
What is
a
concrete
overlay,
and how
does it
work?
A
concrete
overlay
is a
hybrid
polymer
resin
based
cement,
which is
water
compatible
and
non-toxic.
These
systems
have
been
successfully
developed,
time-tested
and used
for many
permanent
applications
by
contractors,
engineers,
architects
and
public
works
agencies
for
internal
and
external
applications,
above
and
below
grade.
These
systems
resist
chemical
attack
and
weather
degradation
considerably
better
than
conventional
cement
or other
modified
cements;
and due
to its
chemical
structure,
repairs
or
imperfections
in
concrete
are
easily
corrected.
It
adheres
tenaciously
to most
surfaces
and is
considerably
more
flexible,
thereby
resulting
in less
or no
cracking,
with a
warranted
resistance
from
de-lamination
due to
hydrostatic
pressure.
These
permanent
overlays
offer
longer
life,
durability,
reliability,
flexibility,
water
and
chemical
resistance,
and
optional
safety
(non-slip)
textures
that are
not only
cost
effective
and time
saving,
but can
also be
aesthetically
appealing.
How many
years
have
polymer
cement
overlays
been
installed?
Contractors
have
been
installing
Overlay's
since
the
early
1980’s.
There
are
millions
of
square
feet
installed
interior
and
exterior
at some
of the
largest
casinos,
retail
space at
some of
the
nations
largest
shopping
malls,
countless
restaurants,
clothing
stores,
residential/commercial
pool
decks,
driveways
and many
other
locations.
Polymer
cement
overlay
is a
combination
of
cement,
various
aggregates
and
proprietary
hybrid
polymer
resins.
The
purpose
of
adding
polymer
resins
to the
cement
and
aggregate
is to
greatly
increase
the
performance
characteristics
and
versatility
of
conventional
cement
and
concrete
materials.
Unlike
conventional
cement
and
concrete
mixes,
polymer
cement
overlays
can be
applied
as thin
as a
single
grain of
sand or
up to
several
inches
thick
without
fear of
delamination
or
typical
product
failure.
In
addition,
polymer
cement
overlays
are much
more
resistant
to
damage
from
salt,
petrochemicals,
UV,
harsh
weather
conditions
and
traffic
wearing.
Polymer
cement
overlays
were
introduced
over
twenty
years
ago,
intended
for use
as a
thin
surface
restoration
material
for
concrete
substrates.
With
years of
successful
and
permanent
applications,
polymer
cement
overlays
were
introduced
into to
architectural
concrete
and
commercial
flooring
industry
in the
early
80’s
where
it’s use
has
become
an
industry
norm.
Overview
Overlays
are used
to
resurface
on top
of old
worn
concrete
surfaces
to
provide
a new
stamped
concrete
finish.
A two
component
product,
Overlay
Plus
products
consists
of a
Proprietary
Liquid
Polymer,
which is
mixed by
the
applicator
on the
job-site
with our
prepackaged
blend or
the
applicators
own
blend of
sand and
cement.
Overlay
allows
the end
user to
use sand
and
cement
purchased
in their
local
area,
saving
money on
shipping
costs.
Overlay
can be
stamped
1/4
to1/2-inch
thick
and it
will
accept
most
conventional
stamping
tools.
You can
also use
Overlay
Plus to
achieve
thinner
knockdown
finishes.
Concrete
Overlays:

