Concrete Patching Compound

Printable Patching Compound How-To Guide

Step 1: Preparation

• Cover areas at risk of over-spray with plastic drop cloth.
• Newly poured concrete must cure for 30 days before application.
• For existing concrete:
  • Remove paint or previously applied sealer using Soy Gel Stripper.
  • Remove carpet glue or other adhesives using Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover.
  • Remove any oils, dirt, debris, Soy Gel Stripper, or Bean-E-Doo® Mastic Remover using scrub brush and ProClean Degreaser™.
• Verify absorption by pouring a cup of water in various areas. If not absorbed within five minutes, etch surface with CitrusEtch™.

Step 2: Application

Coverage rate is approximately 75 square feet per 50-pound box when applying a skim coat (thin coat). Coverage rates may vary based on concrete texture, surface porosity, and application method.

NOTE: When applying on surfaces over 90 °F (32 °C) use ice-cold water when mixing Patching Compound to increase working time.

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

Mixing:

• Pour 4.5 - 5 quarts (4.3 - 4.7 liters) of water into a clean 5-gallon bucket.
  • If using Concrete Pigment, mix into bucket until thoroughly blended (otherwise streaking will occur).
• Slowly pour 50-pounds of Patching Compound into bucket while continuously mixing with a drill mixer.
  • Use a birdcage or double box mixer attachment.
  • Mix for at least three minutes to make sure water and Patching Compound have thoroughly combined.
• Patching Compound must be applied within 30 minutes (otherwise product hardens and cannot be used).

Repair:

• Carpet Tack Holes & Divots:
  • Mix a small batch of Patching Compound and pour enough to have a little material spillover.
  • Trowel Patching Compound flush with concrete surface.
  • Let cure for at least six hours.
  • Once cured, sand any overage away with 80 grit sandpaper.
  • Sand down flush with 120 grit sandpaper.
  • Vacuum up the debris with a shop vac.
  • Wipe any remaining residue up with a damp towel.
  • Allow to cure for 11-24 hours before proceeding with Overlay application.

• Hairline Cracks:
  • Using a leaf blower or air compressor, blow out all cracks of dirt and debris.
  • Spread out dry Patching Compound powder along the cracks.
  • Use a broom to pack dry powder into the cracks and sweep up excess powder.
  • Using a pump-up sprayer, saturate the cracks with water.

Pro Tips:

• Let cure for at least six hours to allow the moisture to evaporate.
• Proceed with Overlay application.
• If using integral pigments in your mixture, you must measure your Patching Compound, pigment, and water quantities to be the same every mix; otherwise, you will have color variations across your project.

Cleanup:

• Clean tools and supplies using ProClean Degreaser™ and warm water before Patching Compound has cured.
• Clean tools and supplies with mechanical sanding or a concrete dissolver after Patching Compound has cured.

Tools & Supplies:

• Pump-up sprayer
• Scrub brush, cotton mop, or low-speed floor buffer with brush attachment
• Wet-dry vac or mop bucket
• Squeegee trowel
• Plastic drop cloth

Disclaimer: Direct Colors does not warranty or guarantee results (outcomes). Concrete variations or improper application may cause unintended results. Test product on an inconspicuous or small area and allow to fully cure to ensure compatibility and desired result.