Mike, Everyone appreciates the truth and someone telling them how it really is. They can either hear it from you or learn it on their own. Thanks /John
I can't stop watching your videos Mike, you have a lot of knowledge about what you do. I pray God continues continues to bless you and your business. Keep it up. I've learned a lot by you.
Hey Mike , Love your vids!!!! one thing I have found that gets me a few years out of a surface patch here in New York is that I clean and wet the base as you did and then paint the base with latex bond mix ( a,k,a, glue) I use same bond mix in patch cement. seems to get great adhesion and the water does not get under the patch as easy.
Hi Mike. I didn't read all the comments, so just say if you already covered my suggestion. I deal with a lot of the same weather conditions in Ohio. The key I've found that helps is to keep the water out of the concrete and masonry. On above grade block work I will: 1. Paint with Thoroseal or Eucoseal. 2. A day or 2 later spray the surface with a siloxane penetrating sealer. Man you ought to see the water bead up on the surface. It looks like a waxed car finish. So maybe to extend the life of your resurfacing jobs the same application of a penetrating sealer would be helpful. Thanks. Us Old School guys are becoming a rare breed.
Jeffrey McMillan I agree, but sometimes you have to resurface over the sealer and it wont stick, everything depends , like you said us old schoolers are becoming a rare breed, thanks mike
Thanks Mike! The best information here is that "there is no long term solution" when resurfacing a concrete pad. Nice to know that I'm not alone having to readdress issues every year or two.
Hello Mike,I'm from Pennsylvania also.I'm 50 miles south of Philadelphia.I have a sidewalk that I was planning to resurfacing but since it's a limited thing, i'm just gonna take the old out and put the new in.You do great work.
Yes I reminded him of this and also I reminded him of pouring so thin. It was inside of a horse barn and only about 2 and a half to 3 inches in some places. Ardex is almost the same as Portland just a higher grade of mix. It can be used the same and they have some self leveling kind also. It suppose to blend in with the concrete. Thank you for responding, I will return to you if I have further questions in the future. Blessings to you.
Hi Mike, Filled in the cracks and holes on my concrete stairs with rapid set mortar mix. Looks good. Some higher and lower areas. Now I want to go over the whole thing and make it look nice and uniform. Should I use Cement All for that or something else?
I did resurface my front door step a couple years a go and I followed sam technique you used by the time I painted it looks good as new thanks for sharing this information with us.
Hi Fossils, I only do it for friends that I know it is temporary, as I trust to understand that, but I appreciate it, hope you are doing well, thanks mike
tried this system to restore the top of my driveway and sidewalk... it worked really well.. did have a question.. can you use a sealer over it so the tire marks don't trash how clean it looks.... and thanks for the video... Great Job !!!
After reading that concrete work only lasts for about a year or so before you need to patch it, a thought occurred to me. Have you ever considered using something like powdered stone like granite or something like that to possibly harden it & maybe make it a bit more durable? I know almost nothing about this subject so please forgive my ignorance on whether or not that would be a good, workable idea.
Thank you for your insight and great details about each job on your video's. This is my first leaving a comment on any video. Thanks again and will keep watching. Like you say " it's no big deal"
thank you really enjoy your videos very informative...old school means common sense, something sadly lacking nowadays, in the new school throw away society, refreshing to see in our dyeing breed, of repair it generation. Keep up the great work 👌
Awesome. I was taught to scrape, pressurewash then apply the new pre-packaged toppers. My dad's lasted 12 years. Bad drainage but low traffic. 5 bucks says the product just had glue powder mixed with portland.
Thanks for your videos, Mike! I've learned a lot from your videos and other people. I'm just a DIYer in Pittsburgh. I would like to know if you ever resurface the "old school way" and then use a sealer so that our harsh PA winters don't ruin the resurfacer each year.
+DAVID COOK Hi Dave, the problem with that is when you go to fix it every year the sealer will keep it from sticking, I would do some test first to see how it works in your area, thanks , mike
Thanks Mike, I used to do that old school stuff on those LA pools with all those cracks, oh, yeah. It was all a long time ago. Like 1960s.Think we called it gunite.
Also, do you ever use Acrylic Fortifier as an additive to your patch mixes? Supposedly it makes patches last longer, specifically in climates with a lot of freeze/thaw cycles.
Mike the patch at the pool could you have mixed glue with the Portland and sand? The painting with Portland on the side walk, would a sealer help to make it last longer?
great video series! this is exactly where i'm at with my sidewalks, and i'm glad to see that my common sense is working pretty good, because i'm employing the same techniques that are used in this video. subscribed.
Here is a new one I think. I had my drive paved in tar and gravel. Real old school. !/4 mile long.. I couldn't afford concrete. I got tired of the gravel in front mof my shop on my knees. SO I am using concrete patcher Topnbond to cover the gravel with a smooth finish. Using a float to blend it in :) Now I can work on a smooth surface that isn't supposed to crack? After I get it all smooth I am going to use resurfacer. Looks pretty good so far. I bet you did a lot of stuff like that at first.
actually I have gravel in my driveway, it is usually a mess because of me unloading the trucks with cement,. a few big stones close to the doors so I can jack things up, If I poured concrete or blacktop I would ruin it, nothing last , thats for sure, I hope it works out for you, thanks mike
mix plasticizer In with it..it helps alot better with the snow and ice.you can mix Portland , vinyl patch and plasticizer all together and get a good resurfacing mix...good luck.
old style in PA they mixed ashes from the coal furnace in the concrete/cement to stretch it, like bread and onions in the hamburger to make more for a large coal country family !!!
