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There are a few different types of finishes to choose from for the final step of the project. 

Water-based polyurethane sealants emit fewer odors and fumes but dry quickly, which can pose a challenge when trying to get a smooth coat. Oil-based polyurethane sealants let out more odors and fumes into the air (it’s especially important to wear a respirator if you choose this type), but they take longer to dry, which can be more forgiving during the finishing step. 

Some may prefer wood oil to polyurethane because rather than creating a layer, it becomes part of the wood. Wood oil takes longer to dry, and is less resistant to wear and tear; however, it creates a natural-looking result by enhancing the grain of the wood. 

Unlike staining concrete, painting concrete often results in chips and peeling over time. You can expect numerous touchups over the years if the concrete is in a high-traffic area. Since concrete paints are opaque, you may also find it more difficult to get the exact color results you want. Lastly, painting concrete can make it much more slippery unless you mix in an additive for traction.

You may want to hire a concrete floor contractor to check out your home’s concrete surfaces or inspect your home’s foundation for minor damages they can fix while on site. They may be able to fix cracks in your driveway or garage floor the same day they fix your concrete steps, as well. General concrete repair experts often won’t be able to handle larger jobs, like leveling a sunken foundation , so you’ll need to hire a structural engineer for bigger projects.

A concrete overlay should be 1/4 of an inch to 2 inches thick to form a strong layer on top of a base slab. The thickness depends on the condition of the existing concrete and the depth of your design and imprints. You should repair and clean the surface before applying a primer and a layer of fresh concrete.