What's the difference between concrete resurfacing and sealing?
What's the difference between concrete resurfacing and sealing? It's a common question we receive from home owners. The condition of your concrete will be a big factor in your choice.
Does your concrete surface need a total makeover or a quick uplift? That's the big question when choosing between resurfacing and sealing for your concrete driveway, patio or porch. It depends on the current condition of your concrete, and the look you are trying to create.
Sealing is a fast and highly affordable way to update your driveway. You can use it to add colour and protection but it won't hide imperfections such as cracks. Resurfacing is a total makeover which offers significant surface correction at the same time as adding colour, texture and even pattern if you wish.
Before you start saving to dig up and re-pour your driveway, rest assured both solutions have one major thing in common. Whether you choose Dulux Avista's Resurfacing System or Concrete Sealers, you can achieve an amazing transformation for a fraction of the cost.
What do resurfacing and sealing have in common?
- Both deliver fast and affordable results.
- Both can be used to add colour and durability to concrete.
- We recommend both are applied by professional applicators.
What are the key differences?
- Resurfacing is a multi-step transformation while sealing will refresh and protect concrete with a slightly quicker approach.
- Resurfacing can be used to hide some minor cracking after the surface has been patched. Sealing will not.
- Sealing is the final step to protect new and resurfaced concrete. It is also essential for ongoing maintenance.
- Resurfacing can be completed within two days while sealing can take just a few hours.
What solution is right for your concrete?
If your concrete is in good condition and only requires a refresh, you may choose to skip straight to sealing. Sealing is an easy way to keep your outdoor spaces looking sharp year after year. Resurfacing is for when you want to create a whole new look while repairing minor flaws. Your concrete will need to be in reasonable condition: superficial cracks can be filled but full depth cracks may be a problem. Bare, sealed and painted concrete can all be resurfaced, but the preparation required may vary.
What look do you want to achieve?
As well as protecting your concrete from UV exposure and dirt, Dulux Avista sealers can be used to add colour. With a choice of 19 tint colours, including four Colorbond® shades, you can complement your home's design, and even match your driveway to your Colorbond® roof.
Resurfacing can provide colour, texture and pattern. Dulux Avista offers a choice of 20 different colours. You can also choose one or two different colours for the textured layers, which are sprayed on for a flecked appearance. Our stencil options can also be used to recreate the look of paving or various other designs.
The process
Resurfacing is a five-step process that can be completed in as little as two days for a simple job, or three days for more detailed finishes and depending on the preparation required. Firstly, the surface is grinded back to remove any paint and then small cracks are filled with epoxy. After a pressure clean and a prime coat, the Resurfacing Base Compound in your chosen colour is troweled in a thick layer. Another two layers are sprayed to create texture. You can also include stencil pattern options at this stage too. The final step is two coats of clear Concrete Sealer, blocking the pores of the concrete and creating a durable, easy to clean finish that will resist UV fading.
If you choose to refresh your concrete with a Sealer, you can use our clear product, or go for a new look with a Dulux Avista Colour Tint mixed into the Dulux Avista Concrete Sealer Tintable Base. You can also add slip-reducing texture with Dulux Avista Additives of Powder Granules or Crushed Glass.
If you’re stuck for ideas, go to our Visualiser Tool to explore all colours and patterns. Speak to the Dulux Avista team to get your project started today.