Mr.Mike where do you get masonary sand? Because here Lowes only sells playground sand and I know there is a difference. Do you get it at a cement yard?
I have a wooden steps with small landing to a mobile I had to do something with. It sits out in the weather with no overhead cover. It has cedar 1"x 4" closely spaced. What I did was put some "L" shaped aluminum around the perimeter of all of it, 3/8" thick, then mixed up some mortar mix, and screeded it, then trowled it. I used 1/3 Rapid Set patching stuff, and 2/3 mortar mix, type S. Weird combo, I suppose, but it looks like concrete. I put paper over the wood and stapled on metal lath. Hope it holds up. I like the look of concrete over wood products, plastic, or paint.
Mike, I found that this mix began to set up at a time I could work with, but it was difficult to trowel up a paste, and any low spots did not trowel up anything but stayed a darker color, so when it dried (I thought it was still damp) it showed these zebra stripes. There is definitely a difference between a finish carpenter and a concrete finisher. I even sanded it with my orbital sander (120) a bit, and it sure wore the paper out quick, but it's good enough for me. I suppose I like it just 'cause I did it, but I don't recommend this mix.
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for the education and for investing the time needed to make and upload all these videos. I live in the Midwest and plan to resurface my concrete patio, sidewalks, and driveway this weekend using your Portland whitewash method. My question is whether to use a sponge float or a paint/masonry brush to perform the resurface. In your videos, it seems like you prefer to use a sponge float for the commercial resurfacers and a paint/masonry brush for the Portland whitewash method. Seems like you could have a smoother and thicker coat applying the whitewash with a sponge float but the paintbrush is probably faster. Is that correct? Any other pros/cons with the brush vs the float? Hear you loud and clear either way that it's a Temporary Fix and a Last Resort. Thanks again and God bless!
Hi Wilson, you are right I use the float for the store bought and only the paintbrush for the portland, the idea is the portland flakes away and you do it again next year to brighten it up again with potholes in it because it is so thin, If that makes sense, I hope it helps thanks mike
Great videos Mike. Would you give your pros and cons about sealing concrete. I finished a 35 foot concrete walkway with 7 steps about a month ago, Live in Northern New Jersey its going to get salted in the winters. The You Tube is full of manufacturing company pitches.
Mike, have you used water repellent products that are supposed to make concrete surfaces more water resistant? I just bought some, but I'm not sure whether it will actually work.
Thanks for this - it's really useful information. I had never heard of 'painting with Portland' - but here in England it is a useful technique because you have to have a wet surface - and here it's always raining! I don't know why these old school very cheap solutions died out - I guess they didn't make enough money for the paint companies.
Hi Mike, thank you for your sharing. Can I ask you 2 questions - when you using PVA glue with the cement ; and can you give some alternative to the quikrete product (in Europe we don't have this product). Thank you!
Mike, thank you for the great tips. I am a carpenter that sometimes gets calls for small masonry jobs and have used your videos to help me learn new skills. I had a customer call me to extend a set of concrete steps because their back door was moved, and to blend the two together I painted the old and new in Portland. In a dry hot climate with little rain and no snow how long can I expect the Portland to last?
WCSD I always considered Portland a poor mans paint but for fixing curbs etc. it works well, I always tell the customer its a yearly fix. hope it helps. thanks. mike
Nice work. Question regarding "Portland painting" - I understand that this is just for "decoration" only, so because the thickness of the layer is close to nothing - will it crack and shed in a few years? Or just fade like a paint?
Mike, how about a walkway that has rocks, what type of cement do you I use to cover it. I used quickrete patcher to fix some cracks. Can I use the same patcher since it has good bonding properties?
Hey mike Sorry to bother you last questions I promise... will sealer help it last longer and is painting with Portland considered resurfacing to charge people as a resurfacing job?
Hi Jamie, it's a cheap covering, not necessarily a resurface but a old school depression way of making it look newer , I don't seal them because they are slippery and then another coat won't stick, thanks Mike
We had a neighbor back in the '60's in Ohio that would paint his asphalt drive with portland. It would look great for a year or so. And he would do it every couple of years.
You can definitely do overlays that last. I own a company in Oregon and use elite Crete overlays that stay together for years. Diamond grind the entire slab, prime with a moisture mitigating primer (vapor barrier from elite), two coats of thin finish, seal with a solvenated acrylic or an aliphatic urethane. Costs more than this technique but less than rip out and start over does.
Hi Matt , I appreciate the comment, maybe you got something going there, and I am not familiar with the product or the weather in Oregon, around here I never seen aything work, wet and cold weather is brutal, but I will leave this on so others can see it, thanks again for the comment, mike
Mike, do you mind doing a video on how to fix an original patio concrete pour that was not smooth? How do I smooth it out and bring it level in some areas? In some areas the aggregate is showing and in others it looks broom brushed. What's the best method, using a self leveling agent or the portland mix? This patio was just poured less than a month ago buy a novice handyman. Thanks in advance!
