10 Best Concrete Resurfacer Reviews 2023 – How To Apply?

A new patio or old garage floor? Both need to be restored with concrete resurfacer. 

You can make good use of concrete resurfacers when working on your house indoor and outdoor. 

You can find countless concrete resurfacers on the market, but you should first determine its use. Whether it be for splinters, concrete surfaces, wood, or to repair cracks or divots, they each serve a function. 

So, let’s take a look at 8 best concrete resurfacer reviews to help you decide which product is best for you.

What is Concrete Resurfacing?

A process that makes the old concrete look like new by the way of cleaning, repairing and adding a layer on the surface.

As you already know that replacing old concretes are expensive and need a lot of effort. Concrete resurfacing allows you to have the old surface repaired without spending much on replacement slabs and others.

Our 10 Best Concrete Resurfacer Reviews:

Here is our top 10 picks for the concrete resurfacing materials that you can use for giving old concrete surfaces a brand new look.

1. KILZ Over Armor Smooth Wood/Concrete Coating

A solid color coating that can bring your eroded wood or concrete back to life with just 2 coats. This roll on concrete resurfacer product is versatile, and you can also use it for concrete surfaces like pool decks, patios, and sidewalks. 

You can apply this concrete coating with one or many layers, depending on your needs. Usually, one coat is thick enough to resurface eroded wood and give old, weathered concrete, a new look. This coating has a consistency of mud, making it perfect for quick fixes. 

Due to its mud-like consistency, this coating takes rather long to set. After applying your first coat, you will have to wait 24 hours until reapplication. You might struggle with applying this coating with a brush as it takes a lot of effort. Also, due to its chunky consistency, it may not cover an area of 75 square per gallon, as stated on the product. 

This product will take you a solid 90 minutes to apply to an area of 45 square feet of concrete and a 4x3 deck of wood planks. Although it is quite thick, the Armor Coating is worth it and gets the job done. You can also make your life easier by using a roller instead of a brush, as it spreads easier. However, you will use more product.

This coating is ideal for concrete steps and wood that gets a lot of traffic because it is non-slip. Also, it gives a textured look, which makes it perfect for garage driveways and sidewalks. 

You can find the Armor Coating is three different colors: redwood, chocolate brown, and slate grey, making it suitable for dark wood and concrete. It’s also easy to clean and does not cause any drip or splattering.

KILZ is best for hiding imperfections. It works best on featheredge cracks or chips that appear due to regular use of the surface. Compared to DAP and Sakrete, it looks better as well when fully cured.

Product Overview

• 100% acrylic resin formula
• Textured, thick consistency
• Suited for concrete and wood surface imperfections
• Great for driveway resurfacing
• Easy clean, no-drip or splatter

2. 10466 Dap Concrete Resurfacer

A dry mix that you can use immediately by simply adding water, making it the right consistency that you need. 

It can seal small and large cracks and allows a lot of coverage. However, the consistency is very soft when applied to a ¼ inch crack, and your surface will remain soft and spongy for a few days after you repaired it. 

The 10466 Dap Patch and Resurfacer will only bond to a wet surface and is practically useless on a dry surface. 

For some, this product dried rock hard in less than 2 minutes. This all depends on the way that you mix the product and how much water you add. The humidity can also affect your resurfacer as it will dry much quicker in very hot, humid weather. 

You should ensure that the weather is appropriate so that you don’t end up wasting your product. 

This resurfacer works well for fixing small patches. To save on product, only mix enough resurfacer as needed. 

It has a grey color, which will not match well with areas that are white like patios. While the color is restrictive, it does create a nice smooth finish. 

For easier application, you can pour the resurfacer into a disposable, squeezable plastic bottle. This will allow you to fill in small cracks without having to struggle with a brush. Also, you can use a putty knife to even the product on the surface. 

Although it is intended for household use, this resurfacer has also been used to resurface a worn-down statue, making it look like new again. This product also bonds well to existing cement and holds up well in high traffic areas.

This one is best for resurfacing on chipped out surfaces where the old surface requires retouch or releveling. Its high quality bonding ensures longevity of the repair.

Product Overview

• Dry mix
• Dries quickly
• Creates a smooth finish
• Strong bonding properties removes surface imperfections

3. SAKRETE Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer Review

The best concrete resurfacer is the SAKRETE | Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer. It works well on large projects, like garage floors or concrete patio, while it can also be used for smaller surfaces.

