How to restore concrete table?

[MattP1]

Hi! 
I have an outdoor/indoor concrete table that up until 8 weeks ago, was used indoors. 

I forgot to reseal the table and was last sealed just under 3 years ago and now there appears to be some minor cracking on the table top. Some appear as very fine cracks where as some others just appearing as lines which I’m sure would eventually reveal as fine cracks if not addressed. 

I am wanting to restore the table top whilst maintaining the original colour and texture so that it matches the rest of my set. 

   

[EricL]

Hello @MattP1 

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

The fissures and cracks can be filled in, the drawback is that because the damage is so fine the filler can be easily seen and will ruin the colour finish of the surface as the filler is not colour compatible. I suspect that your tabletop was rendered, but I am not sure how thick that render is. You still have option of sealing it as is, but the cracks will be visible.

My only other recommendation is to paint the concrete surface to hide the cracks.

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

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @MattP1 

If you use a sealer on the table now I think it will show the cracks more so 😕 Do any of the other pieces in the set have cracks like these?

How thick is the table and is the other side crack free?

Its a hard call over a concrete sealer or I know you want the look to match but I would also head towards a paint to cover the cracks.

White Knight 4L Ultra Pave Clear Sealer you could use but think the cracks will stand out more, maybe try the underside of the table first to see how it looks?

Dave

[MattP1]

Thanks Dave. 

the table now lives outside so it’s my bad for not sealing it. However, it does sit under an enclosed area so I wasn’t too rushed in sealing the table. 

the table is reasonably thick (25mm) and there are no signs of cracking underneath. 

If I am to paint the table top and seal, will the cracks then re-appear after some time? 

I’m aiming for the best result for longevity. In this case, if I fill cracks, sand, paint and then seal, will the table hold up better?

cheers! 

[EricL]

Hello @MattP1 

Let me tag @Dave-1 to make him aware of your questions. Filling the cracks will definitely help rather than just depending on the paint to cover up the cracks. It is difficult to tell where the next set of cracks might appear, but filling the ones that are present will stop it from spreading further. Preparing the surface of the table before painting it will make it hold up better in the long run.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @MattP1 

I would fill the gaps with a clear epoxy resin product so not to leave an obvious fill with a silicone based product, then seal it.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @MattP1 

The cracks will appear as time passes I would say (Cant stop them I am afraid). I do like @EricL 's suggestion about preparing the table as to give it its best chance. But @Nailbag's suggestion would be the best for keeping it close to the look of original without painting. 

25mm isnt too thick (50mm upwards but thats me wiggling my hands lol would be where I would start think its thick) So I would prefer to fill and then seal as @Nailbag has suggested.

Dave