Refinishing Concrete Patios: A Step-By-Step Guide

Refinishing a concrete patio can give it a new lease of life and is a great way to upgrade its design. There are a variety of options to refinish a concrete patio, from stain to a micro-topping, a stencil, or a stamped concrete overlay. The process of refinishing a concrete patio involves repairing cracks, cleaning the surface, preparing the surface for the overlay, mixing the overlay components, applying the overlay, and sealing the patio. This can be done by homeowners themselves or with the help of professional contractors.

Repair cracks and fill in pits

Before you start resurfacing your concrete patio, you'll need to repair any cracks and fill in pits. This will ensure that your patio has a smooth and even surface once you're done. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Start by evaluating the condition of your concrete patio. Look for any cracks, chips, or pits on the surface. If the concrete has heaved or there are severe cracks that go all the way through, it may be best to replace it completely. For minor cracks and pits, you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Remove any debris, leaves, and sticks from the patio. Use a broom to sweep away loose dirt and dust. If there is any grease or rust on the concrete, scrub it with white vinegar. Then, use a power washer to thoroughly clean the surface. Pay extra attention to areas under trees or bushes, as these may require more power to dislodge dirt and debris.

Step 3: Fill the Cracks and Pits

Purchase a concrete repair patching compound or crack filler from your local hardware store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix the compound. Using a trowel or putty knife, apply the compound to the cracks and pits, filling them in completely. Try to get the edges of the patch as flush with the surrounding concrete surface as possible. Allow the patched areas to harden and dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 4: Smooth Out Repaired Areas

Once the patching compound has dried, use a concrete grinder to smooth out the repaired areas. Grind down any rough patches or raised areas until they are level with the rest of the concrete surface. This step will help ensure a seamless finish when you apply the resurfacing material. After grinding, clean the surface again to remove any dust or debris created during the grinding process.

Step 5: Reinforce Severe Cracks (Optional)

If there are any severe cracks that require additional reinforcement, you can use a fabric or mesh material. Cut the fabric to fit inside the crack and use a concrete adhesive to secure it in place. Apply a thin layer of crack filler over the fabric, following the directions on the product. You may need to apply multiple layers of crack filler to completely fill the crack.

By following these steps, you'll be able to repair cracks and fill in pits on your concrete patio, creating a smooth and even surface that's ready for resurfacing. Remember to wear the appropriate safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask, when working with concrete and power tools.

Clean the concrete

To refinish your concrete patio, it's important to start with a thorough cleaning. Here's a step-by-step guide to cleaning your concrete patio:

Sweep Away Debris:

Start by removing any debris from the patio surface using a broom. Sweep away leaves, sticks, and other loose material that has accumulated on the concrete. This ensures that the surface is clear of any large particles that could interfere with the cleaning process.

Power Wash the Surface:

Once the debris is removed, it's time to power wash the concrete. Use a high-strength pressure washer to thoroughly clean the patio. Pay special attention to areas underneath trees, bushes, or messy plants, as these areas may require extra power to dislodge dirt and debris. Keep the power washer about six to eight inches away from the surface for effective cleaning.

Remove Stains:

If your patio has tough stains, use concrete cleaners or white vinegar to scrub and remove them. For really stubborn stains, you may need to use a power washer with a concrete cleaner or a 25-degree fan tip to effectively lift the stains.

Address Rust and Grease Stains:

Concrete patios often develop rust or grease stains. To tackle these effectively, use white vinegar as a natural cleaner. Scrub the affected areas with vinegar, and then rinse thoroughly.

Deal with Peeling Concrete:

If your concrete is peeling or spalling (chipping and flaking), be cautious when cleaning. Avoid being too aggressive with power washing, as it can further damage the concrete. Instead, consider using a wire brush or a putty knife to loosen and remove the peeling concrete gently.

Rinse and Dry:

After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the concrete with water to remove any residue from cleaning products. Once rinsed, allow the concrete to dry completely before moving on to the next step of refinishing.

Remember, a thorough cleaning is crucial to ensure that the new resurfacing adheres properly to the concrete. Take your time with this step, and don't be afraid to put in the elbow grease to get your concrete patio sparkling clean!

Apply a bonding agent

After the patches have dried for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, it's time to apply a bonding agent to the prepared concrete. Bonding agents are crucial for creating a strong bond between the old concrete and the new overlay material. Many of these agents contain latex and/or polymers to enhance this bond.