While it works well and will seal or repair almost any surface, it’s important to follow the mixing instructions. Do not, by any means, deviate from the mixing instructions and use exactly the correct amount of water as instructed. If you add too much water, the mixture will end up dewy and soft. Also, use an electric drill or mix paddle. 

It contains a very firm mixture that can get heavy and stiff very quickly. If you are using a bucket to mix the resurfacer in, make sure that you dig deep into the bucket and scrape off the mixture on the sides to ensure proper consistency. 

This product gives a nice finish that matches a concrete poured pad, unlike other concrete resurfacers. It is grey; however, depending on your surface, this product may tend to turn white upon drying. 

You can use this product to resurface your front porch, fill small gaps and cracks, and also fill in between pebbles of old, weathered concrete. 

When you apply the mixture, use a sponge or swab to engage the material into the existing surface. It also helps to have an extra hand when working with this product on a large surface, because of its firm consistency, it takes a while to apply. 

After you’ve applied this product, you can use a wooden float to hand rub a natural finish, which adds a slight bit of texture. 

This product is very reactive to cold water, so ensure that when you store it, keep it away from water to avoid getting bubbled clumps of resurfacer in the bag. Overall, it’s a great product if you use it according to the instructions, without any deviation.

Unlike KILZ and DAP, this Sakrete Flocoat works great on cracks up to 1/2 inch deep and on featheredges as well. That's why it is a great pick for DIY jobs.

Product Overview

• Spreads easily
• Dries quickly
• Fills holes and cracks
• Suitable for small and large projects of surface renewal

4. Quikrete Fast-Setting Self Leveling Floor Surfacer

This product is self-leveling so that it can be used as an interior floor topping and underlayment. 

It produces a smooth surface, which makes it easy for you to install ceramic tiles, flooring, or other decorative finishes. 

You can use it indoors and outdoors, making it quite versatile. Industrial floors, new concrete floors, and existing floors with damaged finishes can easily be restored with the Quikrete Fast-Setting Self Leveling Floor Surfacer. 

While this product serves many functions which makes it flexible, it’s not as convenient as other ready to use resurfacers. You have to prepare it by mixing it with water. You can control the consistency of the mixture by adding more or less water, depending on how thick or thin you prefer the mixture to be. 

Leveling the floor in a shower, resurfacing old concrete or repairing holes and cracks, the Quikrete Self Leveling Floor Surfacer can fix many problems. 

Although it is called a fast-setting resurfacer, the recommended setting time is 4 hours. However, for some, this resurfacer sets quicker than 4 hours, depending on the kind of surface they use it on. So, prepare your working time according to this.

The mixture does not hold to dry concrete well, so ensure that you wet your concrete before applying the mixture. If you are using this mixture on a very reactive surface, then it will harden very quickly. You can prevent this by constantly adding one part water to the mixture. The cold water will not thin out the mixture, but instead, keep it at the proper consistency so that it is useable.

Since it is made of portland cement, sand, and other additives, it cures exactly like mortar and provide even color throughout the surface.

Product Overview

• Produces a smooth surface
• Versatile, for indoor and outdoor use
• Self-finishing interior floor topping and underlayment
• Recommended use for resurfacing existing concrete floors

5. TintCrete Thin Patch and Concrete Resurfacer Sealer Review

This product differs from all other concrete resurfacers in that it resembles old and new concrete, depending on the color you choose. 

The TintCrete Thin Patch and Concrete Resurfacer is available in four colors: beige (which resembles old concrete), charcoal, light grey (resembles new concrete), and red. 

You can use the beige color for patching up old concrete, while still maintaining the look of your concrete. For new concrete, you can use the grey color resurfacer. 

It’s a durable concrete resurfacer that you can use for driveways, sidewalks, balconies, parking garages, pitted concrete, and interior or exterior. 

It contains high-performance repair, and you can prepare the resurfacer by simply adding water. The consistency is quite firm, which makes it suitable to apply horizontally, vertically, or overhead. 

When you apply this product, you get a neat finish, which keeps your concrete repaired for a very long time. This product sets very quickly, and you only have to wait approximately 1 hour in between coats.

After you apply the TintCrete Thin Patch and Concrete Resurfacer, give it between 6-8 hours at 70 degrees Fahrenheit until it is ready for light traffic. For many people, this is a go-to product that serves as a quick fix and is long-lasting. 

