If your patio is looking like it's seen better days you are in luck. Behr's new concrete coating, Granite Grip will refresh and renew the look of your worn concrete.
This tutorial shows you all the steps involved in renewing your worn concrete, so when you're ready to tackle the project you'll know exactly what to do.
Cleaning and Etching Your Concrete
The first step in achieving this look is to properly prep your concrete surface by cleaning and etching.
Materials
Step 1: Sweep the Concrete Pad
Sweep any large debris off of concrete surface with a broom.
Step 2: Cover your Grass
Cover your grass and any non concrete surfaces with plastic sheeting and tape.
Step 3: Wet the Concrete
Wet the concrete surface, washing away any standing dirt.
Step 4: Add Liquid Soap
Add a couple drops of liquid soap to your watering can and fill with water. Apply the soapy solution over concrete.
Step 5: Scrub Concrete
Scrub the concrete with your bristle brush to remove dirt and oil.
Step 6: Rinse Tiles
Rinse concrete tiles clean of soap, dirt and oils.
Step 7: Put on Protective Gear
Put on protective gloves and eye wear. Fill the watering can half full with water.
Step 8: Add Muriatic Acid
Pour muriatic acid into watering can, creating a 50/50 water-to-acid solution.
Step 9: Pour Acid Solution on Concrete
Pour the acid solution on concrete and scrub the surface with your bristle brush. The fizzing you will see is a normal reaction of the acid on the concrete.
Repeat Steps 6-8 as needed for size of project.
Step 10: Rinse and Scrub
Rinse and scrub the concrete clean of the acid solution with water.
Step 11: Allow Surface to Dry
When the concrete is dry, run your hand across the surface of the concrete. If your hand comes up clean, you are ready to apply Granite Grip product. If your hand shows residue, repeat step 10 until surface is clean.
Applying Granite Grip
You are now ready to apply Granite Grip to your surface.
Materials
Before You Start
Before you start applying Granite Grip, check the weather. It's important to note that it is not recommended to apply this product in direct sunlight and recommended surface and air temperatures should be between 50-90° F. Applying this product when surface and air temperatures are above 90° F could result in bubbling and should be avoided.
Tip: For large projects, consider using a texture sprayer with a 4mm tip. Spray in 4 ft. x 4 ft. sections and back roll with an adhesive roller cover. You can rent a texture sprayer at The Home Depot.
Step 1: Open and Stir
Open your Granite Grip can, and give it a good stir.
Pour the product into your paint tray. It will be very thick.
Step 2: Fill Any Cracks
With your paint brush, fill any holes or cracks on the concrete surface. Brush it out so it lies smoothly over the surface.
Step 3: Cut In
Cut in around area boarders with brush.
Step 4: Apply First Coat
With an adhesive roller cover apply first coat of the Granite Grip to surface. Roller the product into the center of the application area.
Move the roller in various directions, covering the surface with a base coat of product.
Allow the first coat to dry for four hours.
The first product coat acts as a sealer coat. The particulate will not, and should not be uniform for this coat. When the first coat is dry it will look uneven and blotchy.
Step 5: Apply Second Coat
Apply your second coat. You do not need to cut in on your second coat. Simply apply the product in the same method used with the first coat. Smooth out any drops, pools or drips in cracks with your brush.
The uniformity of the product will become apparent with the application of the second coat. In this image you can see the difference in appearance- the second coat on the left and the first coat on the right.
Step 6: Allow to Dry
Allow product to dry four hours. While two coats are necessary, additional coats may help hide previous surface imperfections or cover over dark colors. If this is the case, repeat Step 5.
The post Using Granite Grip to Renew Your Concrete Patio appeared first on The Home Depot Blog.
