How to Make New Concrete Look Old

There are numerous ways to rejuvenate old, worn-out concrete and make it look like new again. But what if you have the opposite problem and have new concrete that doesn’t match the color and texture of your existing concrete? Maybe you’ve recently replaced a section of concrete sidewalk or extended an existing driveway or patio. Can you create a seamless transition so you don’t have a mismatched appearance that ruins the curb appeal of your home?

Perfectly matching new concrete with old can be challenging due to variations in materials, concrete mixtures, and environmental conditions. Even if you power wash your old concrete to remove dirt and grime, it may still look different in color from the new slab. Don’t be discouraged. Strategies for achieving a more harmonious appearance range from artificial aging techniques to concrete staining and resurfacing.

Why is my new concrete a different color?

There are several reasons why your new concrete might be a different color from your existing concrete.

If the new concrete is mixed with different materials and proportions than the old concrete, it can look different. Even slight variations in the sand, cement, or aggregate can affect the final color. Adding different admixtures or colorants to the new concrete mix can also change the color (see Concrete Materials).

The amount of water used in the concrete mix matters too. A higher water-cement ratio can result in lighter concrete, while a lower water content can make it darker.

Your new concrete might also look different simply because it hasn't had a chance to age. Over time, weather, air pollution, and sunlight can change the appearance of concrete, causing it to fade or discolor.

How do you color match new and old concrete?

Using the same materials and proportions for both the new and old concrete is one of the best ways to ensure a good match. But if that’s not possible, there are several products and techniques you can use to help get old and new concrete to match. Always test your chosen method on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure you achieve the desired effect.

Concrete stains

Acid or water-based stains can be used on new and old concrete to help achieve better color uniformity. Acid-based stains react with the minerals in the concrete, creating a natural, variegated finish that looks aged. Water-based stains, on the other hand, offer more control over the color and can be easier to apply. When using either type of stain, you may need to mix two or more colors to achieve the desired shade.

Before

After

See how this transit station in Atlanta used Brickform's Refresh for color blending and correcting.

Integral color

You can also color the new concrete before pouring it. This is done by adding integral pigments to the mix. You might need to experiment with different shades until you replicate the color of the existing concrete. This method is great for large areas and provides long-lasting, fade-resistant color.

Tinted sealers

If you only need to make a subtle color change, applying a tinted sealer to the concrete can be a good solution. Some sealers come already tinted. You can also mix a tint concentrate into a clear sealer at the job site to match an existing color.

Concrete overlays

If all else fails, or you want to update your old concrete, apply a concrete overlay across both new and old surfaces. The overlay can be textured and colored to match the existing concrete or you can choose a whole new color scheme for the entire surface.

Can I distress concrete to make it look older?

Yes, it’s possible to distress new concrete to make it look older with artificial aging techniques, such as:

• Applying a diluted acid wash to etch the surface and give it a worn appearance
• Using an antiquing stain to darken the color and mimic natural weathering effects
• Lightly sandblasting the concrete to expose the aggregate and create a rough, weathered look

Before using any of these treatments, test them on a small section of concrete first to ensure you like the result. You can adjust the intensity of the distressing techniques until you achieve the desired aged appearance.

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Will weather naturally age new concrete to match older surfaces?

It may, but the process can take years and the results are unlikely to be uniform. Using artificial aging techniques can expedite the process and help achieve the color and texture of weathered concrete.

Do I need professional help to blend new and old concrete?

Blending new and old concrete can be tricky, especially if you're aiming for a seamless match. If you have a large area and the color difference is significant, a professional can use specialized techniques and materials to blend them seamlessly. For small patches or limited areas, you might be able to accomplish the blending yourself using some of the techniques described earlier.

Will new concrete ever match old?

It can come close, but consistency is key to achieving a uniform look. To minimize color differences, it’s best to use the same materials, mix proportions, and curing methods for both the new and old concrete.

You can also work with your concrete contractor to color match the new concrete with the old by adding an integral pigment to the concrete mix that closely matches the color of the existing concrete. In some cases, a combination of different pigments might be needed to achieve the desired shade.

Ask your contractor to create small test samples of concrete containing the selected pigments, and allow the samples to fully cure to see the final color. If necessary, you can adjust the pigment proportions and repeat the testing process until you achieve a close match.

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