The Application of Concrete Overlays

2021-10-09

There is an increasing demand for an aesthetically pleasing solution for polishing imperfect concrete floors. Therefore, as an economical alternative, more and more contractors are now installing overlays. A concrete overlay is a thick liquid product applied over an existing floor to repair or decorate the surface. Depending on the desired finish, these can be applied as thin as a feather, or up to ¾ of an inch. An overlay can be used over an older floor with cracks and imperfections to give it a completely new look.

Colored aggregate can be added to the concrete mix overlay. As the floor is polished, this aggregate is revealed to give the floor texture and color. There are lot of overlay additive ideas. For example, pebbles, glitter or any other small objects that reflect the business can be added into the mix and polished smooth. Glass chips can also be added. The polishing process will reveal the glass pieces for additional sparkle and shine. The sharp edges will be ground off, so there will be no safety issues. Integrally colored concrete can also be used for a swirl of colors throughout the floor.

Compared with residential floors, commercial concrete floors usually have greater demands on durability and performance. Commercial floors often need finishes or coatings to withstand stains, abrasion, and heavy foot traffic. They need to be easier to maintain, clean, and repel food stains and spills, especially in restaurants and food manufacturers. To avoid injuries to customers and staff, commercial floors must also be slip-resistant.

In high-visibility retail stores or restaurants, floors may also require unique decorative treatments to convey a particular atmosphere or attract attention. In hospitals, schools, etc., sometimes concrete floors are patterned or colored to improve foot-traffic flow and direct people. Polished concrete floors can be colored or graphically enhanced to reflect a business logo or school mascot. In high-traffic retail facilities, epoxy terrazzo coatings are a popular choice for decorative flooring installations because of their durability and design versatility.

Giving concrete floors a dazzling metal-like patina, the newest commercial concrete floor coatings are metallic epoxy overlays. Because they brighten indoor spaces by reflecting overhead lighting, high-gloss polished concrete floors are also popular in retail and commercial spaces.

Various decorative concrete overlays are available for fresh concrete, including textured finishes, exposed aggregate, and pattern stamping. Give your polished concrete floors a dramatic and long lasting overlays instead of old concrete finishes. DTS Diamond Tools has the tools and equipment you need to get the job done. Our hot products such as STI Premaster diamond tools, HTC EZ change diamond tools are exported to many countries with high quality and competitive price. If you are interested in our products, leave us message or contact immediately.