Thanks man love your old school approach. Got a question would love to hear from you soon as I'm doing my DIY project next week. Can I acid stain over this?
Mike, would a concrete sealer applied over the resurfacer extend the life of the repair? Also, if you were to put a sealer over it and ended up having to resurface it again do you go straight over the sealant or do you have to first remove that before applying the resurfacer?
Hu Jamie, a stain is a stain, and a resurface is usually a covering, I have done it and haven't had a problem, I guess a lot depends on how bad it is, thanks, Mike
@MikeHaduck thanks alot Mike I've been trying to get customers for restaurant entryways that have black foot traffic on their Concrete but it seems they don't give a rats ass what it looks like what their customers see when they come in... thanks alot again Sir. Mike
Mike, I recently painted my sidewalks with Portland like you did in this video, but now I feel that my sidewalks look like they could use another coat of Portland. Is this wise to do another coat? And can I just use Portland and water for the second coat instead of adding more glue in the mix?
Hi Shunt, I have done it twice when I feel it necessary, it is just a covering to fill in holes and make a temporary look good sidewalk. glue is just an extra option, my opinion, I hope it helps thanks mike
Mike, it looks like you used a bonding agent and plain cement to apply on a walkway with a masonry brush. Can I use the Quikcrete Resurfacer in the same way? I’m a big fan. Thanks for helping me as I’m a novice at this stuff.
Hi Rick, I did use the resurfacer the same way, I would do a few test first and check out my video on sidewalk & driveway resurfacing, they might help, thanks mike
With relatively inexpensive power washers today's homeowner could blast a very clean surface which would hopefully help the resurfacing material adhere to the concrete.
I will be doing this next weekend the old school way like 🙂 , I was wondering if the product you use rapid set mortar mix if can it be use as well like cement all to patch holes , also can it the mortar mix be watered down to do a resurface the old school way like Portland? Thanks 🙏🏼
i am in the construction buiseness over here in germany since almost 30 years and the first thing we learn here is that you must not mix less than 3 parts of sand with 1 part of cement, because it will crack. i would never resurface old concrete because like you mentioned you have to do it every year. i would tear apart all that concrete and build a new stone walkway without any cement so the water can run through....
Hi sir, if I use less than 2 to 1 in will fall apart with our winters, and yes you can easily rip out the old and put in the new, but some folks don't have the money for that. just one of those things, no worries, good to hear from Germany, was in Hamburg once. thanks mike
Hi Melvin, I used a quikrete bonding agent, from home depot or lowes, remember this is a patch or cheap fix before replacement, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Hey there Mike. I need to cover a single spot on an otherwise decently bright concrete driveway. What color is the finish of the painted Portland and glue mix once it dries?
Hello Mike, first i would like to thank you for all your great videos. I live in Florida and I’m installing new pool copings, the copping is being custom made to fit the contour of the pool. My question is what material would you recommend to set the copings on the pool beam? (Type S mortar or Portland) All the pool copings are 3 feet long, and what would I use as on the grout joints? I would really appreciate some feedback. Thank you James
+James Orphanos Hi James, I can't really say, Florida is a different world than Pennsylvania, up here I would probably use Portland but you got different weather conditions. I would ask the locals for sure. I hope it helps, thanks mike
Hi Tim, 95% of the time it is just Portland and glue, sometimes a little fine sand to make a non skid or slip surface, but most of the time just portland and glue, thanks mike
Hey Mike. I have a small amount of concrete to mix for a repair. What ratio is recommended for mixing? Let’s say 2 cups of concrete how much water required?
Hey mike..so I tried ur technique when I was doing the joints of my brick pavers last week which was mixing dirt with a little bit of mortar mix and water in order to get the color of the new joints to match with the old and I must say it looked good for 2 days. After 2 days of rain the dirt color washed away and now I’m left with the original white color from my mortar mix. Any suggestions on how to get that dirt color to hold now that everything is dry? Thanks
Hi Nicholas, I usually get regular mud and lay it on top keep it wet for a day and it should stain it, maybe you got to do it a few times but it always worked for me, thanks Mike
hey Mike I'm David and just wanted to say your videos are very helpful. I own an electrical handyman business and I have used your technique's and they turned out great. I have a customer with a pretty new concrete driveway only like 10 years old and it looks good but it does have some cracks in it and they want it fixed. what would you recommend to fix this and still match the good concrete. it's not colored just like a bright concrete kinda white I guess. thank you again. oh and I live in Va.
Hi Dave, I showed how I resurface a concrete driveway but It is old school and has to be gone over every year to keep up. I will not do it for customers (though I will let them in on the know how) I show how it is done but I will not do it unless I know them very well and the completely understand that it is a temporary disguise before replacement, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Hi gv, maybe sometimes in some places but most places I doubt it especially where I live, much cheaper and nicer to redo it every year, My opinion, thanks mike
Hi El, the old timers never had glue, check out my two videos on how I resurface a concrete driveway, I think that will help answer your questions, thanks mike
What is the "glue" that you mix with the Portland cement? Is it an acrylic bonder? Is Portland cement mixed with glue more durable or less than Quikrete resurfacer? thank you.
