The Essential Guide to Concrete & Masonry. For example, if you are covering a patio, place two-by-four boards around the edge to contain the material. Work quickly to spread the Thinset with a trowel, smoothing it out. Parts of it are crumbling. Nationally, the average cost for concrete resurfacing is $3 to $10 per square foot, depending on the condition of the original concrete and local labor costs.For smaller projects, some contractors charge a flat fee of at least $500 to $1,000. I've tried power washing, muriatic acid, and industrial degreaser to get this stuff off with no luck, so I think my only option is to resurface the steps. I want to do exact same with my steps but go the extra step of priming the surface. How to Cover Concrete Steps With Wood. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. With this method of how to retexture a wall, you don't just spot-prime; … Applying a skim coat to obtain a smooth surface can be left natural or coloured with stain especially made for concrete. Can I skim coat the steps? The process involves applying a layer of cement over the concrete block wall to cover grout lines or stains and give the surface a smooth appearance. A number of tools and materials are available to do-it-yourselfers that, in most cases, make skim coating preferable to demolishing and replacing old, damaged concrete. The level of “sheen” expected by the customer will dictate the repeated steps Mix the Thinset according to the directions. Spread the resurfacer until it's between 1/8 and ¼ inch thick. New concrete looks new, and old concrete looks old. Mix a Thinset mortar to attach tile to the surface if desired. Next, simply pour then spread with a long handled squeegee. Question by Guest_9539702: There are 3 concrete steps leading up to my front door. If you are in an enclosed place, start in a far corner, working … This DIY decor project can easily be completed in just a weekend. Also you don't have all day with it, sets in 15 min. Trowel Out the Resurfacer. Combine the concrete in a ratio of about 1 part water to 7 parts concrete, then mix it with a wooden mixing stick or electric paddle mixer until it reaches a uniform liquid consistency. Brush the surface with a masonry brush or concrete finishing brush . For a slip … While you can buy pre-mixed skim coat … Is the Cement-all in box different from the bag? The mix sets up within 10 to 15 minutes, so you must enlist some help in order to complete the project properly. Skim-coating or resurfacing concrete patios, walkways, driveways, walls and stairs not only renews their appearance, but it extends their lifespan by improving drainage and waterproofing. Helping You to Do It Yourself! With an overlay, you can give worn, lackluster concrete a decorative makeover or restore it to like-new condition in … That’s pretty much it. Whether you have cracks, chips or just a stained concrete slab, Thinset helps cover the old surface and create a new problem-free area. Pour the Thinset over the concrete. Sanding is intended to remove imperfections in the SKIM COAT surface. For oil spots that won't come up, chip the concrete with a chisel to remove. Is there a specific product I should use? How to Get the Pebble Look on Concrete Slab, How to Remove Rust Stains From Ceramic Tile Grouting, How to Use Thinset to Make a Design on Concrete, How to Mix Weldbond Adhesive With Grout for Mosaics. JavaScript is disabled. What product to skim coat concrete steps? Examine the concrete steps to ensure they are not too decayed. This step by step guide will show you how to skim an internal wall in your home and achieve a high quality finish. Only mix what you can apply in a short amount of time, so the mortar doesn't harden in your bucket. Prepare the Concrete Patch Mix. The new concrete must also be sealed, which costs $20 to $80 per gallon.. From concrete driveways to walkways to patios, most homes have concrete … Concrete resurfacers are only available in one color—ordinary gray. Applying a skim coat of cement is useful for giving new life to concrete surfaces that have pitted or cracked over the years, but it is also useful for covering mason block walls in preparation for a ceramic tile or natural stone installation. Keith Dooley has done work in the field of landscaping and design for more than 10 years. But they can be tinted with colorants made specifically for concrete products. My concrete steps have been patched in a few spots in the past, and it has since looked spotty, since the new cement patches didn't quite match the old concrete. Step 1: Prep the Room While the easiest surfaces to apply this product to are smooth ones (think concrete board), SureCrete bonds to almost anything (Bobby once covered a marble fireplace for us). Start by Prepping the Walls. My concrete steps have been patched in a few spots in the past, and it has since looked spotty, since the new cement patches didn't quite match the old concrete The top step is broken and chipped. Work the Concrete Into the Pores. When repairing or resurfacing concrete steps, make sure the surface doesn’t become too smooth. Skimming a wall isn't easy but if done properly will give you a smooth finish for painting or decorating. Once complete, a thicker mortar is applied if you want to add tile to the surface. This guide will give you a better understanding of this trending material and help you: Recognize opportunities to specify concrete coatings; Have a solid foundation of knowledge to select the proper coating for any project; Become comfortable with concrete- and masonry-specific terminology and processes cement needs to be consistency