Repair and renew concrete surfaces by skim coating them rather than demolishing and starting anew. Skim-coating or resurfacing concrete patios, walkways, driveways, walls and stairs not only renews their appearance, but it extends their lifespan by improving drainage and waterproofing. A number of tools and materials are available to do-it-yourselfers that, in most cases, make skim coating preferable to demolishing and replacing old, damaged concrete.
Can you resurface an existing concrete driveway?
If sprucing up your concrete driveway is on your list of home improvement projects, consider resurfacing. Resurfacing is a great way to make your existing concrete surface look brand new. You can apply a coating directly to your concrete surface without having to rip anything out—saving time, hassle, and money.
Can you put a skim coat of concrete over old concrete?
0:097:35How To Skim Coat A Concrete Patio - Pour Concrete Surface - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this video. We will show you how to for a skim coat over any concrete surface. So that you canMoreIn this video. We will show you how to for a skim coat over any concrete surface. So that you can repair that damage looking concrete and make it nice.
Is skim coat good for concrete?
Skim Coat (Top Coat) It is a coarser base mortar, suitable to be used for exterior cement-rendered brick wall, AAC block wall and concrete surfaces.
Is it worth it to resurface concrete driveway?
Enhances your driveway's appearance: one of the best values of concrete driveway resurfacing is it improves your driveway's appearance. The new layer gives your driveway a fresh look after years of fading and cracking. Extends its lifespan: if you care for your driveway correctly, it should last for up to thirty years.
How thick can you skim coat concrete?
0.02 inchThey can be applied in layers as thin as 20 mils (a mere 0.02 inch), or you can apply several coats to create a textured broomed or troweled finish.
How much does it cost to skim coat concrete?
The national average materials cost to skim coat is $0.34 per square foot, with a range between $0.32 to $0.37. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $0.98, coming in between $0.90 to $1.07. A typical 500 square foot project costs $492.34, with a range of $450.91 to $533.77.
How long does skim coating concrete last?
A top thin layer of concrete is removed and a new layer is poured on top. This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for.
What is the best concrete resurfacer?
Our Top PicksBest For Interiors. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. ... Best for Exteriors. Rapid Set High Strength, 15 Min Set, Featheredge. ... Best For Cracks. KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating. ... Best For Flooring. Ardex Feather Finish Grey Self-Drying Cement. ... Best For Small Jobs. ... Best Premixed.
Is Skimcoat waterproof?
ZEMCOAT Water Resistant is a specially formulated skimcoat for super fine plastering applications. This specific Zemcoat variant not only smoothens minor unevenness (0.5-2mm) but also prevents the penetration of moisture, hence paint blistering is avoided....Zemcoat Skimcoat Water Resistant.COVERAGE (approx.)20 kg2 mm8 - 10 m²3 more rows
What is the cheapest way to resurface a driveway?
Generally, gravel is the cheapest material, with resin and concrete being the most expensive.
How long does resurfacing a concrete driveway last?
10-15 yearsIn most applications, resurfaced concrete should last 10-15 years. However, it is always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions about resurfacing.
Is it better to resurface or replace concrete?
A general rule of thumb is that if a repair requires more than two inches of material then it probably is better to use the replacement method. But being able to repair rather than replace concrete can be a more sustainable route that reduces the carbon footprint.
Can you put self leveling concrete over existing concrete?
You can pour self-leveling toppings or self-leveling overlays over concrete surfaces you didn't think were salvageable, saving time and money. “It's faster and easier than pouring new concrete,” says Paul Koury, president of Westcoat Specialty Coating Systems.
How long does skim coating concrete last?
A top thin layer of concrete is removed and a new layer is poured on top. This new layer is specially made to adhere to the old concrete. It's extremely durable while being relatively thin and can last 10-20+ years if properly installed by a Pro and cared for.
What is the best concrete resurfacer?
Our Top PicksBest For Interiors. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. ... Best for Exteriors. Rapid Set High Strength, 15 Min Set, Featheredge. ... Best For Cracks. KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating. ... Best For Flooring. Ardex Feather Finish Grey Self-Drying Cement. ... Best For Small Jobs. ... Best Premixed.
How do you refurbish concrete?