Product Overview

• Sets in 1 hour
• Firm consistency in making thin repairs
• Available in 4 colors
• Recommended use for concrete
• Resembles old and new concrete

6. SAKRETE Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer

This product is when you have one primary task to repair and rejuvenate old concrete surfaces. It makes old, weathered concrete look like new again.

SAKRETE Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer contains a flowable material which makes it perfect for resurfacing large areas of concrete. 

It is easy to prepare; you add water to the dry mixture, and it is ready to use. Also, it’s easy to apply with a lightweight squeegee. 

When it comes to resurfacing concrete, preparation is essential. First, pressure-wash your concrete and remove any stains. Then, apply your concrete resurfacer to allow it to set. 

Many prefer using this product as it spreads on easily, making it suitable for adhesion and workability. Also, when you use this product, there is no need for leveling. 

It contains a modified polymer, which creates a superior bonding strength. 

You have to wait for 3 hours for the SAKRETE Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer to set and 24 hours until you can walk on the resurfaced concrete. 

Although 1-2 coats will get the job done, you can add more coats, according to your preference.

The product sets in a grey color, which makes it suitable for resurfacing concrete. 

You can also add a little bit of texture to the final coat by brushing it lightly with a broom while it is still wet. 

Product Overview

• Easy to apply, may require second coat
• Sets within 3 hours due to polymer modifiers
• Good adhesion and workability
• Recommended application is 1-2 coats

7. Flood/PPG Architectural FIN FLD922-01 Pro Gallon Resurfacer

If you are looking for a product that will take your old, weathered concrete from drab to fab, then we have just the right product for you. The Flood/PPG Architectural FIN FLD922-01 Pro Gallon Resurfacer can be used to improve the look of worn or weathered wood and concrete. 

You can also use this product to fill cracks and lock down splinters up to ¼ in width. 

Wood and concrete are prone to damage due to a number of factors, including the weather. However, this product gives your wood and concrete extra protection, with its weather-resistant finish. 

Another impressive feature of this product is that it is water repellent, so your wood and concrete will remain undamaged by water, once this resurfacer is applied. 

If you are worried about mold and algae damage, this resurfacer also takes care of that. It is mold and algae resistant. 

If you use two coats of this product, it acts as a primer, and you will still have a lot of product left. You can cover 75 square feet per gallon when you apply two coats of this resurfacer.

As it contains an easy-to-use consistency, it does not leave a mess and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. 

It’s so easy to use that you can apply this resurfacer lightly with a brush, and you can use a roller for a smoother finish. 

This product can also tint over 120 colors, which is why many people consider it as the top concrete resurfacer on the market. 

Product Overview

• Smooth texture
• Water-resistant
• Mold and algae resistant
• Able to tint over 120 colors
• Can be applied to worn wood or concrete

8. Bluestar Concrete Resurfacer

The Bluestar Concrete Resurfacer is the perfect product on the market if you are looking for a quick, hassle-free concrete fix for small areas. 

This special blend product is suited for small concrete areas like repairing chips and divots and filling in cracks and holes. 

It’s the perfect product for a beginner who doesn’t know their way around using a concrete resurfacer because this is ready to use product. You also don’t need any special tools to use this product. This will save you time and money having to mix through a thick, resurfacer mixture with specialized tools. 

It contains a well-mixed consistency which is not too thick or thin. Before you apply this product, uncap the pointed nozzle, and you are ready to go. 

The smooth, textured consistency also makes it spread easily, without any effort. 

With just 1 inch of this product, you can seal cracks while also preventing moisture from seeping in. Also, this product sets very fast. 

Although it’s easy to use and sets fast, this product is restrictive. It can only be used for small concrete areas, unlike other resurfacers. 

As it is mainly suited for use on concrete, it comes in two shades of grey. Make sure that you choose the right shade so that the repair work on your concrete surface does not stand out. 

While this product is considered good, some people experienced cracks returning after a month. So, before you decide to use this product, make sure you know that it might only provide a temporary fix that will need touching up in about a month. 

If you’re looking for a good concrete resurfacer on the market, you might be happier opting for a more versatile product. 

Product Overview

• Easy to apply
• Suited for beginners
• Glue-like consistency
• Suited for cracks in concrete

9. Quikrete 113147 Re-Cap Concrete Resurfacer Reviews

Another great quality concrete resurfacer re-cap from quikrete that can give your worn out driveway a finished look again.

