Concrete Overlay

Resurface-It™ Concrete Overlay How-To Guide

Safety Precautions

Caution: May be harmful if swallowed or ingested. Contact with skin can cause mild irritation. Avoid contact with eyes.

Disclaimer: Direct Colors does not warranty or guarantee results. Variations in concrete or improper application may result in unintended outcomes. Always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area and allow it to fully cure to ensure compatibility and desired results.

Step 1: Preparation

General Precautions:

• Cover areas at risk of over-spray using a plastic drop cloth.
• Ensure newly poured concrete has cured for 15 days before application.

For Existing Concrete:

• Remove paint or previous sealers with Soy Gel Stripper.
• Eliminate carpet glue or other adhesives with Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover.
• Clean off any oils, dirt, remnants of Soy Gel Stripper, or Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover using a scrub brush or floor scrubber paired with ProClean Degreaser™.
• Test absorption by pouring water in different areas. If it doesn’t absorb within five minutes, etch the surface using CitrusEtch™. If you use CitrusEtch™, neutralize with ProClean Neutralizer™ and rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Mixing

• Select either a birdcage mixer or a double-box mixer for the mixing process.
  
• For the standard 40-pound batch, start by pouring 3.5 to 4 quarts of water into a clean five-gallon bucket. For the smaller 2.5-pound batch, use 1 cup (8 ounces) of water instead.
• If pigment is part of your mix, thoroughly blend it with the water before adding  Resurface-It™ Concrete Overlay. Make sure to reach the bottom edges of the bucket with the mixer to incorporate any pigment that has settled.
• Gradually add the Resurface-It™ Concrete Overlay to the bucket, mixing continuously until you achieve a uniform and thoroughly combined mixture.

Step 3: Application

Coverage Estimates: 

• 40-pound box: ~80 sq ft at 1/16th inch skim coat.
• 2.5-pound box: ~5 sq ft at 1/16th inch skim coat. Adjustments might be needed depending on surface condition.

1. Begin at the furthest point and pour ¼ to ½ of the mixed bucket onto the surface.
2. With a 12” or 18” squeegee trowel, exert consistent pressure and pull the overlay toward you, spreading a thin skim coat.
3. Always maintain a wet edge during application.
• If pausing, do so at control joints or transition areas, like door frames, to prevent dry lines.
4. Pour additional Concrete Overlay as needed and continue spreading with the squeegee trowel until the area is covered.
5. Note that the overlay dries quicker in hotter and/or windy conditions.

Pro Tips:

• Mix using ice-cold water for extended working time.
• Moisten the surface with water before application. Wipe away any excess water.
• Wear spiked shoes for unrestricted movement without disturbing the fresh overlay.
• For uniform coloration with pigments, maintain a steady mix design. Measure out each component—Resurface-It™, pigment, and water—precisely.
• Have a second person mix subsequent batches while you apply for efficiency.