Different Concrete Resurfacing Options
It is surprising that there are so many people who still believe that a worn and cracked concrete surface needs to be replaced. Nowadays there are several different options for resurfacing the concrete. Most often you do not need to replace any of the concrete. You can bring that old driveway, pathway or patio back to life.
How do you know if the concrete is suitable to be resurfaced?
The first thing you will need to do is do an inspection of the concrete surface. This is very simple so don't worry. Look closely, are there large cracks and lots of them? Are there areas that have lifted or dropped significantly from the soil settling? In these instances it is not usually feasible to resurface the concrete. It is not difficult to assess yourself but if you are still not sure, you can contact a concrete professional to have a look for you.
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 - Creative patterns can be on a concrete area using cardboard stencils. This is done by placing the stencil on an existing slab of concrete and then a thin concrete overlay is applied over it. The overlay can be applied either by troweling it on, spraying it on using a hopper gun. When the stencil is lifted the areas underneath the stencil are left unaffected leaving a pattern that may look like brick tile or stone depending on the stencil chosen.
Decorative Concrete Saw Cutting - An option with rowing poularity, diamond saws are used to cut designs into your concrete. These shapes can be as simple as a large tile or more intricate geometric shapes even logos. Other colors or stains can then be applied afterwards to add more contrast.
Engraving or Etching - Very similar to saw cutting. Etching tools are used to etch designs and images into the concrete surface. Like saw cutting, the designs can be stained or colored after the etching process.
As pointed out above, take the time to check that your concrete slab is suitable. Once you have done that you can see the many concrete resurfacing possibilities now available to you. With a little bit of knowledge and inspiration you may be able to turn your concrete into the focal point of your home.
Looking to resurface your concrete, then visit Concrete Resurfacing DIY to find the best advice and download your free guide to concrete stain removal at Concrete Resurfacing DIY
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