While it is not the fastest drying resurfacer, it will be ready for foot traffic within 8 hours and vehicle traffic after 24 hours.

While it can be hard for the new user to get the perfect combination of resurfacer and water, once you get the point, it will come out good.

The quikrete 113147 re-cap resurfacer is made for giving a superior finish to your concrete driveway, patio or any other surfaces.

One great thing about this product is its bond. It becomes very hard when dried and won't come out of the new surface easily like your normal concrete top.

Product Overview

• Easy Application Process
• Great Bonding Capability
• Very Hard When Dried on Sound Concrete
• Can be Applied by Amateur
• Can be Difficult for the First Time Users

10. Ardex Feather Finish Self-Drying Cement Compound

Although this product is not a resurfacer, it works almost like concrete resurfacers and results are pretty good. Because of our readers' interest in its review, we have decided to include this in this article.

This cement product is only for using in the interior. As it is very sticky when mixed with water, it can be applied on almost any type of surfaces to hide scratches and small cracks and give the new surface a nice and smooth and decorative finish.

One great thing about this product can be applied with a common trowel and resists mold and mildew.

So, you can use this portland cement made product too in case you don't want to use fancy concrete resurfacers on your interior.

Product Overview

• Mold and Mildew Resistant
• Bonds to the Surface Hard
• Can be trowel applied on concrete patio and concrete slab
• Self-drying product, can be used to make concrete substrates

Sakrete Flo-Coat vs Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer

While there are some differences between sakrete flo-coat and the quikrete concrete resurfacer, you will see those differences are very marginal. There are hardly anything that can distinguish these products in terms of their quality, ease of use and setting time. Here is a quick head to head comparison table that can give you a better idea-

Making The Decision

Concrete resurfacers come in all forms and shapes. While some concrete resurfacers are more suited for large, outdoor projects, others are intended for smaller, indoor use.

If you want to rely on our recommendation, we'll recommend the Sakrete Flo-coat product for you. It has an impressive sealing ability and can repair almost any surface. 

Although you have to follow the mixing instructions very strictly, this resurfacer is of good quality and sets quickly. You can use this product to resurface your front porch, fill small gaps and cracks, and also fill in between pebbles of old, weathered concrete.

Best Concrete Resurfacers Buying Guide

Here in this guide, we will share with you the detailed process to pick the perfect material, as well as the process of application.

How To Resurface Concrete

Concrete resurfacing is an easy task when you know how to do it. You need to be patient when working on concrete and get the things that are needed to have your concrete resurfaced.

Here are the things you’ll need to resurface concrete-

• Respirator, Gloves and Safety Goggles
• Brush
• Chisel
• Concrete Cleaner
• Pressure Washer (optional)
• Drill and Paddle Mixer
• Long Handled Squeegee
• Water

1. Take Safety Precautions

When working with concrete and cementitious products, always wear safety goggles to prevent eyes from exposing to the dry concrete products and N95 mask to prevent inhalation. Use gloves when mixing the resurfacer and applying it.

2. Prepare the Surface

Surface preparation is an important task before opening the resurfacer pack. Surface preparation includes-

- Removing dust from the surface

Dust can harm the bonding of the concrete with the resurfacer. So, take a brush and clean all dust from the surface. If you see any loose concrete on the surface that is sticking to the surface with a tiny connection, remove that and patch the hole.

- Using Concrete Cleaner

After removing all visible dust from the surface, you need to use concrete cleaner to remove all remaining specks of dust that are not visible to the naked eye.

- Using Pressure Washer

Use a 3500 psi pressure washer to remove all kinds of excess remaining on the surface. Although you can start applying the concrete resurfacer after using the chemical cleaner, you should utilize the pressure washer if you have one.

3. Mix the Concrete Resurfacer

Now open the pack of the dry concrete resurfacer and mix it according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. You should see the instructions printed on the label of the product. If the pack comes in a bag, you need to get a hard plastic barrel to mix the things with luke-warm water.

Do not use your hand to mix the product, instead, use a drill and paddle mixer to thoroughly mix the resurfacer. Mix the solution for 5 minutes in best way possible before application.

4. Apply Concrete Resurfacer

Before applying, make sure you have divided the surface into sections. A section should be no longer than 144 square feet.