Custom
Interior
Flooring:
These
applications
may
include
extremely
smooth
or
moderately
textured
finishes
in
virtually
limitless
color
and
design
combination.
Commercial
grade
sealer
systems
may be
required
to
ensure
high
traffic
wear
ability.
These
applications
are
widely
used in
shopping
malls,
offices,
hotel
lobbies,
retail
stores,
residential
floors
and
anywhere
in place
of
conventional
flooring
such as
tile,
quarry,
etc..
Splatter
Textures
and
Knockdown
Finishes:
These
applications
are the
traditional
decorative
resurfacing
application.
Splatter
textures
are
typically
applied
with a
air
powered
hopper
gun and
more are
commonly
applied
to pool
decks,
driveways,
patios,
etc.
giving
the
property
added
beauty,
added
slip
resistance
and
added
durability.
Although
stone,
slate
and tile
finishes
can be
easily
installed
like
thin
stamped
overlays,
the
actual
texture
is
slightly
less
authentic
looking
but more
textured
to
provide
a
non-slip
texture.
Trowel
Down
Finishes:
These
applications
are more
authentic
looking
than the
traditional
splatter
texture
but an
alternatives
to thin
stamped
overlays.
The
texture
of
trowel
down
finishes
create a
textured
decorative
finish
that
rivals
the look
of
conventional
slate,
stone or
quarry
tile at
a
fraction
of the
cost of
the real
thing.
Thin
Stamped
Overlays:
This
application
is one
of the
most
popular
uses of
our
polymer
cement
products.
Until
now, to
obtain
the look
and feel
of
stone,
slate
and
various
tile in
a
concrete
surface,
you
needed
to pour
a new
concrete
slab and
then
stamp
the
freshly
poured
concrete
with
embossing
tools.
Although
this may
be the
ideal
application
for new
concrete
pours,
but what
about
concrete
surfaces
that are
already
existing?
Thin
stamped
overlays
are the
answer.
Imagine
being
able to
apply a
1/4" to
3/8"
layer of
polymer
cement
over an
existing
concrete
surface
(new
pour or
old
deteriorated
slab)
then
stamping
the thin
layered
polymer
cement
material
to give
the
permanent
and
realistic
look of
stone,
slate
and tile
just
like
conventional
stamped
concrete
but with
increased
versatility
and
design..
Broom
Finish
Restoration:
This is
an
application
most
concrete
contractors
would
like to
believe
is
possible,
yet
still
have a
high
level of
pessimism
towards
the
success
and long
term
durability
of the
application.
The
basis
behind
the
application
is to
repair/restore/resurface
pitted,
flaked,
deteriorated
or
poorly
finished
concrete
that
would
otherwise
need
torn out
and
replaced.
Normal
applications
are
applied
1/32" to
1/4"
thick
with
thicker
applications
being
optional
if
needed.
Finished
applications
look as
if new
concrete
was
poured,
yet
offer
increased
levels
of
performance
including:
resistance
to
chemicals,
salt,
petrochemicals,
UV,
water
resistance
and
more.
Because
of the
inexpensive
cost of
this
application,
it is
becoming
the
standard
for
surface
repair.
Concrete
Overlays

We are the premier provider of commercial and residential decorative concrete. Our goal is to provide the very best in flooring designs that can be installed indoors or outdoors. Not only do we install concrete designs, but we also offer overlays that can enhance the look of your current concrete floor and give it the look of authentic stone, brick, or slate.
These systems are engineered and proven to perform as exterior architectural coatings as well as elegant interior commercial and residential flooring. Our goal is to always deliver superior customer service with a durable elegant product.
Here is a List of Our Concrete Overlay Systems:
- Knockdowns
- Acid Stain Overlays
-
Broom Finishes
|
- Splattered Textures
-
Skim Coat Resurfacing
-
Thin Stamped Overlays
|
The versatility of our products and systems can often times be a bit overwhelming, if not confusing. Few other architectural concrete overlay manufacturers have a product line with such options and finishes. Listed below are the more popular systems that our products create.