I think you have to think it all out and consider what you want and how much you are going to do it. I usually just mix the glue in on "how I resurface a concrete driveway" mike haduck.. no matter what you use it will be temporary for sure. I hope it helps, thanks mike
Thanks so much, really like the format of your videos. We're in MO, hot & humid summers, snow in the winter. Should we wait till spring? What's the exact name of the Portland cement and PSI? Is it normally at Home Depot or Lowes?
Hi LM, just regular type 1 or 2 usually sold at HOme Depot and Lowes, it is just a covering to keep the sidewalks looking fresh before replacement, thanks mike
Mike I've got a real mess of a job, absolute beginner, it's brick mixed with concrete. All the concrete surrounding brick surface is crumbling taking some brick with it. Any video of yours you'd recommend to me?
Mike- your like the dad I never had!! Thanks for educating us the old skool way. Short and to the point!
This guy is old fashioned old style can't beat that .
Bet he was a marine or navy seal
Mike,
Everyone appreciates the truth and someone telling them how it really is. They can either hear it from you or learn it on their own. Thanks /John
I can't stop watching your videos Mike, you have a lot of knowledge about what you do. I pray God continues continues to bless you and your business. Keep it up. I've learned a lot by you.
thanks, Benny, may God bless you also, I appreciate it , mike
Hey Mike , Love your vids!!!! one thing I have found that gets me a few years out of a surface patch here in New York is that I clean and wet the base as you did and then paint the base with latex bond mix ( a,k,a, glue) I use same bond mix in patch cement. seems to get great adhesion and the water does not get under the patch as easy.
Hi shoestring, I agree, if it works great, thanks for the comment, mike
Hey Mike i forgot to mention you are the best in the business.
I fake it, thanks mike
Hi Mike. I didn't read all the comments, so just say if you already covered my suggestion. I deal with a lot of the same weather conditions in Ohio. The key I've found that helps is to keep the water out of the concrete and masonry. On above grade block work I will: 1. Paint with Thoroseal or Eucoseal. 2. A day or 2 later spray the surface with a siloxane penetrating sealer. Man you ought to see the water bead up on the surface. It looks like a waxed car finish. So maybe to extend the life of your resurfacing jobs the same application of a penetrating sealer would be helpful. Thanks. Us Old School guys are becoming a rare breed.
Jeffrey McMillan I agree, but sometimes you have to resurface over the sealer and it wont stick, everything depends , like you said us old schoolers are becoming a rare breed, thanks mike
Since you're in Ohio I was wondering if this would work on a concrete pad like a patio?
Is it more slippery with the sealer when the surface is wet?
I was going to ask the same question
Wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos and your wealth of knowledge. Wish you the best.
Thanks John, mike
Thanks Mike! The best information here is that "there is no long term solution" when resurfacing a concrete pad. Nice to know that I'm not alone having to readdress issues every year or two.
Thanks Chris, mike
Hello Mike,I'm from Pennsylvania also.I'm 50 miles south of Philadelphia.I have a sidewalk that I was planning to resurfacing but since it's a limited thing, i'm just gonna take the old out and put the new in.You do great work.
Thanks Michael, that is usually the end result, thanks mike
The end of the video, no big deal. Love it!
Thanks David, mike
Yes I reminded him of this and also I reminded him of pouring so thin. It was inside of a horse barn and only about 2 and a half to 3 inches in some places.
Ardex is almost the same as Portland just a higher grade of mix. It can be used the same and they have some self leveling kind also. It suppose to blend in with the concrete. Thank you for responding, I will return to you if I have further questions in the future. Blessings to you.
I like all your videos mike, very low tech and basic. Old school is sometimes the best.
thanks Mary, I appreciate it. mike
Mike, you're the man. I enjoy your videos and learn at the same time.
thanks Dallas, mike
Hi Mike, Filled in the cracks and holes on my concrete stairs with rapid set mortar mix. Looks good. Some higher and lower areas. Now I want to go over the whole thing and make it look nice and uniform. Should I use Cement All for that or something else?
Hi Daniel, I guess it would determine if you were gonna paint it or just cement it, I would do a sample first, thanks, mike
I did resurface my front door step a couple years a go and I followed sam technique you used by the time I painted it looks good as new thanks for sharing this information with us.
Thanks Ratch, mike
How does it look now?
thanks Mike. because of you I can do the work nicely for any clients.
Hi Fossils, I only do it for friends that I know it is temporary, as I trust to understand that, but I appreciate it, hope you are doing well, thanks mike
yes even the temp
I am electrician not mason so it's nice to see it explained well so I may do the small stuff myself. Thank you u r great
Thanks Warren, I appreciate it. mike
tried this system to restore the top of my driveway and sidewalk... it worked really well.. did have a question.. can you use a sealer over it so the tire marks don't trash how clean it looks.... and thanks for the video... Great Job !!!
