How to Resurface Interior Concrete

Restore your interior concrete space with resurfacer.

An interior concrete surface is typically reserved for the basement or garage of many homes and structures. While not as susceptible to surface damage as outdoor concrete surfaces are, interior surfaces can become damaged with heavy or improper use. If you need to resurface your concrete floor, you can do so rather easily with a concrete resurfacer mix. Properly apply the layer of resurfacer and restore your interior space.

Things You'll Need

• Concrete-repair caulk
• Caulking gun
• Putty knife
• 5-gallon bucket
• Water
• Polymer-based cement resurfacer
• 1/2-inch power drill with mixing paddle
• Flat steel trowel
• Push broom

Instructions

1. Attend to cracks wider than 1/2 inch by applying a thick bead of concrete repair caulk. Smooth over the caulk with a putty knife and allow the caulk to dry for three to four hours before continuing the resurfacing project.

2. Pour the the contents of the bag of resurfacer and 2 1/2 quarts of room temperature tap water into the plastic bucket.

3. Mix the resurfacer and water mix with the drill for two minutes.

4. Quickly pour the mixed resurfacer onto the concrete floor and spread with the trowel. Spread the resurfacer to a thickness of 1/16 of an inch.

5. Moisten the end of a push broom, then run it across the surface of the concrete for a textured look. Let the surface air-dry fully for 24 hours before using the indoor surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Ventilate the indoor space as best you can by opening all windows and doors. This will facilitate drying as well as prevent you from breathing in harmful fumes.

References

• This Old House: How to Renew Concrete Surfaces