How to Resurface a Concrete Floor With CLI White Portland Cement

Resurface a damaged concrete floor with white Portland cement.

Concrete can create durable long-lasting floors that, with proper maintenance, last for decades with little change. Unfortunately, even the best made concrete floor can develop flaws in its surface. Small chips or cracks can develop that, while they may not alter the structural integrity of the floor, can be the first steps in that direction. Resurfacing a concrete floor can aid in repairing these minor flaws, stopping the damage before it turns serious and restoring the look of the floor. Using White Portland cement to do the resurfacing helps to extend the visual options available. White Portland cement creates a white colored concrete that you can use along with a concrete colorant to create bright colors suitable for decorative floor use without sacrificing floor strength.

Things You'll Need

• Ph-neutral cleaner
• Mop
• Scrub brush
• Water
• Joint repair compound
• Putty knife
• Concrete grinder
• Broom
• Bonding adhesive
• Squeegee
• Sand
• White Portland cement
• Bucket
• Drill
• Paddle mixing drill bit
• Trowel
• Clear masonry sealer

Instructions

1. Clean the concrete floor using a pH-neutral cleaner. Wet-mop the floor to remove any loose dirt and debris, and then use a scrub brush on tough dirt. Clean out any cracks in the floor using a wire-brush. Rinse the surface with clean water and allow the floor to dry completely before continuing.

2. Fill floor cracks with joint repair compound, using a putty knife to press the compound firmly into all areas of the crack, slightly overflowing the tops of the crack. Scrape the top of the crack with the edge of the putty knife to level the compound patch with the remaining floor surface. Allow the compound to set for 24 hours.

3. Create a texture in the surface of the floor to increase bonding between the existing floor and the resurfacing material. Use a concrete grinder on the surface, grinding lightly to create a series of scratches. Rent the grinder from a home improvement store or equipment rental shop. Sweep the concrete clean of any dust created from the grinding.

4. Spread a thin layer of bonding adhesive across the floor's surface using a squeegee. The adhesive forms a binding agent between the existing concrete floor and the resurfacing material, preventing independent movement between the two. Wait for the adhesive to dry slightly, losing the wet look while remaining sticky to the touch.

5. Prepare the resurfacing mix by mixing three parts sand with one part white Portland cement in a large bucket. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a drill containing a paddle mixer attachment. Mix concrete colorant with water and then add the water to the mixture. Stir the mixture during the water addition until you create a thick cement mix with the consistency of peanut butter.

6. Pour the cement slowly onto the floor covering a small section at a time. Spread the cement with a trowel, creating a level surface about 1/4-inch thick.

7. Allow the cement to dry for about an hour and then sweep the cement surface with a broom to add texture.

8. Wait 24 hours after application and then brush a layer of clear masonry sealer over the floor to protect it from the elements. Wait an additional 24 hours for the sealer to dry before using the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety goggles a face mask and work gloves when dealing with the cement mixture as the material can be hazardous to skin, eyes and lungs.

References

• Concrete Resurfacing
• Concrete Resurfacing Preparation Overview
• This Old House: How to Renew Concrete Surfaces
• Portland Cement Association: What is White Portland Cement?

Resources

• Concrete Resurfacing