Replacing a pitted, cracked or worn concrete patio or driveway can be a time-consuming and expensive endeavor. Instead of removing old concrete, give it a face-lift with a coat of polymer-fortified concrete resurfacer.

Concrete resurfacer is a Portland cement product that, when mixed with water, forms a fortified concrete liquid. The liquid is poured or brushed onto existing concrete to give it a new, fresh appearance.

Step 1: On a temperate day when no rain is predicted, use a good concrete cleaner or degreaser to clean away any grease or oil spots. Remove loose debris and cut back vegetation around the slab.

Step 2: Pressure wash the area thoroughly with a 3500 PSI pressure washer.

Step 3: Fill cracks or divots in the concrete slab by mixing a portion of concrete resurfacing product with potable water to make a thick, trowelable paste. Press the product deep into the concrete crevices and use a trowel to feather the resurfacer out away from the cracks and divots.

Step 4: Allow the patched areas to harden before proceeding.

Step 5: Protect expansion joints with weather stripping or duct tape to prevent the resurfacer from filling the joints.

Step 6: Flush the entire area to be resurfaced with an ample amount of water. Use a long-handled squeegee to remove any standing water.

Step 7: Fill a 5-gallon bucket with the recommended amount of clean water and add the resurfacer concrete mix to the water. Use a 1/2″ drill and a large paddle mixing bit to mix the resurfacer until it reaches a smooth lump-free consistency.

Step 8: Working in sections no larger than 150 square feet each, pour the resurfacer onto the concrete and use a long-handled squeegee to smoothe the resurfacer across the slab. Scrub the resurfacer into the concrete surface with the squeegee. Work to eliminate all trowel lines and imperfections.

Step 9: Working quickly, repeat the process until the entire area is coated with a thick, smooth layer of resurfacer.

Step 10: Add a non-slip texture to the newly resurfaced area by making full length strokes across the surface with a long handled push broom. Texture must be added to the surface within 5 minutes of application.

Step 11: Allow the product to harden for 6-12 hours before walking on it and for 24 hours before driving vehicles on it.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.