Who to Hire for Finishing, Overlaying, or Coloring Concrete

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If you’re wondering who to hire to finish overlay or color concrete, look for a decorative concrete or resurfacing contractor with hands-on experience. These pros assess the slab, prepare the surface, apply color, and seal overlays. Resurfacing takes one to three days, while overlays take three to seven days, and reputable companies are licensed and insured.

Why You Should Hire a Pro for Finishing, Overlaying, or Coloring Concrete

A decorative concrete or resurfacing contractor handles time‑sensitive steps—prep, bonding, coloring, and sealing—so your finish looks great and lasts. These pros bring specialized tools, proven materials, and training for reliable adhesion and consistent color. You also gain peace of mind from professional warranties and tried‑and‑true techniques.

• Evaluate the slab to confirm it is suitable for an overlay.

• Create the right surface profile for strong adhesion.

• Apply and stamp within the working window for clean results.

• Use proven overlay mixes, pigments, dyes, and stains.

• Seal with professional‑grade products for protection and sheen.

• Stand behind workmanship with written warranties.

• Deliver long‑lasting results through proper prep and maintenance.

• Offer up‑to‑date methods and design versatility.

• Identify and fix underlying issues before resurfacing.

• Show portfolio‑backed craftsmanship and consistent quality.

Should I Hire a General Concrete Contractor for Finishing, Overlaying, or Coloring Concrete?

A general concrete contractor handles new pours and basic repairs, and some complete simple overlays. For design‑focused work—stamped patterns, intricate coloring, or custom textures—a local decorative concrete specialist delivers sharper detail and higher-quality finishes. Generalists offer broader availability, but the trade‑off is less refined aesthetics. Confirm resurfacing experience and a portfolio before hiring a general contractor, and turn to a specialist for complex textures, custom colors, logos, or detailed patterns.

Step-by-Step: How Pros Finish, Overlay, or Color Concrete

Pros follow a proven process to ensure strong bonding, uniform color, and a durable, sealed finish that looks consistent from edge to edge.

1. The contractor assesses the slab’s condition and confirms it is structurally sound for an overlay rather than replacement.

2. The crew cleans, grinds, or shot‑blasts the surface and repairs cracks to create a profile that promotes strong adhesion.

3. The installer primes the substrate and applies a bonding agent if the selected overlay system requires it.

4. The team mixes the overlay to spec, integrates color if planned, and applies it by trowel, roller, or spray.

5. While workable, the crew stamps or textures the surface to achieve the desired pattern and depth.

6. The installer adds integral color, dyes, or stains to reach the planned look, adjusting tone and coverage as needed.

7. After curing, the contractor applies a sealer to protect the finish and enhance appearance.

How Much Does Finishing, Overlaying, or Coloring Concrete Cost?

The cost to finish, overlay, or color concrete ranges from $600 to $13,000, with an average of $2,000. Pricing rises with ornate designs and multiple stain layers due to added labor and materials. Whether it is a driveway, pool deck, or patio, overlays deliver a refreshed look for far less than pouring a new slab. Your scope, surface condition, and finish level drive the final total of your project.