After reading that concrete work only lasts for about a year or so before you need to patch it, a thought occurred to me. Have you ever considered using something like powdered stone like granite or something like that to possibly harden it & maybe make it a bit more durable? I know almost nothing about this subject so please forgive my ignorance on whether or not that would be a good, workable idea.
I like these videos a lot. Mike Haduck seems like a great guy! I love learning from him!
Thanks Terry, mike
Thank you for your insight and great details about each job on your video's. This is my first leaving a comment on any video. Thanks again and will keep watching. Like you say " it's no big deal"
Thanks James, I appreciate it, Mike
"Paint it with Portland!" Thank You Mike, Great Video.
Stone Fireplaces thanks Jamie, I am working on redoing the driveway one, mike
thank you really enjoy your videos very informative...old school means common sense, something sadly lacking nowadays, in the new school throw away society, refreshing to see in our dyeing breed, of repair it generation. Keep up the great work 👌
thanks John, I appreciate it. mike
Mike Haduck lol
Awesome. I was taught to scrape, pressurewash then apply the new pre-packaged toppers. My dad's lasted 12 years. Bad drainage but low traffic. 5 bucks says the product just had glue powder mixed with portland.
Hi Jeremiah, probably so, but it is old school yearly thing, thanks mike
Greatest honest pro
Thanks sammie, mike
Great video. Thanks for sharing your techniques and applications.
Thanks Kelly, I appreciate it. mike
Thanks for your videos, Mike! I've learned a lot from your videos and other people. I'm just a DIYer in Pittsburgh. I would like to know if you ever resurface the "old school way" and then use a sealer so that our harsh PA winters don't ruin the resurfacer each year.
+DAVID COOK Hi Dave, the problem with that is when you go to fix it every year the sealer will keep it from sticking, I would do some test first to see how it works in your area, thanks , mike
Did you try it out? Living near the burg and am curious.
Thanks Mike, I used to do that old school stuff on those LA pools with all those cracks, oh, yeah. It was all a long time ago. Like 1960s.Think we called it gunite.
Hi C, I don;t know what I was called. just old school fix here, I appreciate it. thanks mike
With customers is all about setting expectations. Good video.
rennybarr very well said, thanks mike
Also, do you ever use Acrylic Fortifier as an additive to your patch mixes? Supposedly it makes patches last longer, specifically in climates with a lot of freeze/thaw cycles.
Hi, depends on what I am doing, Mike
Mike the patch at the pool could you have mixed glue with the Portland and sand?
The painting with Portland on the side walk, would a sealer help to make it last longer?
Hi Laster, I think the glue helps, thanks mike
So glad I found your videos! Awesome library for me to review this winter... South East Pa! U gotta fan...man....
thanks David, I appreciate it. mike
You amaze me. Thank you so much. I wish I had all your experiences. lb
Thanks Linda, mike
@@MikeHaduck Mike, I have lots of little cracks in my garage floor. Do I need to worry about them? The floor is 10 years old. lb
great video series! this is exactly where i'm at with my sidewalks, and i'm glad to see that my common sense is working pretty good, because i'm employing the same techniques that are used in this video. subscribed.
thanks, its a yearly thing but it works, thanks mike
Here is a new one I think. I had my drive paved in tar and gravel. Real old school. !/4 mile long.. I couldn't afford concrete. I got tired of the gravel in front mof my shop on my knees. SO I am using concrete patcher Topnbond to cover the gravel with a smooth finish. Using a float to blend it in :) Now I can work on a smooth surface that isn't supposed to crack? After I get it all smooth I am going to use resurfacer. Looks pretty good so far. I bet you did a lot of stuff like that at first.
actually I have gravel in my driveway, it is usually a mess because of me unloading the trucks with cement,. a few big stones close to the doors so I can jack things up, If I poured concrete or blacktop I would ruin it, nothing last , thats for sure, I hope it works out for you, thanks mike
Good Job Mr.Mark
For patching that polymer a lil bit adding would have been good for long lasting
Thanks, Mike
Geat job Mike proper tradesman 👍
Thanks Tom, Mike
mix plasticizer In with it..it helps alot better with the snow and ice.you can mix Portland , vinyl patch and plasticizer all together and get a good resurfacing mix...good luck.
I always say, "anything that works", I appreciate it. thanks mike
old style in PA they mixed ashes from the coal furnace in the concrete/cement to stretch it, like bread and onions in the hamburger to make more for a large coal country family !!!
Thanks,Mike
Mr.Mike where do you get masonary sand? Because here Lowes only sells playground sand and I know there is a difference. Do you get it at a cement yard?
Hi marcle, I use play sand if I am in a pinch but I usually get it from a masonry supply yard or landscaping yards, thanks Mike
I have a wooden steps with small landing to a mobile I had to do something with. It sits out in the weather with no overhead cover. It has cedar 1"x 4" closely spaced. What I did was put some "L" shaped aluminum around the perimeter of all of it, 3/8" thick, then mixed up some mortar mix, and screeded it, then trowled it. I used 1/3 Rapid Set patching stuff, and 2/3 mortar mix, type S. Weird combo, I suppose, but it looks like concrete. I put paper over the wood and stapled on metal lath. Hope it holds up. I like the look of concrete over wood products, plastic, or paint.
