Most people believe that there is no solution to old cracked or discolored concrete but to remove and replace it if you want to improve the appearance of your concrete surface. However, there are several options to makeover an old dull concrete driveway, walkway, patio or any other concrete surface without having to tear out aging concrete and install a new one.
How do you know if the concrete is suitable to be resurfaced?
In some instances your concrete surface may not be suitable for concrete resurfacing. It s a very simple process to inspect the surface yourself. Inspect the concrete area you are wnating to resurface and check whether there are large cracks or if there are areas where the concrete has lifted or dropped due to the soil beginning to settle. In most cases when you encounter this it is not really feasible to resurface the concrete. Contact a concrete professional and ask them to inspect the area for you if you are still not sure.
These are the different decorative concrete resurfacing options:
Concrete Resurfacing Overlays - There are a large range of patterns and colors to chose form with this option. Included in these choices are; Self leveling overlays which can go on quite thick onto the surface. They are quite often used indoors where are smooth finish is desired; Spray down resurfacing is a very popular option for driveways, pool areas and pathways due to its slip resistant finish and the ability to use cardboard stencils to achieve a brick pattern look; micro toppings that can produce a troweled smooth or a textured finish; and stampable overlays which can mimic the appearance of real stone or brick.
Staining - In this option, you're not just adding a solid color to a concrete surface. Because stains seep into the concrete, it produces rich semitransparent color effects and can even mimic the look of stained wood or polished marble. Because the properties of different concrete surfaces vary, the effect of staining is also different every time and it is this uniqueness that makes it appealing.
Decorative Stencils - Using cardboard stencils in the shape of either stone, tile or brick, a pattern can be left on your existing concrete. This is done by laying down your stencil on the existing slab and then applying a coat of your concrete overlay over the top of it. This can be applied by spraying down with a hopper gun or by troweling it on. Once the stencil is lifted you are left with the pattern you have chosen.
Saw Cutting - Geometric grids and shapes can be saw cut into your existing concrete even really fancy shapes like logos. The concrete is saw cut using diamond saws. The concrete can then be stained or colored using one of your other resurfacing options to give more contrasting effects.
Engraving or Etching - A great finish for adding custom designs and logos onto a concrete surface. The designs are often colored after the etching process by way of staining or overlays. It is a similar finish to saw cutting.
As you can see, the options for concrete resurfacing are many, creating a lot of possibilities for upgrading the look of aging concrete. However, as pointed above do take the time first to check whether concrete resurfacing is the right option for your concrete space. - 29957
How do you know if the concrete is suitable to be resurfaced?
In some instances your concrete surface may not be suitable for concrete resurfacing. It s a very simple process to inspect the surface yourself. Inspect the concrete area you are wnating to resurface and check whether there are large cracks or if there are areas where the concrete has lifted or dropped due to the soil beginning to settle. In most cases when you encounter this it is not really feasible to resurface the concrete. Contact a concrete professional and ask them to inspect the area for you if you are still not sure.
These are the different decorative concrete resurfacing options:
Concrete Resurfacing Overlays - There are a large range of patterns and colors to chose form with this option. Included in these choices are; Self leveling overlays which can go on quite thick onto the surface. They are quite often used indoors where are smooth finish is desired; Spray down resurfacing is a very popular option for driveways, pool areas and pathways due to its slip resistant finish and the ability to use cardboard stencils to achieve a brick pattern look; micro toppings that can produce a troweled smooth or a textured finish; and stampable overlays which can mimic the appearance of real stone or brick.
Staining - In this option, you're not just adding a solid color to a concrete surface. Because stains seep into the concrete, it produces rich semitransparent color effects and can even mimic the look of stained wood or polished marble. Because the properties of different concrete surfaces vary, the effect of staining is also different every time and it is this uniqueness that makes it appealing.
Decorative Stencils - Using cardboard stencils in the shape of either stone, tile or brick, a pattern can be left on your existing concrete. This is done by laying down your stencil on the existing slab and then applying a coat of your concrete overlay over the top of it. This can be applied by spraying down with a hopper gun or by troweling it on. Once the stencil is lifted you are left with the pattern you have chosen.
Saw Cutting - Geometric grids and shapes can be saw cut into your existing concrete even really fancy shapes like logos. The concrete is saw cut using diamond saws. The concrete can then be stained or colored using one of your other resurfacing options to give more contrasting effects.
Engraving or Etching - A great finish for adding custom designs and logos onto a concrete surface. The designs are often colored after the etching process by way of staining or overlays. It is a similar finish to saw cutting.
As you can see, the options for concrete resurfacing are many, creating a lot of possibilities for upgrading the look of aging concrete. However, as pointed above do take the time first to check whether concrete resurfacing is the right option for your concrete space. - 29957
About the Author:
Learn more about Concrete Resurfacing DIY. Stop by Cory John Grant's site where you can find out all about Concrete Resurfacing DIY pick up a free guide to removing existing stains from your concrete. .
