How to Resurface Old Concrete

Wash the concrete surface with a pressure washer. Remove all loose concrete, dirt, debris, paint and mold.

Mix concrete patch material in a bucket with a flat trowel. If the patch material comes premixed, then pour it into the bucket and stir it until it has a creamy consistency. If the concrete patch material comes in a powder form, them use the bag's instructions to determine the correct water to powder ratio, often seven parts powder to 1 part water. Add the ingredients to the bucket and stir them with a flat trowel until they have a creamy consistency.

Fill the concrete's cracks with the patch material. Use the flat trowel to push the patch into the crack then smooth the surface. Allow the patch material to dry before continuing.

Combine three parts sand to one part portland cement in a bucket with water. Use a drill equipped with a mixing paddle to stir the mixture. Add water until the mixture has the consistency of butter.

Spread a 3/4-inch layer of the portland cement mixture across the surface of the concrete with the flat trowel. Fill all noticeable dips and completely cover the old surface.

Place a straightedge on the top of the resurfacing material. Work the straightedge back and forth. This carves away all hips and leaves the surface flat. Do not hurry on this step.

Sweep the surface with a concrete finishing brush. This blends in trowel and straightedge marks and eliminates a slick surface. Allow the surface to dry for 24 hours.