Concrete powdering.

[Sonny88]

Hi all, first thread if you could help!

Laid a concrete patio last year, about 3 x 3M but the surface has remained powdery, can be swept off continually and it gets on your shoes and it walks into the house, so I'm not to popular!!

Is there a solution that can be put on to seal the surface permanently?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[breezer]

i am noyt a builder but i would guess the mix is wrong. you may want to try pva but how long before it comes off.

 

[SparkyMarky]

You probably need to apply a coat of concrete dustproofer / hardener to the concrete. We use this all the time on new concrete building floor slabs to prevent exactly the same problem. I can't think of any trade names at the moment, but any main builders merchant should have something suitable in stock if you tell them what you're after.

I wouldn't recommend PVA for this. PVA will form a film over the surface which I imagine will start to wear and discolour over time. A proper concrete dustproofer should last for the lifetime of the patio.

 

[Sonny88]

SparkyMarky

Thanks for the ans, how do you apply this? is it a liquid that is spread over the surface, and does it come ready or do you have to mix it.

 

[SparkyMarky]

The last type I used personally was a clear liquid which came ready mixed and was just painted onto the surface. My experience is mainly on internal concrete floor slabs and although they're generally subject to a fair amount of water and wear (lorry loading bays etc.) one of the builders on here may know a better solution for your problem...