How to install Self-leveling Polished Concrete Floors?

With today’s Self-leveling concrete overlays it’s easy to turn a damaged, old or uninteresting concrete floor into a new, durable, decorative or industrial floor. Polymer-modified self-leveling concrete products adhere well to existing concrete and resist damage from UV exposure, chemicals, freeze-thaw conditions, and abrasion.

Some self-leveling concrete products may be used in both industrial and decorative applications. They provide a hard flat smooth surface for warehouses, utility rooms and light manufacturing facilities, while also able to be used as a canvas for the application of dyes, stains, and other decorative concrete flooring products. Duraamen’s Param 5500 is one such self-leveling overlay product.

Param 5500 is a self-curing calcium aluminate cement-based overlay / topping for repairing and leveling concrete substrate. It may be applied from ¼” to 1-1/2” thick and up to 5” thick with the addition of an appropriate aggregate. It creates a high-strength bond with the substrate and can be installed not only over concrete, but other nonporous surfaces like ceramic tile.

Installing Self-leveling Concrete Overlays

This instructional how-to video series, hosted by Bob Harris of the Decorative Concrete Institute, demonstrates the installation of Duraamen’s Param 5500 Self-leveling Concrete. These techniques may also be used on other self-leveling concrete products.

Video 1: The installation of self-leveling concrete starts with priming and preparing the concrete floor for the acceptance of self-leveling concrete. Dividing sections and masking are also explored.

Video 2:: A detailed demonstration of the application of Param 5500 with tools and tips explained.

Video 3: Bob Harris demonstrates a cost effective method for creating a decorative concrete floor using saw-cutting, masking, and coloring with water and acetone based dyes.

Video 4: Demonstration of the application of a water-based epoxy sealer (Perdure E32) and finally a high-gloss urethane sealer/protectant (Perdure U46) that finish off the project.