Content

• Steps
• Tips
• What do you need

Over time, concrete hardens and becomes less porous. Strengthening can cause defects. In addition, concrete can sink into the ground. Hardening or immersion can make the concrete slab uneven and in this case water can accumulate on the concrete. A common method to address this issue is to add an extra layer of concrete over the existing surface. If you're faced with an uneven patio, road, or sidewalk, you can learn how to add a layer of new concrete to an existing layer. For a small area, you can use a thinner layer. Complete restoration of concrete requires a thicker coating.

Steps

1. 1 Select a concrete mix with the correct aggregate. A suitable additive is usually sand or stone, which is added to the cement mix to make it cheaper. For a very thin layer, you should choose a fine aggregate. Larger additives cannot be used in a thin layer.
2. 2 Prepare existing concrete. To prepare existing concrete, clean and sand it before starting any other steps. You can use chemicals to do these things at the same time.
3. 3 Saturate the existing surface. Soak the existing concrete in the mortar to prevent it from absorbing liquid from the new concrete. Failure to follow this step can poorly bond new concrete and existing concrete.
4. 4 Prepare concrete. Make less concrete than the package says. The viscosity will be similar to the paint. Use a hard brush to apply it to the existing concrete. This step is not required, but it will help create a closer bond between new and existing concrete. Do not allow this slurry to dry out before applying new concrete.
5. 5 Prepare new concrete. Mix concrete according to package directions. If using regular concrete, add some binder to help the old and new concrete bond. If you are using a concrete repair mortar, do not add a binder.
6. 6 Apply the first coat of new concrete. Pour the concrete mixture to a level just below what you want to get. Do not use a spatula at this stage. A roughened surface will help grip.
7. 7 Wait a few hours for the concrete to harden. You can proceed to the next step when the first layer of the poured concrete has hardened.
8. 8 Mix the concrete for the second pour according to the instructions on the package. Add a specific binder if necessary.
9. 9 Pour out the last layer. Use a trowel to spread the concrete evenly. To make the surface smooth and even, you have to be very careful.
10. 10 Protect the work done. Cover new layers of concrete with a plastic sheet or spray with fixer. The longer the hardening process, the more seriously it will be necessary to tackle the finishing of the finished concrete.

Tips

• Concrete work is best done on cool, but not cold, dry, cloudy days. At times when this is not always possible, try to choose cooler, cloudy days for your work.

What do you need

• Concrete mix
• Binder for concrete
• Chemical reagent for the surface of existing concrete
• Mixing wheelbarrow or bucket
• Master OK
• Fixer
• Hard brush