DIY Concrete Resurfacing

Repair your concrete surface with a polymer resurfacer

Though regarded as highly durable, concrete is not indestructible. Concrete that is constantly exposed to rain, the sun and other elements is especially prone to cracking, pitting and crumbling. While some concrete surfaces may be candidates for complete demolition and re-pouring, others can be easily renewed with a concrete resurfacer. Properly apply this effective material and reclaim your concrete surface.

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 trowel (steel)

Instructions

1. Wedge the tip of the concrete repair caulk tube into any cracks in the surface that are wider than 1/2 inch and force a thick bead of the caulk down the length of the crack. Use a putty knife to smooth over the caulk so that it is even with the surrounding concrete. The caulk will dry within 3 hours.

2. Fill the 5-gallon bucket with 2.5 quarts of warm water and add the 20-lb bag of resurfacer.

3. Insert the paddle attachment on the drill motor into the bucket and thoroughly mix the contents for 3 minutes. The 20-lb bag of resurfacer will cover a 60-square-foot section of concrete.

4. Dump the mixed resurfacer directly onto the concrete and immediately spread with the trowel to an even layer. Aim for a width of 1/16 inch. Do not walk or drive onto the resurfaced concrete for 48 hours.

References

• "The Old House Handbook: The Essential Guide to Care and Repair"; Roger Hunt; 2008