Thin Stamped Overlays:
This application is one of the most popular uses of our polymer cement products. Until now, to obtain the look and feel of stone, slate and various tile in a concrete surface, you needed to pour a new concrete slab and then stamp the freshly poured concrete with embossing tools. Although this may be the ideal application for new concrete pours, but what about concrete surfaces that are already existing?
Thin stamped overlays are the answer. Imagine being able to apply a 1/4" to 3/8" layer of polymer cement over an existing concrete surface (new pour or old deteriorated slab) then stamping the thin layered material to give the permanent and realistic look of stone, slate and tile just like conventional stamped concrete.
With decreased costs, decreased labor, decreased required experience but increased versatility and increased profitability, why would anyone want to stamp conventional concrete or pay up to three times as much for real stone and slate again?
Well, the overview is;, a thin stamped overlay is a engineered modified polymer coating that is installed over existing concrete. The coating is installed at only 1/4"to 3/8” thick to eliminate the cost, hassle, and downtime of tearing out and replacing the existing concrete like conventional full depth stamped concrete finishes. After the coating is applied, a decorative "stamp" is impressioned into the material to give the natural look and feel of stone, slate, brick and tile, just like conventional full depth stamped concrete applications.
Splatter Textures & Knockdown Finishes:
These applications are the traditional decorative resurfacing designs and textures. Splatter textures are typically applied with a air powered hopper gun and are commonly applied to pool decks, driveways, patios, etc. giving the property added beauty, added slip resistance and added durability. Although stone, slate and tile finishes can be easily installed like thin stamped overlays, the actual texture is slightly less authentic looking but more textured to provide a non-slip surface.
Custom Interior Flooring:
These applications may include extremely smooth or moderately textured finishes in virtually limitless color and design combinations. Commercial grade sealer systems may be required to ensure high traffic wearability. These applications are widely used in casinos, shopping malls, offices, hotel lobbies, retail stores, residential floors and anywhere in place of conventional tile, terrazzo, quarry, etc.
Concrete Repair Resurfacing:
This is an application most concrete contractors would like to believe is possible, yet still have a high level of pessimism towards the success and long term durability of the application. The basis behind the application is to repair/restore/resurface pitted, flaked, deteriorated or poorly finished concrete that would otherwise need torn out and replaced.
Normal applications are applied 1/32" to 1/8" thick with thicker applications being optional if needed. Finished applications look as if new concrete was poured, yet offer increased levels of performance including: resistance to chemicals, salt, petrochemicals, UV, water resistance and more. Because of the inexpensive cost of this application, it is becoming the standard for surface repair.
All of our finishes are low maintenance and permanently sealed to protect against oil, grease and dirt. These systems are economical since they provide long term durable renovation without the need for costly and continuous repairs normally associated with deteriorated surfaces. They can be installed at any time during new or old renovation processes, which allows all other renovation or construction aspects to be completed without fear of damaging or wearing the new surface.
We have the most affordable rates to offer our clients when it comes to using state-of-the-art equipment and products. Our quality in workmanship stands out in those areas where other companies fall short. This enables us to offer some of the most reasonable prices in the industry. Contact us for any questions you have regarding our decorative concrete surfaces or if you are ready to get started on your project.
|
Overlay
Process:

