[gpslideshow post_id=”35873″ exclude=”35900″ caption=”on”]
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Over time a concrete slab can be come worn and in need of resurfacing. Watch this step-by-step slideshow to find out how to resurface an existing concrete slab on your home, such as a driveway or patio.
When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Temperatures should remain above 50° F for at least 8 hours and should be protected from freezing for 24 hours after applying.
- Step 1: Prior to applying:
(1.) Rigorously clean old concrete to ensure proper adhesion of the new surface. NOTE: a high strength, 3500 psi pressure washer must be used to remove any dirt, oil, grease or deteriorating concrete.
(2.) Repair deeply spalled areas and large cracks.
(3.) Saturate the surface with water and then remove any standing water. - Step 2: Mix the resurfacer using a five-gallon bucket and a 1/2″ drill and paddle mixer (hand mixing and standard concrete barrel-type mixers cannot be used for this application). TIP: it is essential that control joints and expansion joints are maintained to allow for slab movement. Weather stripping can be used to prevent Concrete Resurfacer from spilling into the joints.
- Step 3: Measure and add 3½ quarts of clean cool water to a five-gallon bucket to mix one 40-pound bag of Concrete Resurfacer (the resurfacer should be poured into the mixing water).
- Step 4: Mix for about 5 minutes until a lump-free, pourable consistency is achieved. If the mix is too thick, add water sparingly to reach the consistency of syrup; if the mix is too thin, additional powder can be added.
- Step 5: Pour the resurfacer onto the concrete in one-foot wide strips.
- Step 6: Scrub the material into the concrete surface using a long handled squeegee.
- Step 7: Evenly spread the resurfacer back and forth onto the slab.
- Step 8: Apply a non-slip finish using a concrete broom after about 5 minutes. TIP: make full broom strokes across the entire distance of the work area without stopping (all broom strokes should be made in the same direction for uniformity of appearance).
- Step 9: Moist cure with a fine water mist for 24-48 hours in temperatures over 90° F.
- Step 10: Concrete Resurfacer will support foot traffic in about 6 hours and vehicle traffic in 24 hours.
To find out more, visit www.quikrete.com.
That’s good information. Thanks.
I have a 600 square foot seawall that hasn’t had any attention for a long time. Since it’s last resurface, so many new products have become available that it’s confusing. It would be helpful to provide a more exact definition of “concrete resurfacer.” What’s the advantage of the pricey mixes over basic mortar and which ones work?
These are some really great tips. What kinds of materials do we use clean the concrete. Is it okay to use a pressure washer, or do we have to use a certain kind of chemical that will not destroy the concrete from being adhesive?