Styrene-butadiene-styrene addition improves the properties of asphalt in surface dressing: the thermal susceptibility is reduced and the binder cohesion increased, hence better resistance to bleeding and to aggregate dislodgement. The characteristics of hot-applied and emulsified SBS-modified binders are compared through series of laboratory tests: rheological properties, cohesion, tensile strength, toughness and tenacity. Application problems and field performance are globally examined. Hot-applied SBS-modified binders encounter viscosity and adhesion problems. They require a high amount of diluent, that may soften the support and cause aggregate embedment. Their SBS-content must be limited. Emulsified SBS-modified asphalts show excellent adhesion to all types of aggregate. They require very small amounts of diluent. High SBS contents can be employed. Their main drawback is slow setting time.