topdressing

verb

1. (form-of, gerund, participle, present)present participle and gerund of topdress

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The covering of a surface with loose material; especially the covering of newly-sown seeds with a light dressing of soil or fertilizer.

   “Penetrating sealant, a protective formula applied to the stone, soaks into the material, and topdressings form a protective skin on top.”