How To Repair Scratched Concrete

Concrete is recognized for its design versatility, fire resistance and long lasting durability. Although concrete surfaces are extremely sturdy, they are not impervious to scratches from sharp objects, abrasive cleaning supplies and constant foot traffic. Scratches can mar concrete's smooth appearance, causing countertops, floors, walls and other concrete surfaces to appear dingy and improperly maintained. You can promptly remove scratches to restore and preserve concrete's overall aesthetic appeal.

Step 1

Fill a plastic container with one qt. of warm water and one tbsp. of liquid dishwashing detergent. Stir the solution to create soapsuds.

Step 2

Dip a clean cotton rag in the soapy solution. Wipe the scratched concrete with the damp cloth to remove dirt, wax, grease, oil and debris. Frequently rinse the rag with fresh water to avoid redistributing abrasive particles to the concrete surface.

Step 3

Dampen another clean cotton rag with warm water. Wipe the concrete with the damp rag to rinse away the soapsuds and loosened grime.

Step 4

Wipe the concrete surface with a clean cotton towel until thoroughly dry. Make sure the concrete is completely clean before proceeding with the repair.

Step 5

Apply single-component acrylic sealer to the scratch using a fine tipped artist's brush. Follow the sealer manufacturer's instructions on the product's label. Completely fill the scratch with the acrylic sealer.

Step 6

Wipe the excess sealer from the concrete with a paper towel. Allow the sealer to air dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

Step 7

Rub fine grit sandpaper diagonally over the dried sealer and surrounding concrete to camouflage the repair. Continue buffing the repaired concrete until it is completely smooth and uniform.

Step 8

Wipe away any remaining dust from the concrete using a paper towel dampened with water.