0:394:28How to Resurface Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd finishing the resurfacer. Before it begins to set. It's essential that control joints andMoreAnd finishing the resurfacer. Before it begins to set. It's essential that control joints and expansion joints are maintained to allow for slab movement.
How Much Does It Cost To Skim Coat Concrete?
Research shows that resurfacing about 100 square feet of concrete surface will cost you anywhere from $300 to $500.
How Do You Skim A Concrete Base?
However, you don’t need to be a concrete expert to do it. Plenty of online resources exist, and they can help you learn the skim coating process. Below are the basic instructions that can help you get started.
How long does it take for skim coat to dry?
Skim coats take different times to dry. Some dry in a matter of hours. But it is advisable to wait for one or two days before doing anything else to the concrete surface, such as sanding. However, painting such surfaces may require more drying time.
How to make a second coat of skim coat?
For the second coat, you can start by mixing another batch of skim coat. The paste is usually slightly thicker than the first one. And depending on the manufacturer, you may need to apply the base color at this stage.
What is skim coating?
Skim coating refers to the process of thinly applying mud or plaster to a wall to repair it and improve its attractiveness . And while people commonly do it on drywall, one can also do it over concrete surfaces.
How to keep concrete from getting slippery?
If you want more texture to prevent the concrete from becoming too slippery, consider using a push broom to add it while the mixture is still wet.
What to use to clean a concrete floor?
Once you have removed anything stuck to the concrete surface, you should use a pressure washer to clean it. That will help remove most debris and dirt.
How to fill cracks in concrete?
Fill cracks up to 1/8 inch wide with concrete dressing. Force the mix into the crack with a putty knife and a trowel over the area to create a level surface. Apply concrete-repair caulk to cracks up to ½ inch wide with a caulk gun and smooth the surface with a putty knife. Advertisement.
How to bond concrete to vertical surface?
These typically contain additives that aid the bonding process. Mix with a drill and paddle extension. Apply to the surface with a hand trowel, maintaining an even depth as you work your way across the surface.
How to topcoat horizontal surfaces?
For horizontal surfaces, pour your topcoat onto the surface and spread it with either a trowel or a long-handled squeegee. Press down to force the topcoat into any remaining imperfections in the surface.
How to remove paint from a house prior to 1978?
Scrub the area with a wire brush or paint scraper or wash away the stripper and paint with a power washer. When removing any paint that may have been applied prior to 1978, assume that it contains hazardous lead dust and have the paint removed by professionals.
Why does concrete puddle when it rains?
Most exterior concrete surfaces are sloped to cause water to flow off of them in one direction. If areas have sunken over time, however, puddles or ponding may occur when it rains. This will only lead to further damage if it is not repaired.
Does skim coating extend the life of concrete?
Skim-coating or resurfacing concrete patios, walkways, driveways, walls and stairs not only renews their appearance, but it extends their lifespan by improving drainage and waterproofing. A number of tools and materials are available to do-it-yourselfers that, in most cases, make skim coating preferable to demolishing and replacing old, ...
How to apply microtoppings?
Microtoppings are easily applied with trowels, squeegees, brushes, or rollers, depending on the desired look. They can be applied in layers as thin as 20 mils (a mere 0.02 inch), or you can apply several coats to create a textured broomed or troweled finish.
Can you use microtopping on concrete?
After application, a microtopping can be topically colored with concrete stains or dyes. They can also be used in conjunction with stencils to create intricate designs.
Can skim coats be used indoors?
Cement-based microtoppings and skim coats can be used both indoors and out to provide a clean canvas for decorative treatments, such as stains, dyes and stenciled patterns. Some systems come pretinted in a wide range of colors, while others can be custom tinted by mixing in the desired amount of liquid coloring agent.
What is spaulding concrete?
Spaulding Concrete has been the San Francisco Bay Area’s top concrete contractor for over 30 years. We have been serving our community with driveway extensions and additions, flat surface concrete installation for sidewalks, city bike paths, commercial floors, parking lots, RV pads, steps, curbs, and gutters. We specialize in the completion of our projects in an effective, timely and reasonable manner. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control. To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Alameda and Contra Costa County and the surrounding areas.
How long does it take for a driveway to dry before putting on a second coat?
Cover the driveway for 48 hours before using it as normal.
Can you topcoat a concrete driveway?
