Surface dressing, or sometimes commonly known as “tar and chipping”, is a cheaper alternative to tarmac and is a low-cost intermediate fix to a complete new tarmac surface. It is ideal for large areas where the cost of tarmac can be prohibitive and will prolong the life of old tarmac or give a semi-stable surface to a more gravel like sub base. Surface dressing does have its limitations but is perfect when budget and size combine to make tarmac just too expensive.