Hi Ray, that sounds different, I hope it works out, thanks, Mike
Mike, I found that this mix began to set up at a time I could work with, but it was difficult to trowel up a paste, and any low spots did not trowel up anything but stayed a darker color, so when it dried (I thought it was still damp) it showed these zebra stripes. There is definitely a difference between a finish carpenter and a concrete finisher. I even sanded it with my orbital sander (120) a bit, and it sure wore the paper out quick, but it's good enough for me. I suppose I like it just 'cause I did it, but I don't recommend this mix.
Awesome work Mike...you are the man!
Thanks Jesse, mike
Hi Mike. Thanks so much for the education and for investing the time needed to make and upload all these videos. I live in the Midwest and plan to resurface my concrete patio, sidewalks, and driveway this weekend using your Portland whitewash method. My question is whether to use a sponge float or a paint/masonry brush to perform the resurface. In your videos, it seems like you prefer to use a sponge float for the commercial resurfacers and a paint/masonry brush for the Portland whitewash method. Seems like you could have a smoother and thicker coat applying the whitewash with a sponge float but the paintbrush is probably faster. Is that correct? Any other pros/cons with the brush vs the float? Hear you loud and clear either way that it's a Temporary Fix and a Last Resort. Thanks again and God bless!
Hi Wilson, you are right I use the float for the store bought and only the paintbrush for the portland, the idea is the portland flakes away and you do it again next year to brighten it up again with potholes in it because it is so thin, If that makes sense, I hope it helps thanks mike
Great videos Mike. Would you give your pros and cons about sealing concrete. I finished a 35 foot concrete walkway with 7 steps about a month ago, Live in Northern New Jersey its going to get salted in the winters. The You Tube is full of manufacturing company pitches.
Mike, have you used water repellent products that are supposed to make concrete surfaces more water resistant? I just bought some, but I'm not sure whether it will actually work.
Sometimes it makes it slippery in winter
With the old school portland patch do you have to go back next day and smooth out shrink marks?
Thanks, Mike
man I was looking for this for many many years... thank you !
THankd E4, I appreciate it. mike
What kind of glue is that, Mike? Is it better to mix glue in then just using straight Portland? Also, should the paint be thick?
Hi Sgt. I just make it thick enough so you can't see through, and the glue helps, lowes or homedepot carries it, thanks, mike
Thanks for this - it's really useful information. I had never heard of 'painting with Portland' - but here in England it is a useful technique because you have to have a wet surface - and here it's always raining! I don't know why these old school very cheap solutions died out - I guess they didn't make enough money for the paint companies.
Hi London, I got to use that explanation on my next video , thanks mike
Hi Mike, thank you for your sharing.
Can I ask you 2 questions - when you using PVA glue with the cement ; and can you give some alternative to the quikrete product (in Europe we don't have this product). Thank you!
Hi Vitan, some say all it is is Elmer's glue, I don't know what they put in it some say also a latex, but all I know is it helps, thanks Mike
Mike, thank you for the great tips. I am a carpenter that sometimes gets calls for small masonry jobs and have used your videos to help me learn new skills. I had a customer call me to extend a set of concrete steps because their back door was moved, and to blend the two together I painted the old and new in Portland. In a dry hot climate with little rain and no snow how long can I expect the Portland to last?
WCSD I always considered Portland a poor mans paint but for fixing curbs etc. it works well, I always tell the customer its a yearly fix. hope it helps. thanks. mike
Nice work. Question regarding "Portland painting" - I understand that this is just for "decoration" only, so because the thickness of the layer is close to nothing - will it crack and shed in a few years? Or just fade like a paint?
I would say a little of both, it's old school white washing used for centuries, either patch it or replace it, anything that works, thanks mike
Mike, how about a walkway that has rocks, what type of cement do you I use to cover it. I used quickrete patcher to fix some cracks. Can I use the same patcher since it has good bonding properties?
Hey mike Sorry to bother you last questions I promise... will sealer help it last longer and is painting with Portland considered resurfacing to charge people as a resurfacing job?
Hi Jamie, it's a cheap covering, not necessarily a resurface but a old school depression way of making it look newer , I don't seal them because they are slippery and then another coat won't stick, thanks Mike
@@MikeHaduck Thank you Sir
Man you taught me a lot. Thank you sir.
Thanks, Mike
no bullshit just straight talking well done mike love your videos
+darren harlow thanks , I hope they help. mike
You are the King of concrete
Hi Crazy, not really, but I try to do what works in my area, thanks Mike
We had a neighbor back in the '60's in Ohio that would paint his asphalt drive with portland. It would look great for a year or so. And he would do it every couple of years.
yep, old school whitewashing, old timers were big on that, thanks mike
thanks for all the help
Baxxxed I hope it helps, thanks mike
You can definitely do overlays that last. I own a company in Oregon and use elite Crete overlays that stay together for years. Diamond grind the entire slab, prime with a moisture mitigating primer (vapor barrier from elite), two coats of thin finish, seal with a solvenated acrylic or an aliphatic urethane. Costs more than this technique but less than rip out and start over does.
