If your concrete has significant damage, it may be better to replace it.
Old concrete inside or outside your home can benefit from resurfacing or other coverings for a more attractive appearance.
Some homeowners opt to cover interior concrete walls with drywall for a cheaper alternative.
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Exterior concrete walls, on the other hand, can be resurfaced or covered with faux veneers like stone.
Once you’ve decided to resurface concrete, it’s important to prepare it properly.
Concrete resurfacers can be spread in thin layers from 1/16 to 1/2 inch thick.
Before You Begin
It is critical that the concrete surface is cleaned of all loose debris.
You should alsoremove any oil stains,paint, or tree sap from the concrete.
If your efforts fail to remove the stain entirely, consider applying a sealer over the stain before resurfacing.
If left unsealed, the stain will very likely bleed through the resurfacing layer.
It is important that expansion joints be protected when resurfacer is applied.
Mask off these control joints with duct tape or weather stripping to prevent the resurfacer from filling them in.
When serious damage is widespread, resurfacing will mask the problems for only a short time.
Patch any serious damage with another concrete patching product, and let it dry completely before proceeding to resurfacing.
Mix the Resurfacer
For best results, mix and apply one bag of resurfacer at a time.
One 40-pound bag will usually require six pints of water.
Use warm water in cool temperatures, and cold water in warmer temperatures.
At 73 degrees Fahrenheit, you will have about 20 minutes of working time before the resurfacer hardens.
Let the contents rest for a few minutes, and then mix it again.
Resurfacer can also be applied with a trowel or brush.
Work in segments of no more than about 144 square feet at a time.
That’s often what you want in a garage.
Plan to do this within five minutes of tool, while the mix is still wet enough.
see to it all broom strokes are made in the same direction.
Allow the Resurfacer to Cure
As concrete resurfacer cures, it hardens and becomes stronger.
Wait about eight hours before walking on resurfaced concrete, and at least two days before driving on it.
Resurfacer should be kept slightly moist while curing.
Not allcracked concreteneeds to be replaced.
Small cracks and chips can be repaired using a concrete resurfacing product.
Concrete resurfacing products typically last between eight and 20 years, whilebrand-new concretecan last between 50 and 100 years.
Resurfacing is an affordable alternative to replacing concrete as long as it is still structurally sound.
Resurfacing concrete can vary in price, from affordable to very pricey.
