How to Refinish Concrete

The following is a step by step guide for refinishing a concrete surface, such as a concrete driveway or a concrete patio or basement floor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic sheeting
• Broom and dustpan
• Power Washer
• Concrete patching compound
• Steel trowel
• (optional) epoxy color coat paint.
• Concrete sealant

1. Sweep concrete surface of dust and debris and clear all objects (boxes, furniture, etc.) from the area to be refinished. If the concrete surface is in an enclosed area and you are concerned of damage to the walls from the refinishing process, cover the walls with plastic sheeting.
2. Thoroughly power wash concrete surface and mop up any remaining moisture. If surface is outdoors, allow area to air dry, if indoors, placing dehumidifiers and/or drying fans in the area will speed up drying process.
3. Mask any drains, gratings, plumbing fixtures, or electrical outlets that are on, coming out of, or near the concrete surface.
4. Repair any cracks in the concrete surface with a concrete patching compound. Follow product directions closely, usually prepared patching compound should be about as thick as cake batter. You should only mix as much compound as you can apply in 15 to 20 minutes--this is to prevent the patching compound from drying before it's applied. If you are not using a bonding agent, wet the surface of the area to be patched. If you are using a bonding agent, you should follow the product directions carefully.
5. Use a proper finishing tool to apply the patching compound, such as a steel trowel. Making the patched area flush with the rest of the surface takes practice, but do the best you can. Cover patched area(s) with plastic sheeting and allow patched area to dry completely (up to 3 to 4 days), keep plastic in place over patches during the entire drying period.
6. Remove the plastic sheeting and use a grinder/polisher to smooth over the patched areas. Sweep away any dust and debris generated from grinding.
7. OPTIONAL: Apply an epoxy color coat paint to the concrete surface using brushes and/or rollers--or using a paint sprayer and smoothing the coat with a roller.
8. REQUIRED: Apply a concrete sealant using brushes and/or rollers--or using a paint sprayer and smoothing the coat with a roller. Follow product directions closely, allow sealant at least 24 hours to completely dry.
9. CLEANUP: Remove plastic sheeting from walls and masking from protected areas on the concrete surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that work area is properly ventilated when using hazardous products such as concrete patching compound, epoxy paints, and sealants.