Decorative Overlay and Microtopping

Concrete overlay is a method of covering an existing concrete surface with a very thin, new, layer of specialized concrete. Decorative overlay provides the ability to give almost any concrete surface, indoors or out, a complete rejuvination at a lower cost than removal and replacement of the original concrete. There are multiple options available for achieving any look imaginable with a concrete overlay.

Our overlay systems blend polymer resins with cement, sand, and other additives to create a product that exhibits good performance, wear-resistance, and nice aesthetic qualities. Our polymer-modified overlays can be applied in layers, both think and thick, without delamination or failure. They adhere well to existing concrete and resist damage from salt, chemicals, UV exposure, freeze-thaw conditions, and abrasion.

Walttools decorative overlay and microtoppings can be colored by a number of methods like as integral color, water-based stains, acid stains, dyes or antiquing products. So if your underlying concrete is sound (no heaving, extreme cracks) you may be the perfect candidate for a decorative overlay project.

Microtoppings are specialized overlay materials that are designed to be put down in very thin coats. They are used primarily to refresh (usually interior) surfaces that are very sound but may be old and discolored. A new layer allows easy staining and rejuvination.

Walttools Overlay Mixes

Walttools Overlayment mixes are competitively-priced, high-performance materials for resurfacing existing concrete surfaces that are old, soiled or damaged. They can be troweled for a simple finish or stamped with any number of suitable designs and textures. Walttools concrete overlays are durable, ultra-strong, and easy-to-apply. They can be colored by a variety of choices, such as Walttools color hardeners, integral colors, acid stains, water-based stains, dyes, and antiquing solutions.

Tru Pac O is a one-of-a-kind admixture kit for converting an 80 lb batch of Type S mortar mix (all-in-one with sand) into a high-performance, environmentally-sound, stampable overlay to be used on applications from ¼ to ¾ inch. Each Tru-Pac O kit is a consistent blend of aggregates, resins, and other proprietary materials which will result in a surface and final strengths equaling those of standard decorative overlays. The mix will cure to a natural light gray. Tru Pac O kit is not intended to be used alone, it must be properly combined with type S mortar mix. This revolutionary mix design offers savings by as much as 3-4x of name brand supply house overlayment mixes.

Walttools Microtoppings

Microtoppings are specialized overlay materials that are designed to be put down in very thin coats. They are used primarily to refresh (usually interior) surfaces that are very sound but are old and discolored. A new layer allows easy staining and rejuvination. Cement-based microtoppings can be used both indoors and out to provide a clean canvas for decorative finishing with concrete dyes or stains. They can also be custom colored by adding in the proper amount of integral color. Microtoppings are typically applied with rollers, trowels, or squeegees for various looks. They can be applied very thinly or you can apply several coats. They can be broom- or trowel-finished, or some can even be finished with a texture roller. They usually do best with a proper sealer once cured for final protection.

Overlay Preparation Supplies

Modern overlayment materials are incredibly strong and resilient at such thin applications, as long as they are installed properly. Installations can certainly be challenging so having to redo a job is not very desirable. One big reason, if not the biggest reason, for overlay failures is shortchanging the preparation steps. A clean, properly profiled, sound concrete surface is needed for success. Make sure you have what you need for that process. This includes etching agents and cleaning agents.

Overlay Tools and Aids

Decorative Overlay is a professional undertaking that requires specific tools for proper job completion. Shown here are the basic tools for mixing, applying and finishing a decorative overlayment.