Resealing Concrete, Decorative & Resurfaced. How Too DIY



Posted: Saturday, November 10, 2007

by Suzanne Colangelo
Supreme Resurfacing Systems

Most people agree that decorative or resurfaced concrete both look fantastic and can greatly improve the overall ambiance and value of your property. And a professional makeover can cost many thousands of dollars. So it is a wise move to maintain and protect the surface of your decorative concrete.
 
After the initial application by your paving professional the only maintenance involved is annual top up coats for vehicular traffic and every 18 months for areas prone to foot traffic or covered areas.

 Two reasons other than the extra wear and tear from vehicles that driveways need to be re topped every 12 months is in the summer months extremely hot tyres wear sealer quicker also the fact that most driveways are fully exposed to UV and direct sunlight.

 If your decorative concrete has not been resealed within 3 years of the last application then it would be advised to call a professional prior to attempting a DIY on concrete sealer.

                        Steps For DIY Concrete Resealing.                 

  1. Air blow surface to remove larger debris & to reduce overall water used in following steps.
  2. Go to the local hire shop and hire a 3000 psi or more pressure washer.
  3. Mix 2 liters of bleach too 3 liters of water, use a hard broom to assist in cleaning.
  4. Pressure wash area removing dirt, tyre marks, moss ECT.
  5. For decorative concrete finishes only. Use 60 % straight sealer and mix with 40% xylene solvent. (DO NOT DILUTE FOR RESURFACED CONCRETE)
  6. Apply first coat evenly Allow to dry 6-12 hours.
  7. Once fully dry apply second coat of undiluted sealer.
  8. Allow second coat to dry and stay off sealed area for 18 hours.
  9. Keep cars off sealed area for 72 hours minimum.

                            Tools Of The Trade

  1. Solvent proof broom or acrylic proof roller and extension pole.
  2. Solvent proof mixing drum (20 liters)
  3. Chemical Mask.
  4. Protective Clothing.
  5. Masking Tape and paper (some areas may need to be masked) 

                                Trade Tips

  1. Do not seal in high temperatures.
  2. Do not seal within 24 hours of rain.
  3. Do not seal in excessive wind as it may dump dust on fresh seal.
  4. Make sure there is no moisture on the concrete at all prior to sealing.

 You will be amazed to see as the first coat is penetrating the old seal and concrete the richness of your colour returning to your decorative concrete or resurfacing.

 Remember that your concrete driveway is the gateway to your home and im most cases the first impression people get of your home. So don’t go to the cost of  concrete or concrete resurfacing just to let the elements fade it.

 For any further tips or details on concrete resealing check out http://supremeresurfacing.com.au/index.php?p=1_10

 

Suzanne is the owner operator of Supreme Resurfacing Systems her goal is to publish good quality articles which are informative and explain in detail the processes involved in resurfacing concrete. For more info       http://supremeresurfacing.com.au

 

For FAQ on concrete resurfacing click http://supremeresurfacing.com.au/forum/index.php?board=2.0

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