Options for repairing and refinishing a pitted driveway with a 12 degree slope?

[HendoP]

My driveway needs a makeover as has some cracks and pitting.  
There is a fair amount on information on how to repair the pits and cracking on line (although any advice is more than welcome), my main concern is the final presentation.  It is currently painted and so was planning to repaint, however checking with the team at Bunnings today they have advised that painting is only recommended for slopes up to 7 deg due to slipping risk and mine is 12 deg. 
Any advice on best options?
Doing a freshen up for resale so ideally am not looking at spending a fortune.

[EricL]

Hello @HendoP 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about painting your driveway. 

I'm sorry, but I can't make any recommendation that goes against the suggested application of the paint products. Would you be able to recall what was used on your driveway before? While I was pondering on possible solutions, it occurred to me that you could go in the opposite direction. I propose thinking about stripping the paint off the surface of your driveway and having it professionally finished. I then suggest looking at a natural sealer such as the Crommelin 6L Natural Finish Penetrating Sealer And Water Repellent. 

It is a premium clear surface treatment formulated to provide a deep penetrating water repellent barrier, without changing the look or feel of masonry, concrete, natural stone or paving surfaces. You therefore keep the finish of the surface but still protect it from the elements. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @HendoP 

Unlike non-slip decking oil that basically starts to flake off weeks after it been applied, there are a couple of options with concrete paint. One is to mix in a non-slip additive. You would need to research paint brands that offer this product suitability for "driveways" and if any can be special ordered through Bunnings.

There are a few products about not sold in Bunnings this being one that I helped a friend apply on his elderly parents small driveway and path. It came up like new, but it's very important like any concrete paint that the preparation is exactly followed. It also did a good job of concealing our crack repairs. It's not a super cheap exercise, but it's at least a DIY one. If you weren't selling, then it would be worth a professional approach such as @EricL suggested.

Nailbag

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Nailbag,

We do offer both Dulux 300G Concrete & Paving Anti Slip Additive and Berger Jet Dry 300g Clear True Grip, though they also recommend that you don't use them on slopes greater than 7 degrees. I'm not aware of an other coatings or additives that can be ordered that would be suitable on steeper slopes.

Mitchell

[Nailbag]

Thanks very much for the info @MitchellMc especially regarding the limit to 7deg. 

Depending on the quote on a professional repair and coating @HendoP you have somewhere weighing up to do on investment on return since your selling. The crack is probably more obvious as your driveway is uphill and not down.

Nailbag.

[Dave-1]

Morning @HendoP 

Well I didnt know about the recommended slope being 7deg or under, makes sense as some driveways I have walked on that have been painted and are more then 7degs are very much like a skating rink.

I am not a fan of painted concrete, mainly because if you want to repaint it ever then removing the old first is the suggested (and wise) way.

Do you know when the paint was originally done and how many years it held up before it started wearing? 

Whichever way I would rather remove the paint and have a rougher surface for grip (and I am talking mainly walking on a steep slope when wet or even a little bit of moss) Slipping over on your behind is not worth the issues.

Dave

[HendoP]

Hi Eric

Thanks for the response.  Can you clarify what you mean by having it "professionally finished"? 

[HendoP]

Hi Dave

The painting was done at the time of construction in 2009.  The concrete job was pretty poor and has led to the significant pitting.  My concern with removing the paint is that it will show all of the repair work on the concrete pits and cracks.  Is there a way that we can do the repairs and still end up with a quality finish?

[HendoP]

Also I have been informed that it is a colored concrete sealant not paint that the concrete has been treated with.  Does this change my options?

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @HendoP 

It may show up more so but if you are going to recover your driveway whichever way then the old paint should be removed. Otherwise its standing there throwing sand at the beach type deal. (Ie your wallet and $$$$)

As to the coloured concrete sealant I am sorry but dont have any experience with that. This is where I would start to edge towards a professional concrete painting/refinishing buisness over doing the job ourselves type deal. I think of it as a seesaw, as long as "my knowledge + my dollars still are heavier then the other side (unknown problems + cost of materials and failure of materials down the track) then I can proceded, once the "other side" has that "thunk" sound from being too heavy then its the professionals for me.

Dave