility of ghosting. If the grout lines are deep, use a repair mortar to fill the grout lines and create a level surface.

Related: How to Remove Tiles from a Concrete Floor

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Author Chris Sullivan, ConcreteNetwork.com technical expert and vice president of sales and marketing for ChemSystems Inc.


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.
Broom Overlay Mix 6000 PSI Add water and mix - Grey or white
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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