DIY Summer Refresh: How to Restore Your Outdoor Concrete the Easy Way
Summer is the ideal time to revive dull pathways, especially after the recent wet weather that has left many concrete areas across Australia covered in moss and looking tired. Dry, warm conditions help coatings cure adequately, making outdoor work faster and more efficient.
Whether you’re sealing fresh concrete, refreshing older plain concrete, recoating pathways with colour, or enhancing exposed aggregate, this guide walks you through the correct prep and application steps – now fully aligned with NuTech’s latest Technical Data Sheets.
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Path & Driveway Maintenance
- Faster drying times = more efficient application
- Longer daylight hours = more time to get the job done
- Warm, dry weather = ideal conditions for curing
- Peak moss season after a wet spring means it’s the perfect time to treat and prevent future growth
With many areas across Australia experiencing higher-than-normal rainfall recently, moss has become a major issue on concrete paths, steps, and driveways. Tackling it early creates a clean surface ready for sealing or coating.
Step-by-Step Guide: Restore Your Concrete Surface
Step 1: Remove Moss & Organic Growth (Using MossRid)
MossRid is a pH-neutral, biodegradable biocide that removes moss, algae, mould and lichen safely before sealing.
How to Apply:
- Dilute 1 part MossRid to 5 parts water for heavy moss (most pathways)
- Apply with a watering can or pump sprayer and thoroughly saturate the surface
- Allow 72 hours minimum before pressure washing
- Pressure wash thoroughly (TDS recommends ~3000 psi)
- Allow the concrete to dry before sealing or coating fully
✔ TIP: MossRid continues working over time, helping prevent regrowth.
Step 2: Clean & Prepare the Surface
Suitable for all NuTech coatings:
- Pressure wash the area to remove debris, dirt and moss residue
- Degrease if needed (EcoSafe Degreaser recommended)
- Etch uncoated concrete using EcoSafe Etch (except powdery surfaces)
- Allow the surface to fully dry
- Repair cracks or defects before sealing
✔ New concrete for non–same-day sealing must cure for a minimum of 7 days before applying PaveCoat or Agreseal.
Step 3: Choose Your Finish
OPTION A: Clear Penetrating Sealer for New or Old Plain Concrete
PaveCoat Same Day Sealer
PaveCoat Same Day Sealer is a solvent-based acrylic penetrating sealer designed for fresh or old uncoated concrete.
It improves curing efficiency, reduces efflorescence, prevents surface dusting and strengthens the concrete.
✔ Can be applied the same day the concrete is poured (if firm and walkable)
✔ For older raw concrete, it works as a durable dust-proofing sealer
✔ Does not produce a gloss – for gloss, apply PaveCoat Clear over the top
How to Apply:
- Ensure the surface is clean and not saturated with water
- Thin the product according to the surface profile:
- Smooth/steel-trowelled: dilute 50%
- Stipple/rough: dilute 20%
- Apply one even saturation coat by roller, broom or sprayer
- Avoid puddling in mortar joints or saw cuts
- Do not apply late in the day (dew risk)
- Allow 15 minutes to touch-dry at 25°C
- Complete cure 7 days (no vehicle traffic before then)
OPTION B: Full Colour Makeover for Concrete Surfaces
PaveCoat (Coloured or Clear)
*Above: Before & After of a stamped Concrete Path.
Perfect for brightening or completely recolouring a pathway.
✔ Durable, UV-resistant acrylic coating
✔ Available in transparent or AS2700 colours
✔ Two-coat system for uniform coverage
How to Apply:
- First coat thinned depending on surface profile
- Second coat undiluted
- Recoat after 2 hours
- Apply the second coat at a 90° angle
- Complete cure in 7 days for vehicle use
OPTION C: High-Gloss Wet Look for Exposed Aggregate
Agreseal
A deep-penetrating acrylic sealer that enhances exposed aggregate with a wet-look gloss finish.
✔ Repels grease, oil and water
✔ Improves colour and surface durability
✔ Two-coat system, porosity-based dilution
How to Apply:
- Perform a water porosity test
- If non-porous, the first coat may require up to 50% dilution
- If porous: no dilution
- Apply the first coat at 3–5 m²/L
- Recoat after 1 hour
- Second coat undiluted
- Avoid ponding
- Complete cure in 7 days
Final Tips
- Apply within the safe temperature range: 10–30°C
- Avoid late afternoon sealing (dew risk for all solvent-based products)
- Ensure the surface is dry and clean
- Use Anti-Slip Mix-In for steep or high-traffic paths
- Maintain yearly with a simple cleaning to extend coating life
Ready to Refresh Your Path This Summer?
Whether you’re after a natural sealed look with Agreseal or a bold colour transformation with PaveCoat, a bit of prep and the right products can make your outdoor spaces look brand new for the summer season.
If you’d like product recommendations or help choosing the right colour, our team is always here to help.
