How to Restore Old Cement

Clean the concrete surface using a power washer. For many concrete surfaces, a thorough cleaning is all you need to restore it to a suitable condition. The concrete must also be completely free of debris before further repairs can be made.

Repair cracks. Hairline cracks can be easily filled in by adding a small amount of Portland cement with a putty knife. Deeper cracks in sidewalks and driveways are more difficult to repair. The crack must be undercut, thoroughly cleaned and filled with a cement adhesive and cement. Driveways must carry a heavier weight load than a sidewalk and a gravel cement mix is required.

Patch holes in the concrete with an epoxy mortar or latex cement. Clean and remove loose particles using a wire brush, wash with water and add the latex. Smooth the area using a trowel or float.

Repair broken corners or edges. Moisten the corner with water and build a small form to hold the cement while it is drying. Use a latex or epoxy cement to create a new corner or edge.