Are you wondering how to make old concrete look better? Concrete is a popular choice for concrete driveway, patios, pavers, and sidewalks because it is durable and easy to maintain. However, even the strongest materials, can become stained, faded, and cracked, and your concrete will look a little worse for wear.
If you have old concrete that you want to spruce up, you can take a few simple steps. This blog post will show you how to make old concrete look better in 7 simple steps.
7 Ways to Make Old Concrete Look Better
1. Power Washing
Over time, even the most well-constructed concrete can show signs of wear and tear. Concrete stain, cracks, and other damage can make your concrete look old and dingy, and in some cases, extensive repairs may be necessary. However, in many cases, a simple power washing can make the old concrete look better.
Power washing uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other build-ups from the surface of the concrete. In addition, power washing can also remove old sealants and paints, allowing you to start with a clean slate. Thus, power washing is an efficient way to enhance the concrete’s appearance.
2. Resurfacing
Resurfacing involves adding a concrete new layer over the old one. This layer can be stamped, colored, or textured to give a fantastic look on your concrete.
In addition, resurfacing can also fill in cracks and other damage on the surface of the concrete. Fortunately, there are several ways to resurface concrete and give it a fresh new look, and here are some of them:
Pebble Coating
Pebble coating or River Rock Pebble coating, also known as river rock resurfacing, is a popular way to update the look of your home’s exterior. This concrete coating is made from small, smooth pebbles applied over an existing concrete surface. Pebble coatings can be used on various surfaces, including driveways, patios, and walkways.
Thanks to the wide range of colors and styles available, it’s easy to find a pebble coating that compliments your home’s existing design. In addition to its visual appeal, pebble coatings are durable and easy to maintain. When properly cared for, a pebble coating can last for many years.
Spray on Coating
You might want to try a DIY spray-on coating when resurfacing your concrete. However, before starting spraying, you must understand few things.
First of all, while spray-on coatings can be an effective way to concrete resurfacing, they are not always the best option. A spray-on coating may not provide enough coverage if your concrete is heavily damaged or has large cracks.
If you decide to go ahead with a spray-on coating, here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Ensure the concrete surface is dry and clean before spraying. Any dirt or debris will prevent the coating from adhering properly.
- Use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want coating.
- Use light, even strokes when spraying the coating onto the surface. Avoid putting on too much material, which can cause runs and drips.
- Let it dry completely before adding other items or any furniture.
Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coatings are a great way to resurface concrete that has become damaged or stained over time. The epoxy creates a protective layer that is resistant to wear and tear and can also help fill in cracks and holes.
Epoxy coatings can be applied to indoor and outdoor concrete surfaces, and they come in various colors and finishes. In addition, epoxy coatings can help extend the concrete’s life by protecting it from the elements.
As a result, epoxy coatings are an ideal solution for anyone looking to improve the appearance of their concrete surfaces.
Broom Finish
Broom finishing is a relatively simple process, and it can give your concrete patio a whole new look. Plus, it’s a great way to add traction, which can be important if your patio gets wet. Here are the things to know when undertaking broom finish on your concrete:
- It’s crucial to select a suitable broom type.
- You’ll need to sweep in the same direction to avoid creating patterns in the finish.
- You may need to apply several coats of sealer to protect the finish from stains and weather damage.
Cool Deck Finish
Resurfacing your concrete with a cool deck finish is an easy way to give your patio or pool area a facelift. Not only does it add a fresh, new look, but it also helps to reflect heat and keep your surface cooler. Resurfacing with a cool deck finish is a relatively simple process.
- First, the old surface is cleaned and repaired as needed.
- Then, a base coat is applied and allowed to dry.
- Once the base coat is dry, the cool deck finish is applied in a thin layer.
- Finally, any stencils or designs are added before the finish dries.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to breathe new life into your concrete surfaces, resurfacing with a cool deck finish is the way to go.
Topically or Integral Applied Color
Applying color to concrete is an easy and effective way to resurface an existing concrete slab. There are two main ways to apply color to concrete: topically or integrally.
Topically applied color is applied as a coating on the surface of the concrete, while integrally applied color is mixed into the concrete during the mixing process. Every method has its pros and cons, so deciding the suitable process for your concrete project is important.
Topically applied color is generally less expensive and easier to apply than integrally applied color, but it may not last as long. Integrally applied color is more durable and longer lasting, but it can be more expensive and difficult to apply.
Hand Carved or Stenciled Pattern Designs
Another way to resurface concrete is to add a hand-carved or stenciled pattern design. It can give the concrete a new lease on life and add an element of visual interest. Carved patterns can be created using special carving tools, while stenciled patterns can be made with stencils and paint.
Either way, resurfacing concrete with a hand-carved or stenciled pattern design is a great way to add style and character to any space.
No matter what method you choose, resurfacing concrete is another inexpensive way to give any property a facelift.
3. Stained Concrete
You can use this process to improve the old concrete or provide a fresh look to the new concrete. Stained concrete is a popular option for both indoor and outdoor applications. It can be used on driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more.
The staining process involves adding a colorant to the concrete to give it a new look. Here’s how it works: Clean the concrete before placing the primer. Next, a base color is applied, followed by the desired finish color.
The result is a beautiful, richly colored surface that will last for years. In addition to the three methods mentioned above, there are a few other ways to revive your old concrete and make it look better.
4. Painting
Painting is a quick and easy way to give concrete a fresh look. Just remember that preparation is key; if you don’t properly clean and prep the surface before painting, the paint won’t adhere properly and will start to chip and peel soon after application.
Once you’ve prepped the concrete, you can choose from a wide variety of coatings, from textured finishes that mimic stone or brick to solid colors that give the surface a whole new look.
With a bit of elbow grease and a few cans of paint, you can transform any drab concrete surface into a thing of beauty.
5. Engrave Designs
Engraving concrete is a great way to add interest and individuality to an otherwise plain surface. By carving into the concrete, you can create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs.
For example, you can engrave lines to delineate walkways or paths. Or, you can carve out flower beds or other garden features.
In addition, engraving can also be used to repair damaged concrete. By filling in cracks and chips with engravings, you can help to camouflage the imperfections and give the concrete a more finished look.
6. Use Aggregate
A major concrete component is an aggregate, a mix of sand, gravel, and rocks. The aggregate type you utilized can greatly impact the look of your concrete. For example, combining different sizes and aggregate shapes can provide a natural look to the concrete. Adding color to the aggregate can also create a more attractive finish.
If you’re not happy with the appearance of your old concrete, you can use aggregate to give it a new lease on life. You can dramatically improve the look of your patio or sidewalk by adding a new top layer of concrete with colored aggregate. And best of all, this is a project that any homeowner can tackle in just a weekend.
7. Add Decorative Overlay
The decorative overlay can be applied both internally and externally within concrete surfaces. They are typically made from cement, sand, and water and can be tinted to match your existing décor.
Once the overlay has been applied, you’ll need to secure your concrete from foot traffic and inclement weather until it has had time to cure.
Final Words
Since concrete is such a durable material, it often outlasts things built on top of it. If you have old concrete that you want to spruce up, you can take a few simple steps to make it look better. Following these 7 tips you can restore your concrete surfaces to their original beauty.