Hi Want to improve the looks of your patio, sidewalk or driveway and help protect it from the ravages of weather? Here's the way to do it.
Cleaning Concrete Steps: 1. Rent a portable power washer from your local tool rental center or home improvement center. These come in either electric- or gasoline-powered models that use a home garden hose as a water source and use a spray wand like a car wash to deliver a stream of pressurized water. 2. Wet the concrete to be cleaned, and then apply the cleaning product of your choice according to the directions. These chemical products help to strip off grease, oil and dirt, and some actually help to bleach and brighten the appearance of the concrete. A solution of 50% bleach and 50% water makes a pretty good, inexpensive cleaner. 3. Use a long-handled scrub brush to maximize cleaning potential as the cleaner is applied. 4. Rinse the concrete thoroughly with the power washer. Make sure to remove all the solution and any loose debris from the concrete. 5. Allow the slab to dry completely. Sealing Concrete Steps: 1. Find the total surface area you will be sealing by measuring its length and width and multiplying these figures. Take the numbers with you to the home improvement center, lumberyard or hardware store when you buy sealer. 2. Purchase concrete sealer premixed in one-gallon or larger containers. It is made to be rolled on with a roller assembly. 3. Apply thin, even coats of the sealer. It is better to put on two lighter coats that will dry evenly than one heavy, blotchy coat. 4. Allow the sealer to dry completely before using the treated area. The newly available brush-on resurfacers restore a like-new appearance to walks, drives and patios. Often they're the only way to disguise a repaired concrete surface, such as porch steps. Steps: 1. Make any required repairs to large cracks, broken corners, steps or similar concrete damage (see How to Fix Cracked or Damaged Concrete). 2. Cut back any grass or plants along a walk or driveway you're resurfacing, and press foam backer rods into expansion joints so you won't end up filling them with resurfacer. 3. Pretreat stains, which can interfere with bonding, using muriatic acid. Dilute the acid in a plastic pail or spray bottle by adding 1 part of 20 percent acid to 4 parts water (see Warning). Carefully apply the acid solution to the affected areas using a brush or spray bottle. Allow it to work for a few minutes, then hose it off. 4. Wash surfaces from the center outward. Use a hose and nozzle or (better) a pressure washer, which you can rent. 5. Use a shop vacuum to clear loose material out of cracks. Don't blow it out or you'll contaminate the surfaces you just cleaned. 6. After you've gathered your tools, soak the surface with water and brush off any standing water. 7. Mix the resurfacer with water as directed, using a 1/2-inch (12-mm) drill with a paddle mixer. 8. Level depressions and fill small cracks. Allow these repairs to dry before coating the entire surface. 9. On horizontal surfaces, apply resurfacer with a trowel on small areas, such as stair treads, or with a wide squeegee on large areas, such as walks. For vertical surfaces, such as stair risers, mix the material with slightly more water and apply it with a plaster brush. Have containers of water available so you can quickly rinse off trowels and brooms between uses. Work in manageable sections. Proper application techniques take some practice, and the material sets up quickly (in about 20 minutes). 10. Finish and texture the material as you apply it. For a smooth surface, use a steel trowel in a circular pattern. For a slightly rougher texture, use a wood float, which you can make by putting a handle on a block of wood that has slightly rounded corners. For the very rough finish typical of sidewalks, draw a stiff broom or brush across the surface. Overall Tips: Use liquid-concrete colorant as directed to color the resurfacer. Overall Warnings: Muriatic acid is highly corrosive. Read the warning label carefully. Wear goggles and rubber gloves, and never add the water to the acid. It will spatter like water added to hot fat. Wear work gloves, knee pads and other protective clothing as needed. 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