How to Reface Cement Steps
- 1). Choose clothing that covers your entire body to protect against flying cement. Wear thick or steel-toe shoes in case you drop a large piece of cement on your foot. Put on a pair of heavy work gloves and some safety goggles.
- 2). Use siliconized latex caulk to fill any existing cracks in your steps before you reface them, or the steps will continue to crumble at these sites beneath the new layer of cement. Use a cement patching product to patch up any crumbled or pitted areas and any holes. Allow the repairs to dry completely before continuing with your refacing job.
- 3). Remove any broken or disintegrating chunks of cement from the edges of your steps with a hammer and chisel. Chisel a "v" shape into the vertical face of each step just underneath each edge. This chisel work creates a textured surface for the new layer of cement to adhere to so that it does not fall off under the force of gravity.
- 4). Sweep away all of the cement dust and debris left from your chiseling with a broom and dustpan. Or, spray the steps down thoroughly with a garden hose and allow them to dry completely.
- 5). Pour the cement bonding agent into a paint pan and dip a large paintbrush into it. Apply an even, thin coat of the bonding agent to all of the surface of your cement steps.
- 6). Empty your chosen cement product into a bucket and add the amount of water directed by the packaging, since this will vary by brand. Mix the cement thoroughly with a shovel.
- 7). Scoop up about 3 cups of the prepared cement with a metal trowel and apply an even coat that is approximately 3/8 inch thick over each step. Cover all of the vertical surfaces of your steps, too.
- 8). Use the flat face of the trowel to smooth all of the surfaces, then allow the first coat to dry for 2 hours. Apply a second coat, smooth the surface until you are happy with the appearance, and allow the surface moisture to evaporate for 30 minutes.
- 9). Use a large tarp to completely cover the steps. Allow the cement to cure for 1 week, removing the tarp once a day to lightly spray the steps with a garden hose that has a fine mister head attached. This ensures that the cement cures evenly.
- 10
Remove the tarp at the end of 1 week. Apply a coat of masonry sealant, if desired, and allow the steps to dry completely before walking on them.