How to resurface concrete driveway?

alwaysasking

I have researched methods of achieving resurfacing after pressure cleaning and crack repair with Earl's. I know the drive needs sealing, application of resurfacer and sealing again. The resurfacing products from Dulux and Dunlop are a little expensive.

Is it feasible to use Bondcrete with cement, mixed with a colour oxide, as a resurfacer of the old concrete?

JacobZ

Hi @alwaysasking,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

While minor resurfacing and repairs can be done using Bondcrete and standard concrete, I wouldn't suggest using it on the whole driveway because of the heavy traffic it is going to experience. 

The reason is that standard concrete, even when mixed with a bonding agent like Bondcrete, lacks the flexibility and strength of a purpose-made resurfacing compound. Thin concrete layers are prone to shrinkage during curing and have limited tensile strength, which makes them highly susceptible to cracking. They also don’t adhere to old concrete as well as polymer-modified products, so under the stress of vehicles, heat, and weather changes, the surface can delaminate or break down prematurely.

By contrast, dedicated resurfacing compounds like Dulux Avista Resurfacing Compound are engineered with fine sands, polymers, and additives that significantly improve adhesion, flexibility, and durability. These qualities help the resurfaced layer withstand traffic and environmental stress without cracking, making them a far more reliable long-term solution for driveways.

If it were a small section that wasn't going to experience vehicle traffic, then Bondcrete, standard concrete and oxide would be a viable option; if it is the whole driveway, then vehicle traffic is guaranteed, so I wouldn't recommend it.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob