Can a Concrete Porch Be Resurfaced?

Prepare the Surface

• The old surface of the porch must be properly prepared to receive the best resurfacing results. Use a power washer to remove any loose concrete material, dirt, stains and oil. For more stubborn areas use a chisel and hammer to chip away any weak concrete or use a demolition chipping hammer to quickly remove material. Wipe away any remaining dust before you being to apply the resurfacing product.

Prepare the Mix

• Determine how thick you need your overlay to produce the appearance you desire. For thicker overlays, you must add aggregate to the cement mix, ensuring that the size of the largest stones does not exceed one-third the thickness of the overlay. For overlays of 3/4 inch thickness or less, you will need to add fine sand to the cement mix instead of aggregate. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to produce a mixture which flows like pancake batter when poured.

Create Forms

• Before you begin your new cement pour, you must create a form to hold the material in place. Cut and assemble a wood form to fit around the outer perimeter of your porch and position the top edges of the wood with at the desired final height for the overlay. Secure the boards in place by bracing each one firmly against the porch with stakes driven into the ground.

Apply the Overlay

• For a strong and permanent bond between the old and new concrete, make a cement paint to apply to the porch surface. Mix Portland cement and water until it resembles a paint consistency to create the cement paint. After applying the paint to the surface, add the overlay on top, before it has a chance to dry. For the strongest bond, perform the resurfacing in temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees so that the new surface sets up slowly. Apply any final finish when the surface is slightly firm, followed by a tight layer of plastic to continue the slow curing process.