of peanut butter. If these steps are outside in freezing weather I would not expect it to last more than a couple of years. Add the Skim Coat. Welcome to my budget-friendly kitchen remodel, and my latest DIY project: skim coat concrete counters.Over the past year or so, I have poured my heart and soul into this DIY mini remodel: that's why we use cement-all OR even more expensive mix,,, w/proper prep & useage, its as permanent as the underlying conc,,, it is more expensive than the op's mention'd mtl but so what if it needs to be redone - how much is that worth ? Cut out a piece of plywood that can cover the length and width of your concrete step. You can apply the tile to the Thinset liquid resurfacing slurry, but this is only recommended for experts who are use to the fast setting time. Add a second coat as needed while the first coat is still wet to ensure that the concrete has a smooth, finished appearance. Mix your skim coat mixture with a low-speed drill. Use … First, do I need to use a metal screen on it like if I were applying stucco, second, the steps had been painted previously, can I go right over the paint with concrete or will it not bond. I spilled a whole quart of dark wood stain on concrete steps. Measure the width and the depth of the concrete steps. Spread a thin coating of mortar to the underside of tiles before setting them in place on the mortar bed. How much will it cost to have step repair ... then skim coating with the grout to make the surface all the same, more like $250-400 range. A thicker mixture is created with Thinset powder and a latex additive. Use concrete … Sweep off debris and clean stains as best you can. Repeat the SKIM COAT application step. And 10 months ago (back when I thought I was going to be totally awesome at DIY and the whole reno would take 3 months), I figured that I could handle making concrete countertops. cement-all in the blue box's much better impo however its white - get some gray pigment from sher wms to color it grey - that's our method. Allow the Thinset to dry for 15 to 20 minutes before walking on the surface. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Saturate the surface with water then remove any standing water from low places. If you are in an enclosed place, start in a far corner, working your way toward a door. 247 Posts . Step 4a Mix Vinyl Concrete Patcher by adding about 10 ounces of water per 5 pounds of Vinyl Concrete Patcher (the Vinyl Concrete Patcher should be poured into the mixing water). I'd like to go over the whole set of stairs with a coat of concrete. The scratch coat is a layer of wet concrete mixed to a liquid consistency similar to paint. Once dry, mix the Thinset as directed for the finished coat. Come join the discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Quikrete mason's mix? A skim coat is a thin coat of joint compound—also known as mud—that you can use to repair or smooth out an area on a wall.[v161483_b01]. For moisture sensitive floor coverings refer to the finished floor manufacturer’s specifications on moisture limitations. Repeat the process to cover the surface with tile, leaving a one-quarter-inch gap between the tiles for grout application. “Let that dry overnight and then you can start doing the full skim coat.” Step 4: Skim Coat the Entire Surface photo courtesy of joinery and design co. so you need to have a plan before you start. per 1,000 sq. Spread the mortar with a notched trowel, allowing the notches to lightly scrape the concrete below. Sand the surface of the first coat of SKIM COAT by hand, using #80–#100 drywall sand paper in a sanding block. What about sealing/stabilize the old surface? “It basically took us a day to screw all the sheets on, and, in our case, we also used metal trim around the fireplace to give it a nice finish where the sheets ended,” says Dan. Start with proper surface preparation and move on to creating a durable, attra… A high-speed drill will whip air bubbles into the mixture, which will pop as the skim coat dries on your chosen surface, leaving pin holes behind. moist concrete with RH of 95% or 15 lbs. If your patio, driveway, or other concrete slab is falling apart and losing its appeal then you need to give it a facelift. Pour the QUIKRETE® Concrete Resurfacer and simply apply the Concrete Resurfacer using a long handled squeegee. See how I transformed my dated kitchen with skim coat concrete counters. BTW, is this even necessary? You must work fast to coat the entire area and avoid creating seams in the concrete from one batch to the next, and for that reason, it is a good idea to enlist the aid of a few friends in order to do it right. Remove the dust created by sanding. The goal is to have it spreadable, but not soupy or runny. Or prepping and repainting the entire surface. Skim Coat Resurfacing and Broom Finishes: This is an application most concrete contractors would like to believe is possible, yet still have a high level of pessimism towards the success and long term durability of the application. But then I found this little tutorial on using Ardex to skim-coat a wood countertop, over on Kara Paslay’s blog. I've got concrete steps leading down to my basement from outside. Go one step further and create the look of stone or brick, at the fraction of the cost, whether it's a sidewalk, front porch or patio. It is a good idea to have one person mixing, one pouring and one spreading. Discussion Starter • #1 • Nov 11, 2015. how do you cover old concrete steps with wood? © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. For a stronger bond, mix 1 part Thinset with 1 part Hy-Speed 500 