Hi Matt , I appreciate the comment, maybe you got something going there, and I am not familiar with the product or the weather in Oregon, around here I never seen aything work, wet and cold weather is brutal, but I will leave this on so others can see it, thanks again for the comment, mike
Matt Twenge n
thanks for the comment, mike
Mike, do you mind doing a video on how to fix an original patio concrete pour that was not smooth? How do I smooth it out and bring it level in some areas? In some areas the aggregate is showing and in others it looks broom brushed. What's the best method, using a self leveling agent or the portland mix? This patio was just poured less than a month ago buy a novice handyman. Thanks in advance!
InspiredCoils I can't say unless I actually was there to see it. lots of options, thanks mike
Thanks man love your old school approach. Got a question would love to hear from you soon as I'm doing my DIY project next week. Can I acid stain over this?
Hi Josh, it really just a covering, and probably got to be gone over every year or two to make it look fresh, thanks Mike
Mike, would a concrete sealer applied over the resurfacer extend the life of the repair? Also, if you were to put a sealer over it and ended up having to resurface it again do you go straight over the sealant or do you have to first remove that before applying the resurfacer?
Would you suggest I add polymer to give it a better bonding?
Hi Johnny, I can't say ,I have never tried it, thanks Mike
You are awesome. Thank you. Great help!
thanks Christine, I appreciate it. mike
hey Bud i hope you get this message considering its been 9 years... will it cover oil stains of course after a good power wash?
Hu Jamie, a stain is a stain, and a resurface is usually a covering, I have done it and haven't had a problem, I guess a lot depends on how bad it is, thanks, Mike
@MikeHaduck thanks alot Mike I've been trying to get customers for restaurant entryways that have black foot traffic on their Concrete but it seems they don't give a rats ass what it looks like what their customers see when they come in... thanks alot again Sir. Mike
Great info for flipping houses. Thank you from Ohio.
Hi drewhon, just the old way of fixing things, thanks mike
Would this work indoors to make the basment look nicer?
Hi Eric, no it's just a old school outside whitewash makeover, thanks Mike
Mike,
I recently painted my sidewalks with Portland like you did in this video, but now I feel that my sidewalks look like they could use another coat of Portland. Is this wise to do another coat? And can I just use Portland and water for the second coat instead of adding more glue in the mix?
Hi Shunt, I have done it twice when I feel it necessary, it is just a covering to fill in holes and make a temporary look good sidewalk. glue is just an extra option, my opinion, I hope it helps thanks mike
Great video as always Mike! Thank you.
I hope they help, thanks mike
Mike, it looks like you used a bonding agent and plain cement to apply on a walkway with a masonry brush. Can I use the Quikcrete Resurfacer in the same way? I’m a big fan. Thanks for helping me as I’m a novice at this stuff.
Hi Rick, I did use the resurfacer the same way, I would do a few test first and check out my video on sidewalk & driveway resurfacing, they might help, thanks mike
Mike Haduck Masonry Will do! Thanks!
With relatively inexpensive power washers today's homeowner could blast a very clean surface which would hopefully help the resurfacing material adhere to the concrete.
Thanks, Mike
I will be doing this next weekend the old school way like 🙂 , I was wondering if the product you use rapid set mortar mix if can it be use as well like cement all to patch holes , also can it the mortar mix be watered down to do a resurface the old school way like Portland?
Thanks 🙏🏼
Hi Rob, no rapid set seems to be good for holes but it does not hold up on the thin, I use Portland for that, thanks mike
We're in NJ Mike, I just poured a concrete walkway and was thinking of painting a couple coats of Portland to give it a nice uniform color. Bad idea?
Hi kristian, I would hold off with new concrete, it usually blends in, Resurfacing is usually a last resort, I hope it helps thanks Mike
i am in the construction buiseness over here in germany since almost 30 years and the first thing we learn here is that you must not mix less than 3 parts of sand with 1 part of cement, because it will crack. i would never resurface old concrete because like you mentioned you have to do it every year. i would tear apart all that concrete and build a new stone walkway without any cement so the water can run through....
Hi sir, if I use less than 2 to 1 in will fall apart with our winters, and yes you can easily rip out the old and put in the new, but some folks don't have the money for that. just one of those things, no worries, good to hear from Germany, was in Hamburg once. thanks mike
Mike Haduck what type of glue did you use?
Hi Melvin, I used a quikrete bonding agent, from home depot or lowes, remember this is a patch or cheap fix before replacement, I hope it helps, thanks mike
thanks Keith, I appreciate it. mike
Thanks for the video! 👍
Thanks, mike
Hey there Mike. I need to cover a single spot on an otherwise decently bright concrete driveway. What color is the finish of the painted Portland and glue mix once it dries?
+Underdog Josh I would do a little test spot first. and see what happens, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Another really really good video. What is the ratio of portland to glue to h20?
hi G H, not a lot a 1 cup to 20 cups is fine, my opinion, thanks mike
Thanks. I like the honestly.
Thanks, I hope it helps, mike
Every time I think of your videos mike I think "not in Pennssylvanie." LOL!!!