You can typically apply a bonding agent by rolling it on with a ⅜-inch nap paint roller. Be sure to read the manufacturer's directions, as some bonding coats should remain tacky when the overlay is applied. This step is relevant for stamped overlays and micro-topping methods that use a mixed cement-based overlay material to resurface the patio.

For example, if you're resurfacing a concrete driveway, you'd follow this step in the same way as you would for a patio. Once you've applied the bonding agent, you're ready to move on to the next step of mixing the resurfacing material.

Mix the resurfacing material

Mixing the resurfacing material is a crucial step in the concrete patio refinishing process. Here is a detailed guide on how to mix the resurfacing material effectively:

Before you begin, ensure you have gathered all the necessary tools and materials, including safety gear such as gloves and eye protection. The materials you will need include a five-gallon bucket, a power drill with a mixing paddle attachment, dry overlay mix (in bags), water, and possibly additives such as liquid or powdered pigments.

Now, let's get into the mixing process:

Step 1: Open a bag of the dry overlay mix and carefully pour measured amounts into the five-gallon bucket. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you are using to determine the correct amount to pour.

Step 2: Add the required amount of water to the bucket. Again, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct water-to-mix ratio. You may also need to add other additives, such as liquid or powdered pigments, at this stage.

Step 3: With the ingredients in the bucket, it's time to start the mixing process. Using the power drill with the mixing paddle attachment, slowly begin to mix the ingredients together. Be cautious and follow the instructions provided with the product. Some materials require a specific mixing technique to avoid introducing air into the mixture, as this can create bubbles that weaken the final product.

Step 4: As you mix, pay close attention to the consistency of the resurfacing material. It should be smooth and free of lumps. Adjust the mixture as needed by adding small amounts of water or dry mix until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Once the resurfacing material is thoroughly mixed and has a consistent texture, it is ready for application. However, be mindful of the working time allowed by the product. Some materials may begin to set after a certain period, so be prepared to apply the mixture promptly after mixing.

Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area and follow safety guidelines when working with any chemical products. By taking your time and carefully following the manufacturer's instructions, you will be able to effectively mix the resurfacing material for your concrete patio project.

Apply the resurfacing material

Applying the resurfacing material

The application of the resurfacing material is a crucial step in the concrete patio refinishing process. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, if you're using a cement overlay, make sure you've mixed the material according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, pour the mixed material onto the prepared concrete surface. Use a trowel or a gauge rake to spread the overlay, ensuring it's at the recommended thickness. Typically, overlays range in thickness from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch.

If you're working with a stain or epoxy paint, follow the manufacturer's recommended application method. These products can usually be applied with a roller or a sprayer. Be mindful of the working time allowed for each material and the weather conditions. Hot, sunny, or windy days can accelerate the drying process, so work in smaller sections if needed.

Try to avoid creating "cold joints" by applying fresh material to an edge that's already dried. Your goal is to create a continuous surface without seams between sections. If your patio has relief saw cuts, ensure that these are honoured and transferred to the overlay, or it may crack along those lines.

If you're using a cement-based overlay, this is the time to create the desired texture or pattern. You can use a stamp to create a particular design, such as stone, brick, or wood. Alternatively, a broom or swirled-trowel finish will add texture for safety and aesthetics.

Once the overlay is complete, it's time to apply a finish. For most resurfacing materials, a sealer is recommended to protect the surface from stains and water penetration. This will also enhance the colours and make them more vibrant. You can tint the sealer to add contrast and create a more realistic look for stamped concrete designs. Consider adding a non-slip additive to the sealer to improve traction when the patio is wet. Typically, at least two coats of sealer are applied.

Post-application care

After you've finished applying the resurfacing material and sealer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid getting water on the sealed patio within 24 hours of applying the sealer. Additionally, try not to apply the sealer if the temperature is expected to drop below freezing within the next 24 to 48 hours, as this can interfere with the curing process.

Although your resurfaced patio will be more resistant to chemicals and moisture, it's still important to clean up any spills promptly. For stubborn spots, use a non-abrasive commercial cleaner suitable for the surface. A pressure washer can also be used if necessary. Regular maintenance includes removing dust, grass clippings, and other debris with a broom or mop every few weeks.

Frequently asked questions