How to Resurface Concrete in 7 Steps for a Professional Look

Your first business order should be to clean your old concrete thoroughly with a power washer. Removing dirt, weeds, moss, and other debris from the slab will help create a good surface for the new concrete to stick to.

If you don’t own a power washer, you might be able to rent one from your local home improvement store. You can also scrub the concrete clean using water and a stiff-bristle scrub brush, but this is much more labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Next, you’ll want to seal any cracks in the old concrete to prevent water damage and ensure you get a perfectly smooth surface when you pour the new concrete. You can use a trowel or a putty knife to apply your concrete crack sealant over surface cracks. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing (if required), application, and curing.

If you’re dealing with a more challenging type of concrete crack larger than 1/8-inch across, or the concrete on either side is unlevel, call in a professional for help. These signs of uneven settlement require more extensive repairs, like mudjacking.

Next, mix your concrete resurfacing compound. It’s crucial to get the mix right to avoid concrete segregation and weakening of the final product, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. You can mix the compound in a 5-gallon bucket for small projects or a wheelbarrow for medium-sized projects. For larger projects, like resurfacing a concrete driveway, patio, or long walkway, you should consider investing in or renting a concrete mixer.

Once you’ve achieved the necessary consistency, pour the resurfacing compound over the old concrete. You can gently wet the concrete beforehand, which can be particularly helpful if you’re working in direct sunlight or on a hot day, but avoid puddles or excessive water build-up. Use your concrete floats and trowels to distribute the concrete over the surface and smooth it out.

Many homeowners will add some texture to the concrete to prevent slipping and make the surface more visually appealing, but if you want a perfectly smooth surface, you can skip this step.

After you pour your concrete, you’ll notice water coming to the surface. This is called “bleed water.” Once this water evaporates, you can add texture to the surface of the concrete. For a simple broom finish, sweep a deck broom across the surface in one direction. You can also create custom textures using your trowel.

Once the bleed water evaporates and before the concrete cures fully, it’s a good time to round over the edges of your new concrete surface. You can use a flat trowel for squared edges, but if you want to soften the look of the concrete, use a concrete edging tool to round the corners slightly.

Finally, let the concrete cure for about 48 hours before exposing it to foot traffic. If you’re resurfacing a concrete driveway, wait seven days before pulling a vehicle onto the surface.