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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

This is an excerpt from the new e-book “Concrete Overlays Today,” part of a series of reports from ConcreteNetwork.com on trends and insights about decorative concrete applications.

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Uniqueness is one of the main differentiating factors that separate decorative overlays from other hard-surface flooring materials. Often this can only be achieved by a craftsman and a meticulous application procedure. “I have not found a shortcut tool or application technique that replaces what we do,” says Chris Becker, managing director of the architectural concrete division of Stockness Construction, Hugo, Minn. He trowel applies all of his microtopping installations to create a one-of-a kind look. Each application is unique and handcrafted.

That said, equipment has been developed that can improve the process of mixing and applying overlays. When it comes to most decorative overlay installations, one of the limiting factors in being cost competitive to other flooring materials is the ability to get material mixed and applied in as short amount of time as possible without compromising quality. Larger mixers have been developed that help resolve this issue. “We are seeing larger mixers being used that increase the size of the batch being processed.” says Terry Grimble, director of technical services for Bomanite Company. Larger batch sizes also help reduce inconsistencies, especially when working with integrally colored material.

One tool that has an almost cult-like following in the decorative overlay industry is the Magic Trowel squeegee, manufactured by Tex Master Tools. This thin rubber squeegee, and others like it, have become a staple for overlay manufacturers. They allow installers to put down microtoppings without leaving trowel or roller marks and work out gauge rake lines and trowel lines in stampable overlays. Their ability to put the desired finish on almost any type of overlay has made it the tool of the trade. Trevor Foster, western sales manager with Miracote Products, has been using these squeegees for years in his product training classes. “The thin-blade squeegee is huge in the toppings world to achieve smooth finishes,” he says.

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