How to Make a Concrete Drive Look Better

Scrub the existing concrete with a hose and scrub brush to remove old dirt. Pour concrete stain remover over oil and grease stains and let it break down the stains for about half an hour before scrubbing them. Hose off cleaning solutions and stains from the surface.

Fill any ruts and cracks with reinforced concrete patching compound. Use a putty knife to apply the compound and tamp it down. Scrape off the surface so its level with the rest of the driveway. If the holes are deeper than 1/2 inch, fill them with fine sand until the remaining depth is 1/2 inch and then apply the compound.

Apply bonding adhesive over the driveway surface with a painter’s roller brush. This helps new concrete bond with the existing surface so it won’t chip over time.

Blend a batch of concrete mix in a mixer with water so it’s thick, like peanut butter. Scoop the concrete onto the driveway in small piles with a shovel and spread it with a gauge rake. Push a long-handled float across the driveway starting at one end and working slowly down the length of the site to smooth any rough spots or marks on the concrete surface. Cover the surface with breathable cloth to prevent the new concrete from drying out too quickly.

Use a pump sprayer to apply an even coat of concrete sealer over the driveway seven days after the new concrete is laid. The sealer guards the surface from water damage. It also adds a decorative touch if you choose to add a coloring agent to the sealer.