| Micro topping |
| 10-11-2009 23:04:09 |
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I was looking for some input for micro toppings. I've used Brickform micro topping in the past but they have changed there formula a bit and I am not real happy with the way it goes down. It's not very flat and kind of lumpy. I did mist the floor and used the maximum polymer that was recommended and put it down with a Magic trowel. but still not very flat. I ran across this video on You-Tube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAYhskoQpM4) and it looks like the brand here is Mirrorcote. Has anyone had good success with this. I love the ease of how it looks like it goes down in the video. The project that I'm on, I ended up having to sand the whole floor and now the dyes are not going on very well due to the sanding. So I think I'm going to have to start over.
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| 10-12-2009 07:38:41 |

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I have applied both Mapai's Ultratop and Ardex STD, finding both to be quite user/applicator friendly self-leveling material with excellent self-leveling properties (smooth/uniform end results).
The product you are referring to is probably Miracote SL (self-leveling concrete) ...I don't think there is a product called Mirrorcote (as you posted; I didn't bring the video up to view as of yet). Miracote, a Crossfield company, has been one of the industry's leaders for decades ... I haven't personally used their Miracote SL; but, I won't have any 2nd thoughts as to doing so based on their reputation for quality materials.
Lindy A.
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| 10-13-2009 13:52:37 |
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Yep Lindy Mapei or Ardex are both great self levelers. Another good one is Tru from Rapid Set. But Mapei and Ardex have been time tested.
Blitzcrete, if you try out a self leveler be prepared to charge a premium because of the higher material cost, and more importantly learn how to install first. They are quick to install but takes alot of skill and planning. Once you start there is no stopping unless you are using divider strips. Also some people think they can skip the primer, but you will find out that the priming is one of the most important steps if you dont want pin holes, cracks or bond failures
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| 10-13-2009 20:51:16 |
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It is my under standing that a self leveling overlay is not the same as a Micro Topping. I have used the Mapei Ultra top with great results but as you said it is quite expensive. The process I'm trying to perfect is the use of a more inexpensive Micro Topping because I have slabs wit just minor imperfections that need repaired before staining and I'm really trying to keep the cost down for the prep before staining. For example The Brickform Micro topping Cost roughly 60 cents a foot in material cost and the Mapei Ultra top cast Nearly $3.00 per foot. I live in Alaska so shipping is a large part of my cost. Anyway I'm going to contact Mirrorcote and see if they can help me with finding out exactly what product is in the video. I hear that Arizona Polymer Flooring has a decent micro topping as well.
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| 10-14-2009 08:35:45 |
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If you are in Alaska why not give Colormaker a call. They are based in Vancouver BC and I'm sure shipping would be a lot less. They make some good overlays and microtopping materials.
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| 10-14-2009 08:44:08 |

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Arizona Polymers has an excellent reputation in the industry for premium quality/high performance materials ... having not personally used their polymer modified cementitous toppings; but, know those that have done so successfully.
Again (as per my initial post), I think you may be referring to the material on the video you saw by the wrong name; believe what you are seeking is Miracote (well known manufacturer/trade name), not Mirrorcote (which I have never heard of).
Lindy A.
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| 10-14-2009 18:13:54 |
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Lindy, I think I'm just misspelling it I cant read the bag in the video and we don't have Miracote here. I have heard the name and seen it in magazines but I was just hoping to talk to someone who has used it before.
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| 10-14-2009 20:40:19 |
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Any name brand micro-top supplier will be fine...Miracote, EliteCrete, Floric Polytech, Surcrete..etc Thers tons of em. Elite Crete is a just add water mix so you wouldnt have to worry about shipping costs for acrylic/polymer liquid. SuperCrete has a just add water mix and some others.
My fav was Bomanite/QC but they are no more :(
I was also going to recomend Colormaker in Canada. Im not sure if they have the type of micro topping you are looking for though, but they do have a great overlay system but its harder to install than the typical micro-top
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| 10-22-2009 05:56:24 |

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For Colormaker products, please contact me...I will be happy to go over the specifications and suggest you the right product for your project.
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| 10-22-2009 06:49:58 |
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Hello Victor!!! Nice to see you on this forum... Your technical input will be greatly appreciated!
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| 10-22-2009 08:06:50 |

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Victor, let me welcome you as well. I am well aware of your broad range of knowledge in relation to the application of densifiers for concrete polishing, overlayment material placement, moisture vapor treatments, crack/joint repair solutions, and various coatings. Your insights will be a valuable addition to our interactive networking community.
Lindy A. (co-Host)
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| 10-22-2009 08:15:47 |

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Dr. J and Linda...Thank you very much. I believe passing on the knowledge we acquire is another great way to serve the community.
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| 10-22-2009 09:23:03 |

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My philosophies are ...
(1) any day I don't learn something new, I was running in neutral gear instead of proceeding proactively ahead.
(2) none of us are islands, floating alone in the ocean, instead we all must work together in order for our industry to grow and prosper.
(3) those that think they know it all are destined to fall off the pedestal they have placed themselves on.
Lindy A.
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| 10-22-2009 23:15:35 |
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Update On my project:
Even though I was not happy with the way the job was turning out and I thought it was a total loss, the architect loved it. He wouldn't let me fix it until the home owner saw it. When she saw it she said leave it alone because it was better than the original picture that I was trying to duplicate. The Architect tells me he's now going to start putting more stained concrete in his designs now that he found a good installer.
....even a blind dog finds a bone once in awhile!
I found out the local Ardex dealer has a micro topping in stock. So I'm going give that a try before my next Micro topping project.
Thanks all for the input. I ll put some pictures of this project up when there available.
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| 11-16-2009 15:15:51 |
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I don't think Miracote makes a self leveler anymore. I have used Duraamen Paraam 5500, super easy to use.
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| 11-17-2009 12:28:19 |

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pics! pics! pics!...let's see the work!!!
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