Concrete Resurfacing and Stenciling (Part Two)

Your customers might be interested in concrete stenciling for its easy, economical appeal and ability to achieve the highly desired look of paver stones or brick without the additional expense, tools, time or labor required. Plus, concrete stenciling is also a long-lasting, attractive alternative to replacing an old concrete driveway, patio or walkway that has started to show signs of wear and tear or slight cracking.

In fact, this concrete driveway was transformed using only fiberboard stencils, a spray gun and Sakrete Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer and Sakrete Cement Color.

If your customers are feeling especially creative, they can even create their own unique stencil design to turn a concrete driveway or patio into a work of art. Sakrete’s Technical Services team member, Lee Collins, created these custom stencil designs in conjunction with an Artcrete Faux Brick brick pattern.

Materials Needed

• Sakrete Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer (for applications of ½" to a featheredge in thickness)

• Sakrete Cement Color (optional)

• 5-gallon bucket

• Variable-speed drill and paddle mixer attachment

• Desired stencils (such as these Artcrete stencils)

• Spray gun

• Sakrete Concrete Paver Sealer (Wet Look or Natural Look)

Project Preparation

If your customers are stenciling on concrete that has begun to show signs of age, cracking or staining — but is still structurally sound — it is best to have them begin the process by resurfacing. Read the Part One post for a how-to on returning a concrete slab, patio or walkway to like-new condition using Sakrete Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer.

Pressure washing is also recommended with a 2,500 psi (17.2 MPa) pressure washer and the appropriate tip, assuring the surface is properly cleaned and free of dirt or any buildup.

Once the concrete surface has been properly prepared and thoroughly cleaned (with adequate time to dry), lay the stencil in the desired design. Tape the edges of the stencil to secure it into place and provide a border to protect against overspray.

Further, your customers will want to properly assemble their spray gun in advance of the stenciling project with this step-by-step video.

Mix the Product

Sakrete Flo-Coat Concrete Resurfacer is a polymer-modified, sand and cement resurfacing material requiring only the addition of clean water. Begin the mixing process by adding the water required (outlined on the product package instructions) to the 5-gallon bucket.

Pour in the desired Sakrete Cement Color (if applicable), then mix with a high-torque, variable-speed drill using a paddle mixer attachment, running at low RPM to avoid splattering.

Next, add in the Flo-Coat Resurfacer powder, and then continue mixing for approximately two minutes, adding the remainder of the water as needed. Let the material sit for one minute, then finish mixing for another minute to a pourable consistency. The mix should be flowable and free of lumps.

Then, pour the colored Flo-Coat Resurfacer into the hopper of the spray gun assembly.

Watch a how-to video on concrete stenciling using Sakrete Flo-Coat Resurfacer.

Application

Begin spraying the stenciled area in circular patterns, using cardboard or plastic to catch any overspraying that occurs. Take your time and try to avoid covering too much area at once — heavy spraying can result in the Resurfacer product running under the stencil.

Once the area has been adequately sprayed, remove the stencil. DO NOT allow the Flo-Coat Resurfacer to dry with the stencil in place.

Finishing

Be sure to allow adequate drying time for the new stencil design. Block the area off from foot traffic for 24 hours after application and at least 72 hours for vehicle traffic.

To ensure beautiful, long-lasting color results, tell your customers to seal with Sakrete Concrete Paver Sealer just 24 hours after application.