The Steps to Resurfacing Concrete

Wait for Weather

• When working with concrete, the right temperature is necessary to ensure that the surface cures properly. If possible, wait to resurface your concrete until the temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. An overcast day with low humidity is ideal so the sun does not warm the surface too much but postpone your project if rain is in the forecast.

Remove Loose Pieces

• The first step in resurfacing is to remove any loose or broken pieces of concrete from the surface. In smaller areas, you can use a chisel and hammer to remove pieces by hand. If you have a larger surface, however, you may want to rent a jackhammer to quickly remove damaged sections. You can also use an industrial strength power washer to blast away weak areas of concrete. The power washer has the added benefit of washing away dirt, oil and dust as well.

Fill Cracks

• Prepare your surface by filling in any holes, cracks or crevices to provide a smooth canvas. Small, thin cracks can be filled with a concrete dressing product and a putty knife. However, larger cracks and holes usually require concrete repair caulk. Use a caulking gun to apply the product and follow up with a putty knife to level the surface.

Provide for Expansion

• If you are covering a large concrete surface, such as a driveway or patio, it is usually divided into smaller sections to provide room for the concrete to expand and contract with changes in the weather. These sections are typically separated with expansion joints that provide the necessary space to prevent cracking when expansion occurs. Before applying your new concrete, place duct tape over the joints so they remain exposed after the new layer is added.

Apply Materials

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix your resurfacing material. Concrete dressing is ideal for a basic resurfacing project; but if you want to create a thicker overlay for your surface, use concrete mixed with sand. For thin overlays of approximately 1/16-inch thickness, use fine sand. An overlay that measures 1/8-inch should contain sand and gravel in the concrete mixture. Whichever type of resurfacing material you use, apply it as soon as it is mixed and smooth it across the surface immediately. You can use a hand trowel for smaller areas while larger areas can be covered more quickly with a squeegee on a long handle. To create a slip-resistant surface, add texture to still wet sections of concrete by going over the surface with a push broom with medium strength bristles.

Seal

• After the surface has been textured, remove the duct tape from the expansion joints. Wait a day for the concrete to cure then apply a coat of masonry seal to protect the surface. You can walk on resurfaced concrete approximately two hours after it has been applied but do not place heavy objects, such as a car, barbecue grill or patio furniture, on the surface until it has cured for at least six hours.