Since resurfacers dry up fast, you have to ensure dividing the old surface if the surface is longer than 150 square feet. You’ll get around 30 minutes to apply the resurfacer.

Simply, pour the mixed solution on the surface and use a long handle squeegee to spread it all over the surface. For consistent color and even spreading, do not stop spreading before a line is fully complete. See the video for a better understanding.

Note that concrete slabs are intentionally placed leaving a bit of space between them. Don't cover those expansion joints as this can lead to massive crack on the surface. And after application, you have more material in the barrel, utilize those to make crafts.

5. Give the Surface Rest

Allow the surface to dry out before you start using it. Generally, the new surface should be available for human traffic after 6 hours of the application and you can use the surface to drive your car after 24 hours. But you should confirm this by reading the printed instruction on the packaging. Drying time can vary depending on the materials used for making the resurfacer.

How to Choose Concrete Resurfacer?

Picking up the right resurfacer for concrete is a thing that we don’t do every day. That’s why it becomes confusing when we see hundreds of choices in the local hardware store or online. Here is a quick guide by which you can easily pick the right resurfacer to apply on concrete-

1. Easy to Use

Resurfacing materials that are easy to use are the most preferable than the others. When you are not a pro handyman, it is great to have products that do not require professional hands to apply. An easy to use product saves time and money. Thus you should look for the products that can be easily applied with minimal effort and time. A pre-mixed product or simple-to-mix product is what you should aim for.

2. Drying Time

How much time it takes the resurfacer to dry out is another factor that worth considering. You’ll see hundreds of resurfacing products in the market and very few of them dries fast. A 6 to 12 hour drying time is standard for concrete resurfacer. So, check whether your chosen one can dry within this time frame.

3. Temperature Tolerance

Whether the resurfacing material can tolerate a decent amount of temperature fluctuation is a question that you should ask the salesman. Since most of the concrete surfaces are built outdoor and kept open in both summer and winter, they should be able to withstand the heat that builds upon the surface in the summer and the cold in the winter.

A good resurfacer should come with a wide range of temperature tolerance. 50 to 100 Fahrenheit range is a minimum that you should look for.

4. Amount Needed

How much resurfacer do you need to restore the concrete surface in its previous shape is the last thing you should check before buying resurfacer for concrete. Different manufacturers use a different combination of the raw materials that cause the product to be thick or thinner. Comparatively, a thick product can resurface more surface than thinner material. But make sure not to get a too thick product for keeping the surface safe for further cracking.

Concrete Resurfacing Cost Per Square Meter

Concrete resurfacing costs depend on various things like the location of your house, the product you are using, decoration, etc.

While the price can vary slightly depending on the factors we have included above, it requires 30 to 50 USD to resurface a square meter of concrete.

If you want to know how much it costs resurfacing per square foot, then it is 3 to 5 USD per square feet for basic resurfacing.

In case you want some decoration or anything fancy on the surface, the cost will increase depending on the difficulty and additional tools and supply requirements.

Concrete Resurfacing Before and After

Resurfacing concrete can change the outlook of your house. Since there will be no cracks, scratches or inconsistent color on the surface, the overall aesthetics of your house will enhance quite a lot.

Image Source: Hiretrades.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Concrete Resurfacing Last?

Yes, why not? Resurfacing concrete extends the lifespan of the old concrete by 8 to 15 years, depending on materials and exposure to climate changes.

On top of that, you will have that new look of the concrete that you used to see after the concrete slabs were first placed.

How Much is it to Resurface Concrete?

Concrete resurfacing costs around 3 to 10 bucks per square feet depending upon the condition of the old concrete and the material you are using to resurface.

Different agencies charge differently for the labor, but if you are doing the work yourself. You will end up saving a significant amount of money, I’m saying you!

How Do You Revive Old Concrete?

By resurfacing the old concrete, you can revive it to a new shape. After resurfacing, you should see that the concrete is looking like it is placed a few days ago and holding strong!

Can You Pour New Concrete Over Old Concrete?

Yes, you can. But that needs some effort. You need to buy concrete adhesives and apply them to the old concrete surface. And then, you are good to go to pour new concrete over old concrete.

Are Driveway Resurfacing Products are the Same as Concrete Resurfacers?

It depends on the product you choose. Some concrete resurfacers can be used on almost everywhere such as driveways, concrete patios, etc. and some are specific to categories. So, if you are looking for driveway resurfacing products, make sure to check the product label before you buy.