Dry-shake toppings are used for horizontal elements such as slabs. They are combinations of cement, pigments, surface hardener and well-graded fine aggregate. The material is broadcast onto the surface of the fresh concrete and then floated and trowelled-in. As well as colouring the concrete it forms an impervious hard-wearing surface which is well suited to applications such as warehouse flooring. The quality of the surface achieved is dependent upon good workmanship and finishing skills.

Dry-shake toppings can also be used to supress surface fibres in steel fibre reinforced concrete.