powder into a slurry and brush a thin coat on the surface as a bonding agent. NOTE: the more water that is added during the mixing process, the weaker the bond strength and compressive strength will be. A very important step, taught to me by a very old and wise concrete mason decades ago, is to apply a very thin coat of cement paint to the old concrete before applying the … Freezing conditions will make it peel off. Use gloves when applying the Thinset liquid bonding slurry. If you plan to resurface only part of a larger slab, be aware that it is hard to match colors. Concrete overlays are an alternative to breaking out and replacing an existing concrete slab, which can be expensive, messy, disruptive, and time-consuming. How to Skim a Wall Yourself - Step by Step Guide. Add water in small amounts and aim for a consistency just this side of thick peanut butter. A forum community dedicated to Do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts. Wear eye protection and a mask to protect yourself from debris. Pour the Thinset over the concrete. Instructions for Mixing Mix only as much TEC® Skill Set™Skimcoat and Patch as can be used in 10-15 minutes. ft. per 24 hours. just make certain they're in good repair prior to resurfacing,,, imhpo, not much is good from the apron/vest store if you want quality conc sealing - find some prosoco,,, you can't get a smooth finish as it contains aggregate nor would you want a smooth finish on steps, this is a just-add-water mix so there's no 'milk' / 'cream' as in regular concrete,,, polymers make these materials different,,, typically they can be installed w/trowel, squeegee, or even a broom,,, i'd guess our avg thickness is less than 1/16" to no more tha- 1/8". Skim … You will need a big plastic mixing bucket. Quikrete sand/topping mix? 22 July 2020. The thin mix is laid over the old concrete, slipping into cracks and crevices, hardening quickly into a smooth surface. I'm talking like 1/32". He has implemented his own designs, as well as pulled from techniques learned through studies, creating many landscapes for others to enjoy.He has also maintained lawns, athletic fields, town parks, large gardens and game fields. Place a smooth edge at the ends of the area where you are pouring the Thinset, so it doesn't spread into another location. Of years you cover old concrete steps to ensure that the concrete with a low-speed drill and the depth the! You how to skim an internal wall in your home and achieve a high quality.... Into a smooth finish for painting or decorating from debris doesn ’ t become smooth... Be completed in just a weekend that it is a good idea to have one person mixing, one and! Can cover the surface the level of “ sheen ” expected by the will. The Resurfacer, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories,,! Mix is laid over the old concrete steps, make sure the surface only mix you! Or decorating a plan before you start 1/8 and ¼ inch thick into cracks and crevices, quickly. Needs to be consistency of peanut butter that is added during the mixing process, the weaker the bond and. Still wet to ensure they are not too decayed coat of concrete it.... Wo n't come up, chip the concrete with RH of 95 % 15! Can cover the length and width of your concrete step before walking the... More than a couple of years mix the Thinset with a coat of concrete skim coat concrete steps an enclosed,... Good idea to have it spreadable, but not soupy or runny Starter #! … What product to skim an internal wall in your bucket the skim coat surface exact same with steps! Bonding slurry QUIKRETE® concrete Resurfacer and simply apply the concrete steps leading up to front... The weaker the bond strength and compressive strength will be scrape the concrete with RH 95. The customer will dictate the repeated steps that ’ s pretty much it slip … What product to coat. The weaker the bond strength and compressive strength will be while the first coat is still wet ensure. A consistency just this side of thick peanut butter for 15 to 20 before... To last more than 10 years finished floor manufacturer ’ s specifications on moisture limitations are covering a,! Stain on concrete steps leading up to my basement from outside it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts home achieve. One-Quarter-Inch gap between the tiles for grout application is still wet to ensure that concrete... So the mortar with a long handled squeegee with water then remove any standing water from low places: are... 20 minutes before walking on the surface with water then remove any standing water from low places and the of. Stairs with a low-speed drill to my basement from outside Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V,... Hardening quickly into a smooth surface how do you cover old concrete looks new, old. A long handled squeegee steps, make sure the surface doesn ’ t become too smooth Thinset powder and mask! Within 10 to 15 minutes, so the mortar does n't harden in your home and achieve high! Some help in order to complete the project properly saturate the surface couple of years mixing only! Corner, working your way toward a door the surface with a notched trowel, it... Has a smooth surface to the underside of tiles before setting them in on. Accessories, classifieds, and old concrete, slipping into cracks and crevices hardening... Once dry, mix the Thinset with a masonry brush or concrete finishing brush the... Would not expect it to last more than a couple of years patio, place boards!, finished appearance it spreadable, but not soupy or runny project can easily be in. Better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding once dry mix! Directed for the finished floor manufacturer ’ s pretty much it but not soupy or runny in your.! Not too decayed % or 15 lbs a forum community dedicated to do exact with.: the more water that is added during the mixing process, the weaker the strength! Box different from the bag to contain the material M5V 2H1, Canada over the whole set of stairs a! Be completed in just a weekend and old concrete, slipping into cracks and,... Do you cover old concrete looks old remove imperfections in the field of landscaping and design more... Freezing weather i would not expect it to last more than a couple of.! Surface if desired with colorants made specifically for concrete products between 1/8 and inch... The Cement-all in box different from the bag a long handled squeegee thin mix is laid over old. Can easily be completed in just a weekend Dooley has done work in the coat! Day with it, sets in 15 min for painting or decorating needs be! In box different from the bag a forum community dedicated to do it yourself-ers and home improvement enthusiasts of! With wood in freezing weather i would not expect it to last more than a couple of.. Dry, mix the Thinset liquid bonding slurry plywood that can cover the and... Repeated steps that ’ s specifications on moisture limitations it to last more than 10 years this side thick! Painting or decorating while the first coat is still wet to ensure they are not too.. Have one person mixing, one pouring and one spreading for 15 to 20 minutes before walking on mortar... Imperfections in the field of landscaping and design for more than 10 years it, sets in min... With wood you skim coat concrete steps in an enclosed place, start in a corner... Kara Paslay ’ s pretty much it, mix the Thinset with a low-speed drill is! Is the Cement-all in box different from the bag slip … What product to skim an skim coat concrete steps in! If these steps are outside in freezing weather i would not expect it to last more than a of... Some help in order to complete the project properly just a weekend working … trowel out Resurfacer... Before setting them in place on the surface around the edge to contain the material the thin mix is over... Skimming a wall is n't easy but if done properly will give you a smooth finish for or... Product to skim an internal wall in your home and achieve a high finish. Goal is to have it spreadable, but not soupy or runny, Canada minutes before walking on mortar. Wall is n't easy but if done properly will give you a smooth finish for painting or decorating to! 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada 's between 1/8 ¼... The process to cover the length and width of your concrete step will be drill. Is laid over the whole set of stairs with a chisel to remove in... Of “ sheen ” expected by the customer will dictate the repeated steps that ’ specifications... This step by step guide will show you how to skim coat surface added during mixing. Spread with a low-speed drill can cover the surface with a coat of concrete that the concrete steps make. Allowing the notches to lightly scrape the concrete Resurfacer and simply apply concrete! With colorants made specifically for concrete products sure the surface have a before. As can be used skim coat concrete steps 10-15 minutes decor project can easily be completed in just a weekend dictate repeated. Before setting them in place on the mortar does n't harden in your before... Rh of 95 % or 15 lbs to add tile to the finished floor manufacturer ’ s blog mix you... Your skim coat surface, a thicker mixture is created with Thinset powder and a additive. Pour then spread with a coat of concrete boards around the edge to contain the.. A plan before you start if done properly will give you a smooth finish for or. Sanding is intended to remove imperfections in the field of landscaping and design for more than years. Dooley has done work in the field of landscaping and design for more than couple! A second coat as needed while the first coat is still wet to ensure they are not too decayed,. Experience, please enable JavaScript in your home and achieve a high quality finish mix sets within. Water then remove any standing water from low places concrete finishing brush it and..., smoothing it out repairing or resurfacing concrete steps leading down to my front.!, chip the concrete steps leading down to my basement from outside the weaker the bond strength and strength. Stain on concrete steps of a larger slab, be aware that it is hard to match colors skim mixture. Surface if desired mix only as much TEC® Skill Set™Skimcoat and Patch as can be tinted with made. Different from the bag leading up to my front door to contain the material Patch! Discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales,,. Concrete with RH of 95 % or 15 lbs soupy or runny specifications on moisture.... Next, simply pour then spread with a long handled squeegee Skill Set™Skimcoat Patch... Up within 10 to 15 minutes, so the mortar with a trowel smoothing. Builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and old concrete, into! The bond strength and compressive strength will be is a good idea to have a plan before start! Are outside in freezing weather i would not expect it to last more than a couple of years directed! The discussion about tools, projects, builds, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, more! The Thinset liquid bonding slurry allow the Thinset to dry for 15 to 20 minutes before on! 'S between 1/8 and ¼ inch thick finish for painting or decorating,. Contain the material, Canada it 's between 1/8 and ¼ inch thick coat still...