Step 1:
Mix
Components

Step 2:
Trowel
Product
On

Step 3:
Use a
Gauge
Rake to
Level

Step
4:
Level As
You Go

Step 5:
Allow
Time to
Set

Step 6:
Ready To
Stamp

Step 7:
Stamping
Process

Step 8:
Stamping
Process

Step
9: Seal
with
Premium
Acrylic

In only
two
days, a
plain
concrete
patio
was
transformed
into a
beautiful
slate
surface
that
will
give
years of
worry
free
enjoyment!!!
We
categorize
overlays
into
four
types:
resurfacing,
textured,
stenciled
and
stamped.
RESURFACING:
Resurfacing
has many
applications
from
simply
restoring
a
damaged
concrete
area to
make it
look
new; as
part of
a design
or as a
preparation
for a
stain
application
in which
a clean
fresh
surface
is
needed.
TEXTURED:
A great
look –
it’s
also
called a
knockdown
finish.
The
finish
is
similar
to a
drywall
knockdown
finish.
This
finish
looks
great
around a
pool
deck. It
can be
used in
conjunction
with
stencils
to
create
interesting
patterns.
STENCILED:
One of
our
favorites
– with
the use
of
stencils
that are
specially
made for
overlays,
we can
create
the look
of
brick,
cobblestone,
slates –
which
transform
a
driveway,
patio,
pool
deck
into a
stunning
area.
One of
the most
popular
stencil
patterns
is the
handcrafted
random
or
flagstone
pattern
in which
we
create a
one-of-a-kind
overlay
just for
you!"
STAMPED:
Stamped
is
another
one of
our
favorites.
We can
provide
you with
the
wonderful
look of
stamped
concrete
over
your
existing
walkway,
pool
deck,
etc.
Many
times we
will
integrate
the
stamp
process
with
color
staining
and
stamp a
portion
of your
concrete
and
stain
the rest
to
create a
very
unique
look.
What are
the
advantages
of a
hybrid
polymer
overlay?
-
Increased
strength
compared
to
normal
concrete
and
other
concrete
coating
products.
-
Highly
resistant
to
salt,
chemicals,
UV,
freeze/thaw,
de-lamination,
hydrostatic
pressure,
oil,
stains,
mildew/fungus,
and
more
depending
on
seal
coat.
-
Cost
effective.
Since
it
provides
a
permanent,
nearly
maintenance
free
surface
that
can
resemble
brick,
stone,
slate,
etc.
at a
fraction
of
the
cost.
-
Ability
to
apply
from
the
thinness
of a
grain
of
sand
up
to
several
inches
thick
with
extreme
durability
-
Wide
variety
of
applications.
(broom
finish,
splatter
texture,
trowel
finish,
stamped
overlay,
chemical
stain),
with
almost
unlimited
and
completely
customizable
design
options.
How long
does the
installation
process
take?
Most
jobs
take an
average
of 3-7
days
depending
on the
system
or
finish
that is
chosen.
Larger
jobs may
take
longer.
Most
surfaces
can be
walked
on
within
24
hours.
Heavy
usage
such as
car
traffic
can
resume
after 7
days.
What
type of
warranty
do you
offer
and what
does it
cover?
We have
a 2 year
limited
warranty
on our
overlay,
epoxy,
and acid
stain
systems,
it
covers
our
product
adhering
to the
concrete,
i.e.
peeling,
excessive
fading,
or
delaminating
from the
surface.
What if
my
concrete
is
cracked
or
pitted?
We fix
cracks
as
necessary
by
grinding
them out
and
re-bonding
them
with an
epoxy
crack
filler.
The
crack is
then
covered
by the
overlay.
However,
there is
no
guarantee
that
cracks
will not
return,
and we
do not
warranty
cracks.
It is
usually
best to
try to
integrate
cracks
into the
design
of the
overlay
to
minimize
their
visibility
should
they
return.
How does
your
products
stand up
against
oils,
stains,
salts,
and
discoloration?
All
overlays
are
sealed
upon
completion.
These
sealers
all
protect
the
overlay,
giving
it a
nonporous
finish.
The
majority
of
stains
due to
oil and
grease
wash off
with a
mild
detergent
or plain
water.
Salt,
de-icers,
fertilizers
and such
have no
effect
on it
whatsoever.
What
maintenance
do your
products
require?
We
recommend
that
every
3-5
years
the
surface
be
resealed,
depending
on usage
and
traffic
load.
For
example,
a
driveway
with
heavy
car
traffic
may need
re-sealed
every 3
years,
where as
a patio
with
only
foot
traffic
may only
need
re-sealed
every 5
years.
Doesn't
pressure
washing
revive
my
concrete?
Yes,
pressure
washing
will
make
your
concrete
look
better,
but
pressure
washing
opens up
the
pores of
the
concrete
and can
actually
speed up
the
deterioration
process
if a
proper
sealer
is not
applied
immediately
after
cleaning.
If your
concrete
is
already
sealed,
just a
rinse
with a
hose
should
be
enough
to clean
it.