Concrete driveway coatings/resto
 

Anybody have experience with concrete driveway finishes/stains/resto treatments?

Our driveway is physically in pretty good shape -- approx 11-12 yrs old -- so certainly not worth repouring or replacing completely w/ pavers or such; however, it is cosmetically a bit challenged with stains and blemishes that I can't get off with a power washer. (At least my fairly wimpy one.)

I wouldn't go with anything garish, but if there is a way to give it more of a consistent and less...'concretey'...look, that would be cool, assuming it would be durable and low maintenance.

The worst portion is actually the (short) walkway to the front door, so I guess I could just just have the driveway professionally cleaned/patched/sealed and then maybe do the walkway in pavers.

Thanks,

Re: Concrete driveway coatings/resto
 

Have you tried trisodium phosphate and very hot water for any oil stains? How about phosphoric acid for rust and other discoloration?

We used hydrochloric acid (aka Muriatic Acid) and a stiff-bristled brush, followed by a good rinse with a power washer and our driveway looks new again. You might want to try this, just be careful and put tarps down to protect grass and shrubs and wear protective eye and skin gear.

Acid leaves the surface more porous and make it even harder to clean. To lift out oily stains I wet the whole surface when there is no direct sun. I then scrub in lacquer thinner and then hit it with the PW or a jet stream aout of the hose. Usually turns out nice and grey when dry.

If you coat it with something, make sure it's a stain or penetrating sealer. Or both. don't use anything that will coat the surface and make it shiney. NO paint. Water will get underneath and lift it. All of that stuff is for interior. Besides, it can become very slippery when wet or oily.

I want to experiment with concrete staining in patterns. Haven't had the time, but the look is great. You can use masking tape to make a tiled effect. I think you can even get a grey stain as a base to make a uniform background.

Let us know what you do and post some pics.

Zeke,

If you're looking for some wild patterns in your "colored" cement, try crumbling some corn chips all over it, after you stain it. Saw this on one of those weekend home improvement shows. Apparently, somthing to do with the salt or acid in the chips causes a reaction with the stain which results in a rather unique appearance.

Randy

Re: Re: Concrete driveway coatings/resto
 

I've used TSP before, for other tasks, but in this case the spots are mainly 'rust' and other misc. stuff but not much oil. I suspect the acid wash would be the ticket to get the concrete back to consistent white/grey, which I suppose would be fine as then I could just do the small entryway section with something fancier.

I forgot to mention also that the back hard deck is also in need. It was done around '95 in that 'old school' red color, which has now degraded to a splotchy pinkish tone that I am not fond of at all.

The concrete around the pool is fancier w/ some texture and there's brick and flagstone work so I do not plan to mess with that area at all.

Thanks for the ideas so far. This is not a rush project but I'll do some research and hopefully tackle it before summer.