Can You Put A Topcoat Over A Concrete Driveway? A new concrete or asphalt driveway looks amazing, but over time, it will produce cracks, gaps, and a weathered appearance due to the relentless pounding it receives from Mother Nature. A topcoat will restore the appearance of any driveway, whether it is made of concrete or asphalt.
Is it easy to keep a driveway in good shape?
You recognize the value of preserving your house, including your driveway, as a homeowner. Keeping your driveway in good shape isn’t always easy. You must know when it is time to coat it or get it repaved.
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How do I resurface a concrete driveway?
Start by eliminating dirt, oil, and flaking concrete with a 3,500-psi pressure washer.
Why use concrete for driveway?
Durability ranks high among the many reasons to choose concrete as a driveway surfa cing material. After years of exposure to the elements, however, as well as to foot and vehicle traffic, your concrete driveway may begin to look worse for all that wear. Rather than rip it all out and start from scratch, it’s far easier and much cheaper to renew ...
How long does a QUIKRETE concrete resurfacer last?
In 73-degree weather, QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer remains workable for 30 minutes. In hotter weather, it hardens more quickly, but by keeping the bag in the shade and using cold mixing water, you can widen the window of workability. Resurfacing a large driveway? It may be wise to work in sections, mixing and applying resurfacer on one modestly sized area (no larger than 144 square feet) at a time.
How to make a resurfacer with a paddle?
First, add three and a half quarts of water to a five-gallon bucket. Next, while you operate the mixing paddle within the bucket, ask your helper to slowly pour in the resurfacer. After it’s all been added, continue mixing for at least five minutes. Stop only once the mix has reached a lump-free, syrup-like consistency.
How long does it take for a new driveway to be ready?
Most of the time, however, you can expect the new surface to be ready for foot traffic in about six hours.
Can you use a power drill to resurface concrete?
QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer isn’t your typical concrete product; as a result, your typical mixing method may not be appropriate here. Being that hand-mixing so often leaves lumps, it’s recommended that you use a power drill that’s outfitted not with a barrel-type attachment, but with a paddle mixer.
What to do with a driveway that keeps you up?
If what to do with your driveway is keeping you up nights, don’t waste any more time worrying. One call to Concrete Craft will have the experts who know concrete at your service! They can evaluate your driveway and talk you through the best options for your desired result, whether to repair, restore, or create a fabulous faux stone design with a decorative concrete overlay in stained, stamped or hand-carved concrete.
How long does it take for a concrete driveway to cure?
No waiting up to 30 days for a new concrete driveway to cure and harden. A beautiful, new driveway for far less cost than demolition and replacement. Concrete Craft can have your ugly driveway repaired, restored, or resurfaced in a matter of days so you can get on with the more important things in life. And, we won’t damage your yard ...
What is decorative concrete overlay?
If your driveway needs a whole new look, a decorative concrete overlay will create a new finish that covers minor surface damage like cracks, imperfections and discoloration. The overlay creates a durable finish and long-lasting bond with the original concrete that will not chip, crack or peel. Concrete overlays can be stained, stamped, and hand-carved in faux finishes like flagstone, cobblestone, Ashlar slate, and Roman slate for the exquisite look of real stone.
What is concrete overlay?
Concrete overlays can be stained, stamped, and hand-carved in faux finishes like flagstone, cobblestone, Ashlar slate, and Roman slate for the exquisite look of real stone. Real stone molds and hand-applied stain colors result in finishes that look natural and authentic.
How to contact Concrete Craft?
As a local business owner in your community, we care about your complete satisfaction. Call 866-813-3699 today or go online to www.concretecraft.com to find the Concrete Craft location nearest you and request a FREE consultation. You can trust Concrete Craft to deliver on the promise of the driveway of your dreams.
What is stained concrete?
Stained concrete transforms with vibrant color, including one-color or multiple colors, and borders or stenciled designs.
Can concrete craft repair a cracked driveway?
If your driveway has finally become impossible to tolerate, Concrete Craft® has good news for you! Whether it’s cracked, chipped, worn down to the aggregate, or stained from years of vehicles and harsh weather, we have decorative concrete options to repair and restore your concrete driveway that will spare you and your wallet the pain and inconvenience of demolition and replacement.
