Concrete deck repair advice - Epoxy coating bubbled/cracked.

[Oro]

Before the rains begin, I have to repair this spot on a concrete pad. The concrete is fine, but the epoxy coating on it bubbled, then got stepped on and cracked. Not sure why; maybe just age? The coating was commercially applied ~18 years ago IIRC, about when we built this guest room/outdoor kitchen.

What is the best material to patch and seal this? I've put it off most the summer, obviously, but need to get on this the next few weeks. The old epoxy coating is otherwise intact everwhere, though very faded. I may re-do it myself next summer to spruce it up.

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[lucusloc]

Before the rains begin, I have to repair this spot on a concrete pad. The concrete is fine, but the epoxy coating on it bubbled, then got stepped on and cracked. Not sure why; maybe just age? The coating was commercially applied ~18 years ago IIRC, about when we built this guest room/outdoor kitchen.

What is the best material to patch and seal this? I've put it off most the summer, obviously, but need to get on this the next few weeks. The old epoxy coating is otherwise intact everwhere, though very faded. I may re-do it myself next summer to spruce it up.

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I don't think color matching is gong to be realistic unless you want to go with a professional service. If you don't care about that and just want it sealed just get an epoxy patch kit. They are common to basically every hardware store and you should be able to get them in multiple sizes to cover the area you need. All you do is grind it out past the parts where it delaminated and pour in the new sealant. Most of it is self leveling so you don't even have to fuss with it after that. There are also penetrant sealants of various flavors, but those will not fill the divot so I don't think they would be the best for your application.

The patch will be very obvious, but it will be sealed up and protect the concrete from moisture penetration again, and that is what really counts, at least until you redo it all again.

I am told that the professional guys can match just about anything, even faded colors, but I have never called them so I have no idea how true those claims are. If you want something that matches what you already have I expect that to be your only option unless you want to invest a lot into dyes and testing batches. I have no idea if you can even get dye kits in small batches, so that would be something else you would have to look into.

Full disclosure; I have only messed with concrete sealing a handful of times, if someone else with more experience comes along (like a contractor who does this for a living) take their advice over mine.

 

[Nosferatu]

That green planter around the corner is in the wrong spot.

Now crack a beer.

 

[Joe13]

I'd agree with the above.

Get all of the old epoxy off that is not 100% attached and the go get a clear epoxy and just pour it on there slowly.

Do NOT inhale any of the dust when prepping the spot for the new stuff.

A grinder with a 60-80 grit sanding wheel will prep the area nicely - at least good enough to get good adhesion.

Clean it like your about to eat off it and then apply your epoxy.


If you want to try, you CAN although this is a temp fix. - keep a chunk of the old color (it looks like it has delaminated a few inches so just get the best inch by inch or larger piece and go get an outdoor paint match and just paint over the epoxy after it has fully cured.

It won't be perfect but if done right it will be a lot better then nothing.

Best of luck! Number one thing I would prioritize is sealing it before the weather or your whole porch will likely need a new top coat next year.

 

[DirectDrive]

I'd get some pro estimates.
Will probably take some phone calling to find someone that is willing to do a small repair.

Conversely you could check with Mason's Supply or White Cap and see if they have a product that would work for you.
These are professional concrete accessories/products supply houses.

 

[Oro]

That green planter around the corner is in the wrong spot.

Now crack a beer.

That is in fact what we've been doing since last Thanksgiving. . Time to finally get serious.

Get all of the old epoxy off that is not 100% attached and the go get a clear epoxy and just pour it on there slowly.

Do NOT inhale any of the dust when prepping the spot for the new stuff.

A grinder with a 60-80 grit sanding wheel will prep the area nicely - at least good enough to get good adhesion.

Clean it like your about to eat off it and then apply your epoxy.


If you want to try, you CAN although this is a temp fix. - keep a chunk of the old color (it looks like it has delaminated a few inches so just get the best inch by inch or larger piece and go get an outdoor paint match and just paint over the epoxy after it has fully cured.

It won't be perfect but if done right it will be a lot better then nothing.

Best of luck! Number one thing I would prioritize is sealing it before the weather or your whole porch will likely need a new top coat next year.

Ok, that's helpful. All within my wheelhouse. I wasn't even aware of the repair kits like @lucusloc mentioned. I haven't messed with epoxy in this fashion before. I'll get it properly cleaned and the seal it.

If the patch is solid come spring, then I'll re-coat it to refresh the whole pad/area. Doesn't look "bad" but it's dull and faded, would be nice to freshen up.

Thank you all - this points me the right direction.