Concrete Makeover.
How-To Protect & Decorate Your Concrete

1. Protecting your concrete and masonry is as important as protecting a deck. It can prevent cracking, chipping and other water damage as well as chemical damage from sources like de-icing salts and pool cleaners.

   • If you have protected the surface before and you want to determine whether you need to retreat your surface, perform the splash test. Sprinkle water on the surface you want to test. If the water is absorbed and makes the surface noticeably darker, the surface is not waterproofed. If the water is not absorbed the surface is still protected.

   • HINT: Newly poured concrete must cure thoroughly before being coated; check label directions for specific times.

2. Much of concrete and masonry is unprotected and distinctly undecorated. It doesn't have to be that way. Thompson's® WaterSeal® Concrete Care products provide the flexibility to choose between clear or colored finishes depending on the desired look you want.

3. If the natural look of concrete is desired, choose Thompson's® WaterSeal® Concrete Care Sealer for a beautiful superior clear finish. You can also choose from Thompson's® WaterSeal® Clear Multi-Surface Waterproofer or Thompson's® WaterSeal® Advanced Multi-Surface Waterproofer.

4. Another option is to drastically improve the look of concrete using a solid color stain.

   • Thompson's® WaterSeal® Concrete Care 100% Acrylic Latex Stain will provide superior beauty, protection for your surfaces and is available in 40 custom and five pre-mixed colors to complement any home exterior.

   • For an inspired look, use multiple colors to create patterns. Concrete can be made to look like bricks, pavers or stone. Or add a distinctive embellishment with a design that you trace or stencil onto the surface. For more, refer to Step 4: Decorative Touches.

Watch a video on how to give your concrete a makeover using Thompson's® WaterSeal® Concrete Care Products.

Next Step: Preparation is Critical