PURPOSES: This study set out to investigate the current state of microsurfacing in Texas and compared the results with the current state of the practice nationwide. METHODS: For this study, case studies were extracted from the existing literature and compared with the data obtained both from site visits by the research team and data obtained from a survey by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) personnel. The successes and failures of microsurfacing are detailed and explanations of different issues are outlined. Forensic studies from Texas are included in the descriptions of those microsurfacings that failed when configured as part of the cape seals. RESULTS : Microsurfacing has been shown to be an effective pavement preservation technique when applied to an appropriate road, at an appropriate timing, and as a remedy for certain issues. The failures experienced in Texas can mostly be attributed to cape seals and an inability to recognize structurally faulty pavement. CONCLUSIONS : When applied to an appropriate road, at an appropriate timing, and as a remedy for certain issues, microsurfacing has been shown to perform well in numerous case studies. The majority of microsurfacing failures are the result of poor project selection, usually involving the treatment being applied to structurally unsound pavement.