Concrete Resurfacing DIY Project Guide – Dos and Don’ts

Starting Your Project

Driveway resurfacing is one of many DIY projects that can improve the curb appeal of your home, protect your property value, and keep your entries and exits smooth and easy.

Although traditional asphalt and concrete driveways are too challenging, or impossible, to do yourself, you have other options with stamped concrete and concrete stain. Not only are these driveway resurfacing projects easier to do on your own, but they also provide a unique look that you can customize.

Chapter 1

Driveway Resurfacing Options

When weeds start to poke through the cracks in your driveway, it might be time to think about resurfacing it. Cracks naturally happen in asphalt and concrete driveways as changing temperatures cause the surface to expand and contract over the years. These cracks don’t look great, and if left alone, they will eventually make the surface of your driveway bumpy and uneven. 

You have several options when those cracks inevitably appear: Leave them alone, repair them, or resurface the driveway. If you choose to go the driveway resurfacing route, you have another decision to make about the type of surface. Of course, each alternative comes with pros and cons, so think about all of your options before you call in a pro to do it for you.

Asphalt and concrete

If you have an existing asphalt or concrete driveway, the natural response might be to repair the cracks. Unfortunately, the repairs are often visually obvious, making the driveway appear less consistent. You could also choose to resurface it with the same type of material. However, if you go this route, it will eventually crack and need to be repaired or replaced again in the future. 

On the plus side, the installation cost is relatively low, but on the other hand, this isn’t a DIY project for the average person, which means you’ll have the expense of hiring professionals to do most or all of the work. Additionally, because the surface will eventually need to be repaired or replaced again, the long-term costs can actually be higher than with other options.

Most installations typically require a three- to five-day curing period, which means your driveway could be out of commission for almost a week. Depending on the neighborhood, how many cars you have, and your parking options, this could be quite disruptive. 

Concrete resurfacing and stencilling

This type of surface is created by stenciling textures into a concrete overlay that can be applied on your own. The concrete stencils can look like pavers, natural slate, wood, seashells, and cobblestones, giving you many more options than with traditional asphalt and concrete. 

Colors can also be integrated into the concrete overlay itself, but it’s important to know that if one section has to be replaced in the future, it can be difficult to get the colors to match. Stencilled concrete can also be stained, which is a better approach for future color matching.

Steniclled concrete offers the benefits of high compressive strength, a slip-resistant surface, and resistance to freezing and thawing. It also has a relatively short curing period and could be ready for foot traffic within just a couple of hours. 

Staining existing concrete

If your existing driveway is in good shape and you just want a change, you can transform dull, gray concrete into a more striking colored finish. This approach is more cost-effective than fully resurfacing the driveway, especially if there is no damage. Concrete stain can be applied in just two days, elevating the look of your driveway with a minimal investment of time and money, making it a great solution for quickly boosting your curb appeal.

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Chapter 2

The Driveway Resurfacing Process

If you decide to go the DIY route, applying stamped concrete and staining the existing surface are the two most accessible options, and Duraamen offers attractive solutions for both. 

Resurfacing and customizing

One of the best Duraamen DIY products for exterior surfaces such as driveways, patios, and decks is Uberdek. This single-component product is easy to mix because all you have to do is add water—no measuring multiple components. The finished surface is naturally slip-resistant, and you can add a top coat if you want it to be even more textured.

Start by cleaning the driveway so that it is free of loose debris, oil, paint, or any other contaminants that could affect the bonding between the concrete and the new surface. This might require pressure washing, depending on the condition of your existing driveway. Allow sufficient time for the surface to dry before application. If the driveway has any cracks, repair them with a cement-based patching compound and allow sufficient time for curing.

When the surface is ready, mix the product with the recommended amount of water, pour it on, and spread with a squeegee or trowel to create an even surface. At this point, you can either allow the surface to cure or apply stamps to create the desired look. A water-based sealer can also be applied after a few hours.

After you apply Uberdek, it is typically safe to walk on the surface within a couple of hours, and you can drive on it after eight hours, making it a DIY driveway resurfacing project that can be completed in a single day. 

Concrete stain

If your existing driveway is in good condition and you just want to spruce up the color, Pellucid Dye, which is solvent-based, and Aquacolor, which is water-based, are both good options. Unlike paint, both Pellucid Dye and Aquacolor allow you to create color patterns that will not chip, peel, or crack. They are also UV-resistant, so they don’t fade. Both products require a clean, dry surface prior to application.  

Pellucid Dye, which comes in 20 colors that can also be combined, is applied using an acetone sprayer and typically dries in about 15 minutes. Mix the product with the recommended amount of acetone and apply it in even circles to achieve a uniform look. A spray-on sealer can be applied after the product has dried. The curing time then depends on the sealer used. 

Aquacolor is available in 19 colors that can also be mixed or applied in various concentrations to create a subtle color wash or deep, brilliant hues. Mix the product with water, depending on the depth of color you desire, and apply it with a garden pump sprayer or high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer. Create a unique look by applying multiple colors or using a texture roller or sponge. Apply a sealer for maximum longevity.

Chapter 3

Driveway Resurfacing Timelines

If time is of the essence, the driveway resurfacing method you choose makes a significant difference. Resurfacing with concrete or asphalt typically takes 3-5 days, not including the time required to schedule a professional installer. Depending on the product you choose, the stamped concrete curing process could take 2-24 hours for light foot traffic, and eight hours to five days for full use. Pavers are usable immediately after installation, but they could take longer if a stain or sealer is applied. Concrete stain can be ready in as little as a single day, depending on the type of sealer used after the stain has been applied.

Chapter 4

DIY Driveway with Duraamen

If you want an economical driveway resurfacing solution that also looks great, consider one of Duraamen’s solutions. Whether you need to patch cracks and resurface the entire driveway or just need to spray on some Aquacolor to create a unique style, our DIY products allow you to get the look you want without breaking the bank.

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