Microtopping - Knockdown Texture

Microtopping Knockdown Texture

Suggested Uses - Microtopping is a technique of applying a polymer-modified cementitious coating in a relatively thin layer (approx. 1/8-inch). Microtoppings are a great way to dress up concrete. The knockdown texture (sometimes called travertine) does a remarkably good job of hiding surface imperfections and defects. We often stencil in patterns to create faux brick or tile designs and use a few different colors to accent the work. Stenciling makes for an easy, attractive way to create corporate logos, or other kinds of messages (i.e. depth markers around swimming pools, addresses, etc.). This type of microtopping is a great technique to use on old, aged and discolored concrete decks and can transform them literally into a work of art. It is especially economical and convenient where removal of the old concrete is costly or awkward (i.e. steps, mezzanines, business entrances, structural slabs, etc.). Having said that, we still pour a great deal of new concrete solely for the purpose of providing a substrate for our microtopping applications.

Another advantage of the knockdown texture is that it provides a very non-slip surface while remaining soft and cool underfoot. You can see why this makes it a popular choice for swimming pool copings and decks.

This texture is very easily and economically repaired. This is important if, for instance, the owner needs to remove a portion to access underground utilities. Often we simply blend the new texture into the old and the patch is barely noticeable.

About The Material - The product we use is MIRACOTE. The reason for this is that for successful microtopping applications, especially exterior, one needs to satisfy the following:

1. Good bond to the concrete;

2. Breathability, to guard against delaminations due to the pressure build up from frost or water vapor;

3. Color uniformity;

4. Flexible enough to allow some minor crack movement and contraction and expansion of the concrete substrate, but also hard enough to resist abrasion; and

5. Workable to allow the craftsman to create aesthetic and consistent textures.

Although rather expensive, MIRACOTE is one of the very few products we have found that satisfies the above criteria. We like to distinguish ourselves from competitors who may be using inferior products, so for more information on the product, and to see some examples of microtopping, go to http://www.miracote.com and check out their website. Many other products are acrylic based which are more brittle and less breathable, than the EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) base that Miracote uses.