Installing Micro-Topping on the Floor: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing decorative concrete is the best way to give your floor the high-end look and desired finish. You can even make custom floor tile patterns, or any other decorative concrete surfaces on the existing slab.

Micro topping is a thin concrete overlay on a concrete surface used both for interior and exterior applications. It provides a better walking surface, takes away the slippery properties of a tile or wood floor, and hides imperfections in the subfloor below. It can even be installed on vertical surfaces such as walls.

Installing micro-topping on your concrete floors is not difficult as long as you have all your tools and equipment ready before starting the job. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basic steps of installing micro-topping on your floor.

What are the Benefits of Micro-Topping?

When you install a micro-topping over your existing floor, you will get the following benefits: 

• Enhanced Slip Resistance – Installing micro-topping creates a better walking surface. You will achieve slip resistance when walking on top of it, and no matter what type of weather outside, your floor will be safe.  
• Sound Reduction – If you have a noisy subfloor, installing a sound-reducing flooring material will help to reduce noise levels in your home. 
• Appearance – A micro-topping can hide imperfections in the subfloor. It can also add an aesthetic quality to your floor that makes it look great. 
• Protects Flooring – A micro-topping can protect the flooring material underneath it from moisture and heavy traffic that can cause damage to your floor.

Step 1: Prep Existing Floor Surface

The first step before installing micro-topping is to remove the existing floor topping and prepare your surfaces for coating.

Use an orbital floor machine with a diamond head to polish the concrete and make sure you are working on a smooth surface. Vacuum the remaining dust, and you are ready to go.

Step 2: Pour Engineered Cement Topping

As this video shows, you’d need to mix the engineered cement to prepare the flooring and pour out the base coat.

To install the base coat, use a trowel to make sure everything is smooth and level. Once you’ve applied it, leave it to dry and cure. When the base coat is cured and dry to the touch, use a square 120-grit sander and a vacuum. 

After this, add two or three coats of the base coat with no sanding in between. After the second coat, your floor will be a blank canvas, ready to accept stains.

Step 3: Install the Micro-Topping

After waiting for a day or two, you can proceed with installing the concrete stain that is applied directly onto the thin concrete overlay. In this video, two coats of White pigmented blue color were poured and cured. 

Before proceeding, make sure that the base coat is completely dry. For the best results, you can install the micro-topping during the cooler months. It will dry faster. You can also hire an expert to do the installation for you. 

When installing the micro-topping, use a trowel to get the correct thickness. Let the micro-topping dry for at least 48 hours before walking on it.

After the staining, as this video shows, and before a new layer, you’ll need to sand and vacuum once more. 

Step 4: Spray with Polyacrylic

Once the floors have been sanded and vacuumed, it is time to spray them with Polyacrylic. You can use either a hopper gun or a paint roller (or both), as is shown in the video.

Polyacrylic will also help to connect the concrete subfloor and provide a sound-reducing effect. It will also provide a better walking surface on the floor.

Step 5: Seal with Polyaspartic

Polyaspartic is a sealer, used in places where the micro-topping is exposed to high impacts, such as commercial areas.

It is also used as a sealer. When installing polyaspartic, you have to make sure that you are doing a light coating. That’s why you’d need to use a roller, like in this video. 

Conclusion

Installing micro-topping on your concrete floors is a great way to protect the subfloor and the flooring material underneath it. It provides a better walking surface and makes your floor more durable and attractive. 

For more information or to buy or rent the tools you’ll need, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help you get the job done right. Call us at  +1 (815) 941-4800 for more information, or fill out our contact form to get started.