Concrete Driveway Resurfacing Guide

Learn how resurfacing can give your existing concrete driveway a brand-new look
By Justine Guidry

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Driveway Overlay, Driveway Resurfacing
Concrete Driveways
Texas Diamondback Concrete Resurfacing - DEAD
Shallowater, TX

Driveway resurfaced by Texas Diamondback Concrete Resurfacing in Lubbock, Texas.

Concrete driveway resurfacing is a great solution for improving your home’s curb appeal. Whether your driveway is cracked, discolored, dated or damaged, a coating or overlay can be used to transform its appearance.

Find concrete driveway contractors near me.

How can I make my concrete driveway look new again?

If sprucing up your concrete driveway is on your list of home improvement projects, consider resurfacing. Resurfacing is a great way to make your existing concrete surface look brand new. You can apply a coating directly to your concrete surface without having to rip anything out—saving time, hassle, and money. Coatings can be customized to fit your design needs, too.

How do you resurface a concrete driveway?

How to resurface cracked concrete with BRICKFORM Overlay
Time: 07:19
How to take an old driveway and resurface it using BRICKFORM SM Professional Grade micro-Topping.

Concrete driveway resurfacing (also called concrete driveway refinishing) is an involved process that requires the right tools and products. Here is a general overview.

Repair damage. If you have any cracks on your existing concrete surface, fix them with a sealer or filler.
Clean the surface. Remove all dirt, oil, and any other debris from the surface. Use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime. A thoroughly clean concrete surface will provide a better canvas for your concrete coating.
Prepare the surface. To make the surface porous, you need to grind, etch, or acid wash the concrete. This will allow the concrete overlay to bond better to your existing surface.
Mix your materials. Combine your overlay components to prepare for application. Add any grit additives or coloring agents.
Apply the coating. Spread the mixed overlay onto the area using a trowel. Allow the coating to dry. After applying the concrete coating, it usually takes at least 24 hours for it to dry, but always consult the product label to be sure.
Seal the surface. After waiting the appropriate amount of time, seal the surface. This protective coating will keep your driveway looking its best.

Can I resurface my concrete driveway myself?

While it’s possible to resurface your concrete driveway yourself, it’s not a simple DIY to take lightly. Proper application is a must. If your coating isn’t applied correctly, you’ll have issues such as chipping or bubbling. Here are just a few of the common issues that arise during driveway resurfacing:

Inclement weather (rain, humidity, extremely hot, and extremely cold weather will interfere with the quality of your resurfacing job)
Improperly prepared surface (if your surface is not cleaned adequately, the concrete coating will not adhere as well)
Product not applied evenly. If you don’t have the right tools or work at the right speed, you may end up with splotches that look inconsistent with the rest of your surface.

Hiring a professional, reputable concrete resurfacer with experience in your area is your best bet. However, if you’d like to try to save money and do it yourself, be sure to watch tutorials and read product instructions carefully before beginning your project.

Can you resurface a damaged driveway?

You should never try to resurface a severely damaged driveway. A concrete coating will not last on a surface that isn’t viable. If your existing concrete slab has very large cracks, deep cracks, or has areas that are severely uneven you may need to have it demolished and start from scratch. It’s best to consult with an experienced concrete contractor who can look at your property and give you a professional opinion.

Learn More: 7 Signs You Need Driveway Replacement

If you have minor damage such as small cracks or insignificant chipping around expansion joints, it is likely that you can have your driveway repaired and then resurfaced. Before embarking on a resurfacing project, it would be wise to have your damage inspected by a professional contractor.

How much does it cost to resurface a concrete driveway?

The average cost of a concrete driveway overlay ranges from about $3 to $20 per square foot, but that can vary depending on several things such as:

Condition of your existing surface
Additives you want to include
How many colors you choose
Design work involved

See more about cost here.

Concrete Driveways
Salzano Custom Concrete
Aldie, VA

Salzano Custom Concrete in Aldie, VA, resurfaced this driveway to create the look of faux flagstone.

What can you coat a concrete driveway with?

For a high-traffic area that needs to withstand the weight of vehicles and possibly a lot of foot traffic, it’s important to select a coating that creates a durable layer of protection. Simultaneously, homeowners want a coating that is easy to clean and beautiful.

Here are some qualities to look for in a concrete coating for your driveway:

Abrasion resistant
Decorative options that meet the needs of your design
Ease of application
Fast curing
Good adhesion
Low in harmful VOCs

Is epoxy good for driveways?

If you’re considering an epoxy driveway, it’s probably because you’ve heard about their durability. While epoxy floors are great for indoor spaces such as garages, they are less desirable for driveways for several reasons, such as:

Longer curing time. Epoxy coatings require longer curing times than concrete coatings. This can create a problem, as it’s nearly impossible to control dust and debris from landing on your driveway. If you get unexpected rainfall, that will affect the quality of your epoxy driveway.
Loss of adhesion when moisture is present. An epoxy coating does best when applied in a controlled, covered environment which isn’t possible with a driveway.
Tendency to yellow when exposed to UV light. Unless your driveway is covered, the effects of UV rays will negatively impact your driveway over time.

Are there other ways to make my driveway look better?

If resurfacing isn’t quite what you need, here are some other options to improve the look of your concrete driveway:

Give it a deep clean. Power washing and scrubbing your driveway surface with concrete cleaner that’s formulated for the surface is a great way to refresh the look of your concrete.
Fix damage. If your driveway has minor damage such as cracks or small chips, repair those spots to improve the overall look of your driveway.
Color your concrete. Staining your concrete driveway is a great way to update the look of your driveway without having to go through the resurfacing process.