Thanks Andrew, it is many times very true, lol, thanks again, mike
Hello Mike, first i would like to thank you for all your great videos. I live in Florida and I’m installing new pool copings, the copping is being custom made to fit the contour of the pool. My question is what material would you recommend to set the copings on the pool beam? (Type S mortar or Portland)
All the pool copings are 3 feet long, and what would I use as on the grout joints?
I would really appreciate some feedback.
Thank you
James
+James Orphanos Hi James, I can't really say, Florida is a different world than Pennsylvania, up here I would probably use Portland but you got different weather conditions. I would ask the locals for sure. I hope it helps, thanks mike
Thanks will do
@mikehaduck when you're painting cement, do you add sand to the mix or is it just Portland and glue ?
Hi Tim, 95% of the time it is just Portland and glue, sometimes a little fine sand to make a non skid or slip surface, but most of the time just portland and glue, thanks mike
This all great and everything but how often do you have to resurface concrete in Pennsylvania? :)
Hi Shizzy , I consider it a yearly or bi yearly thing, thanks mike
Hey Mike. I have a small amount of concrete to mix for a repair. What ratio is recommended for mixing? Let’s say 2 cups of concrete how much water required?
Hi Joes, it all depends on how wet the sand is, I just mix it to a consistently that works, I hope it helps, mike
Mike Haduck Masonry it would be cement all but just need to mix a small amount at a time
Hey Mike. Would it last longer if you put more than one coat on? I was thinking 3.
hi 15, it might but its a yearly thing no matter what you do. thanks mike
Did you use Elmer glue or concrete bonding agent?
Hi Kevin, I added some in 2nd video, thanks Mike
Hey mike..so I tried ur technique when I was doing the joints of my brick pavers last week which was mixing dirt with a little bit of mortar mix and water in order to get the color of the new joints to match with the old and I must say it looked good for 2 days. After 2 days of rain the dirt color washed away and now I’m left with the original white color from my mortar mix. Any suggestions on how to get that dirt color to hold now that everything is dry? Thanks
Hi Nicholas, I usually get regular mud and lay it on top keep it wet for a day and it should stain it, maybe you got to do it a few times but it always worked for me, thanks Mike
hey Mike
I'm David and just wanted to say your videos are very helpful. I own an electrical handyman business and I have used your technique's and they turned out great.
I have a customer with a pretty new concrete driveway only like 10 years old and it looks good but it does have some cracks in it and they want it fixed. what would you recommend to fix this and still match the good concrete. it's not colored just like a bright concrete kinda white I guess. thank you again. oh and I live in Va.
Hi Dave, I showed how I resurface a concrete driveway but It is old school and has to be gone over every year to keep up. I will not do it for customers (though I will let them in on the know how) I show how it is done but I will not do it unless I know them very well and the completely understand that it is a temporary disguise before replacement, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Mike if you seal the surface after you resurface and it cures it may last much longwr
Hi gv, maybe sometimes in some places but most places I doubt it especially where I live, much cheaper and nicer to redo it every year, My opinion, thanks mike
Can I use this in a basement and will it last if I paint over it or is it a waste of time?
Hi atown, I would not, I only show what I used in for, thanks, Mike
Thanks....I have a driveway that needs this process. Maybe here in AZ it woill last longer?
Hi J.J. it might, just something that the old timers used before replacing it. thanks mike
Thank you, Mike!
Hi Regina, I appreciate it. mike
HI Mr. Haduck. Y the glue? I dont get it. Using portland isnt enough?
Hi El, the old timers never had glue, check out my two videos on how I resurface a concrete driveway, I think that will help answer your questions, thanks mike
What is the "glue" that you mix with the Portland cement? Is it an acrylic bonder? Is Portland cement mixed with glue more durable or less than Quikrete resurfacer? thank you.
I think you have to think it all out and consider what you want and how much you are going to do it. I usually just mix the glue in on "how I resurface a concrete driveway" mike haduck.. no matter what you use it will be temporary for sure. I hope it helps, thanks mike
Thanks so much, really like the format of your videos. We're in MO, hot & humid summers, snow in the winter. Should we wait till spring? What's the exact name of the Portland cement and PSI? Is it normally at Home Depot or Lowes?
Hi LM, just regular type 1 or 2 usually sold at HOme Depot and Lowes, it is just a covering to keep the sidewalks looking fresh before replacement, thanks mike
What kind of glue are you using?
Hi John, it's a little concrete bonding agent, I just mix I in quikrete makes one, Mike
Hey Mike ,can you install tile after you resurface concrete ? Or you think tiles will pop off within a year ?
+Hung Pham I doubt it in Pennsylvania, California and florida might be a different story hope it helps, thanks mike
should i use the same rules for resurfacing a interior slab foundation? Do you have a video on that?
Hi Rebecca, I do not recommend it for the interior , interiors I would talk to the guy at the paint store, I hope it helps, thanks mike
Mike I've got a real mess of a job, absolute beginner, it's brick mixed with concrete. All the concrete surrounding brick surface is crumbling taking some brick with it. Any video of yours you'd recommend to me?
HI John, check out my How I do brick work series on the playlist, and it is in there, they all help a little thanks mike