concrete resurfacing

[Paul]

Hi,

My garage floor has big sections where the top (smooth) layer is gone. In these sections,it is down to the bumpy gravel layer. I have searched the web using google, but I can't find any step-by-step information on how someone like me, with no knowledge of how to do this, can resurface their garage floor. Can anyone tell me how I can do this, or where I can find the information on how to do it?

These sections take up most of the floor. I need to resurface the whole floor.

[roger g]

I just tried doing my front steps with special resurfacing mortar with a bonding agent. What a mess! Trying to feather in the edges to where the concrete is smooth is where the problem exists. As you try to feather it, the sand in it starts to roll on the existing good surface. I tried trowing some water onto it and get a paste which did happen but I think it will make it crumbly. I was hoping there was something out there as smooth as drywall mud but so far haven't found it but I'm sure it is out there. Even people that recommend the stuff I used have never used it. It's the sand that the problem. On thicker concrete you can work the aggregate down but when it is only a quarter inch to begin with............

roger

[Rich]

There are several methods to solve this - one is remove and replace :shock: ok just kidding.
Tamspatch, slurry coats, vinyl patch, resurfacing agents, etc.
My personal recommendation would be tamspatch or the vinyl type patching compounds. Most of these can be feathered to 1/16". Don't recommend the resurfacing agents for just what roger mentioned above - the sand does cause it to roll out at the edges.

[Paul]

Considering that these sections take up most of the floor, instead of worrying about feathering the edges, should I take a sledge hammer and just remove the whole top layer and do the entire garage floor or can I go over the whole thing the way it is?

And can I use regular cement/concrete or is there something special I should use?

[Rich]

If you're looking at pretty much the whole floor I would probably contact your concrete supplier and ask about a pea gravel mix and pour a 1.5" topping layer. Probably need to pressure wash the surface to get any scaling off and then create a slurry coat (add water to the first portion of the mix and brush into the surface) then pour a section at a time. This will give you the most durable surface.