Why Contractors Prefer Duravel/Kretus Overlays for Heavy-Duty Resurfacing Projects
- Amee Curtis
- Jul 25
- 2 min read
Not every concrete slab is ready for coatings straight out of the gate. Whether you're dealing with spalled surfaces, major pitting, or years of wear and tear, an overlay is often your best bet before applying epoxy, urethane, or polyaspartic systems.
Two brands we see contractors come back to over and over? Duravel and Kretus.
In this article, we’ll break down why these Overlays for Heavy-Duty Resurfacing systems are trusted on heavy-duty jobs—and how they make a difference in performance, prep, and finish.
What Are Overlays for Heavy-Duty Resurfacing?
A concrete overlay is a cementitious or polymer-modified system used to:
Smooth or level a damaged surface
Build slope for drainage
Add structural integrity before coating
Improve appearance, texture, or grip
Contractors typically use overlays as part of a resurfacing or restoration system, especially when coatings alone won’t cut it.
Why Use Duravel & Kretus?
These systems are engineered specifically for contractor-grade results:
🔹 Duravel Trowelable Overlays
Extremely dense finish—perfect for prepping worn-out floors
High abrasion resistance
Can be coated within hours
Great for patching + full resurfacing
🔹 Kretus SL (Self-Leveling) Systems
Fast cure, self-leveling compound
Creates a smooth, seamless finish for decorative or high-build systems
Compatible with all Kretus coating layers
Excellent for interior industrial spaces
Where Contractors Use These Overlays
Project Type | Recommended System |
Warehouse floor resurfacing | Duravel + Epoxy/PU Coatings |
Uneven or sloped slabs | Kretus SL + Polyaspartic |
Pitted automotive shops | Duravel Patch + Broadcast |
Decorative retail installs | Kretus Overlay + Metallic Epoxy |
🛠️ These overlays can be broadcast-ready or smooth-finish, depending on the texture or build you need.
Application Process: What to Expect
Aggressive Prep
You’ll need a solid profile—typically ICRI CSP 3–5
Shot blasting or heavy diamond grind recommended
Primer Layer
Always prime the slab to ensure adhesion—usually epoxy-based
Mix + Apply
Follow product ratios precisely
Use gauge rakes, smoothing blades, or squeegees
Work quickly—these systems are often fast-cure
Cure + Coat
Many overlays are coat-ready in 4–12 hours
Always check MVER/moisture levels before topcoat
Why It Matters for Heavy-Duty Projects
These overlays allow you to:
Avoid full slab replacement
Meet slope/drainage specs
Add a new wear layer under high-impact zones
Improve adhesion of high-performance topcoats
Deliver a cleaner, more professional finish (especially in commercial/public spaces)
🎯 The smoother your base, the better your system performs. Topcoats only look as good as the surface underneath.
Conclusion
Whether you're repairing damage or prepping for a decorative install, Duravel and Kretus overlays offer speed, strength, and contractor-friendly performance.
At PNW ECS, we carry both—and we’re happy to walk you through the best choice based on the slab condition, traffic level, and timeline.
📍 Ask Our Teams in Fife or SandyNot sure which overlay system is best for your job? Call or drop by. We'll help you match product to prep and get your floor ready for success.
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