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Overlays and toppings typically range from 1/16- to 3/4- inch deep and are applied to structurally sound concrete slabs to improve aesthetics, protect surfaces and extend life in lieu of ripping out and replacing existing slabs. There are several types of overlays including spray applied, troweled on, self-leveling, stamped and microtoppings.
The aesthetics of polished concrete is often one of the primary reasons why it’s chosen as the finished flooring on many projects. The material’s natural beauty expressed through varying aggregate reveals, the color of the cement binder and the clarity of the polished surface makes it a singularly unique flooring […]
In preparation for the 2012 Concrete Decor Show in San Antonio, Texas, show coordinators, manufacturers, contractors, trainers and distributors met last September to brainstorm ideas for hands-on workshop possibilities. While touring the headquarters of SAY Sí, an award-winning nonprofit youth arts organization where the workshops are to be held, Trevor […]
Diamonds are forever, or so they say. But not so much with building interiors where diamonds and other luxury items are displayed and sold. Hence, the need for sophisticated concrete floors using microtoppings. Take the case of the legendary Tiffany & Co. and its longtime flagship store on Fifth Avenue […]
A little-known fact about New Castle, Indiana, (for everyone not a Hoosier) is that it’s home to the world’s largest high school gymnasium. Basketball fever is so rampant in this small town of 18,000 that the community raised the money needed to build a high school gym that seats 9,325 […]
When time is of the essence, fast-drying, self-leveling toppings can be the ideal solution.
Fast-drying, self-leveling products are often the product of choice when leveling and topping new construction concrete floors — or resurfacing old concrete floors — in a fast-track environment, such as malls, retail spaces, restaurants, hotels, casinos, museums, showrooms and warehouses. But these products have advantages and disadvantages. Below are a […]
Architectural micro-toppings are as versatile as they are beautiful.
Defined by their thickness — or lack of it — they are generally between 1/32-inch and 1/8-inch thick. They are typically applied with a trowel or squeegee but can also be broom finished.
Generally, epoxy-aggregate systems fall into two broad categories: porous and nonporous — also called “open” and “closed” systems. The porous systems use epoxy-pebble mortar. The nonporous systems include terrazzo systems, troweled epoxy mortars and broadcast epoxy systems.
Overlays aren’t just for floors anymore. Take your stamping, stenciling and other artistic techniques and put ‘em on the wall.
In indoor applications, terrazzo has a ground and polished surface that lends itself to creative design. The use of divider strips allows the material to be mixed in different colors and applied in a process similar to paint-by-number, so you can incorporate designs, logos, borders and just about anything.
