SUNDEK Expands Decorative Concrete Systems with SunWash & SunPlay
Hands-on training and new products put SUNDEK at the forefront of industry trends.At SUNDEK, we’re always looking for ways to elevate our presence in the industry—whether through improved customer service, material enhancements, better processes and techniques, or new products. That’s why we’re thrilled to add two decorative concrete systems to our offerings: SunWash and SunPlay.
To kick off the introduction of the new products, we recently hosted a training where SUNDEK contractors received hands-on experience with these systems, ensuring they’re ready to deliver the best results for clients. "Over the past few years, SUNDEK has dedicated more resources to training our contractors. We believe that if we train them well, they will be more comfortable selling and installing the newer decorative concrete overlay systems that SUNDEK has added to its offerings, which the industry is demanding," says Don Snider, President, Sundeck Products, USA.
At the SUNDEK SunWash and SunPlay training earlier this year, conference attendees practice applying SunWash to a surface. The white strips are used to set the correct depth of material being applied. The wood screed will be used to pull material to the correct depth.
SUNDEK installers got hands-on experience with the two new products during the training. Here, they distribute aggregate onto a surface treated with the SunWash system. The rubber SunPlay granules are broadcast into the SunPlay receiver coat.
SunWash: Natural Beauty with Built-In Performance
With SunWash, SUNDEK can now meet client requests for surfaces that showcase the beauty of natural finishes. “One of the trends we see now is natural finishes that are durable and carry a modern look,” explains SUNDEK partner Matthew Casto, CEO of Casto Creative. “That means we’re seeing clean lines, larger panels, and natural colors. By exposing the aggregates in concrete, you not only unlock different colors, but also different textures and sheens.” SunWash has finish options ranging from subtle sand to striking exposed aggregate and gives property owners the chance to highlight aggregates such as natural stone, glass, seashells, and more.
“For a number of years, SUNDEK has been working on getting a high-quality sand/exposed aggregate finish that we can offer our customers,” says Kevin Toczek, director of training and tech support for SUNDEK. SunWash, which can be used on horizontal and vertical surfaces, fulfills that need. “I can see it being used in any place where they’ve already done exposed aggregate and need to add new walls, for example. The product can be tinted to match existing exposed aggregate surfaces that are already there,” Toczek explains. “Competitors don’t have anything like this.”
Detail work being done on the SunWash surface to expose the multicolored aggregate and glass in the SunWash.
A demonstration of the step in the SunWash application process where the surface retarder is removed to expose the aggregate and glass in the SunWash material.
SunPlay: Comfort & Beauty in One Solution
“The introduction of SunPlay to the SUNDEK line offers a sense of flexibility that is not often present in concrete finishes,” Casto notes. Engineered for outdoor play areas, splash pads, and pool decks, SunPlay, a resinous system, combines durability with a soft feel underfoot. “Traditional surfaces are dense and rigid, which can lead to cracking,” Casto says. “SunPlay is an excellent choice for renovations and for climates where surfaces are constantly tested by the elements.” With more than 12 standard color blends and the ability to customize, SunPlay enables SUNDEK to provide clients with vibrant, playful designs.
Here, SunPlay two-part polymer is being applied with a notched squeegee to receive SunPlay granules that will be broadcast into it.
A demonstration showing how Sunplay can be applied to vertical surfaces such as steps.
Expert Craftsmanship
To roll out SunWash and SunPlay, SUNDEK hosted a hands-on training to get dealers working with the new systems as soon as possible. The SunWash and SunPlay training was led by the SUNDEK Training team and others from the SUNDEK family of installers and corporate team members.
The turnout was fantastic—more than 50 SUNDEK team members, including several from corporate, came together to learn, share ideas, and get a feel for what these products can do. “Those who attended the training got in there and got their hands dirty,” Toczek shared. “It was clear everyone saw the potential these high-end systems bring to the table.”
Embracing Trends While Focusing on Functionality
These two systems mark a significant step forward for SUNDEK. With SunWash and SunPlay, SUNDEK is embracing trends while offering clients functional, forward-thinking solutions. “It’s getting more and more difficult to cut through the marketing noise that exists out there,” Casto says, “Innovation is one way that companies can stay ahead of the curve and reach their clients, and SUNDEK is doing a great job at looking at the industry and trends.” Whether it’s the timeless elegance of exposed aggregate or the comfort and playfulness of a flexible surface, these additions show that SUNDEK is giving our clients the innovative solutions they’re asking for, and our teams the tools to deliver them.