How To Pebble Coat Concrete

Applying a pebble coat to your existing concrete patio or walkway is an excellent way to reduce the slickness of the surface when it becomes wet. Some pebble coating material must be applied when the concrete is still wet, but others can be applied after the concrete surface has cured. Always be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications when choosing a pebble coating material for your project.

Step 1

Ensure that your existing concrete surface is thoroughly cleaned by scrubbing it with a stiff broom. If the concrete is fairly new and doesn't show signs of staining, skip to Step 3. Be advised, however, that failure to have a clean concrete surface may interfere with the adherence of the pebble coating material.

Step 2

Combine one part of hydrochloric or muriatic acid with ten to twenty parts water, depending on the severity of the stains on the concrete. Always add the acid to the water to avoid creating heat and causing a minor explosion. Wet the concrete and pour the acid solution on it, using a stiff broom to move the acid solution around and scrub the concrete clean. Rinse well with clean water and allow the concrete to dry before continuing.

Step 3

Apply a layer of pebble coat primer to the concrete surface with a paintbrush or roller and allow the surface to dry for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4

Pour the pebble coating mix into a bucket and mix it thoroughly with a steel trowel to distribute the pebbles evenly through the resin. Spread the pebble mix over the primed concrete surface with the steel trowel, maintaining a depth of 5 to 6 millimeters thick. Apply firm pressure to the pebbles as you are spreading them to aid in their adhesion to the concrete.

Step 5

Allow the pebble coating to dry for four to six hours before allowing light traffic on the area. It takes 48 hours for the pebble coating to cure completely, so regular traffic through the area should be avoided during that time. Furniture, potted plants and vehicles should not be allowed on the newly treated surface for seven days to ensure that the weight of the item does not create an uneven surface.

Step 6

Apply one coat of pebble mix sealer to the cured pebble coating material after two weeks have passed. You must wait; you cannot apply the sealer directly after pebble coating your concrete. Apply the sealer with a paint roller and allow it to dry for 24 hours before replacing furniture and other items.

Step 7

Hose down the pebble coated concrete on a regular basis to keep it clean. Reapply the pebble mix sealer once every two years after the initial treatment.