HOW DOES THE POLYMER OVERLAY PRODUCT BOND TO CONCRETE?
First, the surface is etched with muriatic acid and pressure washed to clean off dirt, remove loose aggregate, and open the concrete pores. Next, a very thin "skim" coat of the acrylic cement mix is applied by trowel. This is to provide maximum absorption into the pores of the concrete. Patterns are laid out using reinforced tape or stencils when this is dry. Later, a second coat is applied using a hopper gun in a random spray pattern. When this coat is dry, the tape is pulled, revealing the patterns, and 2-3 coats of solvent based sealer is applied using a roller. This sealer coat both penetrates and softens the skim and spray coats while bonding all of the layers to the concrete. When dry, these two layers become a permanent part of the existing concrete, providing outstanding weather and stain resistant properties. Concrete restoration techniques create a durable and beautiful surface.

HOW THICK IS THE POLYMER OVERLAY APPLIED?
Total thickness is approximately 1/8 - 3/32". The manufacturers are more concerned about getting the acrylic to penetrate the concrete than building up the surface, however. Actually, the thinner it is, the better the flexural properties it has; this is very important to allow for expansion & contraction of concrete during freeze/thaw cycles. Skim coats can be applied up to 2" thick for holes and spalling (chipping, flaking). Larger and thicker areas are filled or rebuilt using high-density acrylic mortars. Due to the flexible properties of the concrete coatings, the concrete restoration is the perfect solution for extreme weather environments.

HOW DOES THE POLYMERS STAND UP AGAINST OILS, STAINS, SALTS, AND DISCOLORATION?
Because of the protective properties of the sealer coat, it is a non-porous finish. The majority of stains due to oil and grease wash off with mild detergent. Salt, deicers, fertilizers and such have no immediate effect on it. In addition, because of its unique UV (ultra violet) additive, it will not discolor due to exposure to sunlight. Even in the harshest of conditions.

WHY SHOULD I REPAIR MY CONCRETE INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT?
Concrete replacement generally requires heavy equipment that can cause damage to a lot of the surrounding area including landscaping and sidewalks. Some areas simply are not accessible and must be removed with smaller equipment or sledgehammers, etc. A large portion of that concrete winds up in landfills. Once it is replaced, you simply have a brand new surface that is subject to stains, oil absorption, spalling, cracking and salt damage just as before. Our Polymer Overlay systems require no heavy equipment and cause no landscape or environmental damage. Installation usually takes only a few days, depending on size and conditions. When it is complete, it is not only beautiful, but will resist stains, oil spills, and salt damage. In addition, concrete restoration can be custom designed to match any home, adding beauty and value to your property and neighborhood. New concrete is just that - concrete.

WHAT ABOUT EXPANSION JOINTS, ARE THEY COVERED UP?
Expansion joints and cold or control joints are necessary to prevent cracking of the concrete. Concrete must be allowed to expand and contract with temperature changes. These joints provide a "controlled crack" for this movement. All expansion joints are left in place, California Decorative Concrete does not cover them up so that they can perform effectively. California Decorative Concrete also re-cuts all existing joints a little deeper to ensure that when it does move, it moves where it won’t cause damage, not at some undisclosed weak spot.

WHAT ABOUT HEAVED, SUNKEN, AND SEVERELY DAMAGES CONCRETE?
Heaved (raised) concrete, is generally ground down, or the adjacent section is built up to meet it using a variety of materials. Severely damaged sections can be tom out and replaced if necessary. This helps to minimize the cost and time of replacing the entire area.

CAN CRACKS BE REPAIRED?
ABSOLUTELY! All cracks are repaired using high strength epoxies prior to applying the skim coat. New tension control joints are then placed, or existing ones cut deeper to alleviate the tension and allow for the movement that created the crack initially.

CAN OVERLAYS BE APPLIED AROUND POOLS?
MOST DEFINITELY!! California Decorative Concrete products are the ideal solution for pool and spa areas. They are non-skid, cooler than concrete, and will not stain or be adversely affected by pool chemicals. Our Concrete coatings also provides a perfect transition from pool to yard, and adds that finishing touch like no other product is able to. Because of its versatility, a stencil can be used to indicate depth markings or areas of safety concern.

HOW SOON CAN IT BE USED AFTER APPLICATION?
For normal foot traffic, excluding high heels, cleats, or spikes, 24 hours is sufficient. For heavier traffic or vehicle traffic, 5-7 days is required.
(Note: These times are based on normal temperature and weather conditions.)

WHAT SURFACES CAN OVERLAYS BE APPLIED TO?
California Decorative Concrete products can be applied to any concrete surface - vertical or horizontal. Wood surfaces must have diamond lath or cement backer board such as Hardi-Board- or DuRock- applied to add stability and minimize flexing.