We love our indoor/outdoor living area and have created a comfortable patio perfect for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing while watching our two-year-old son explore and play. The space is cozy and functional, but the concrete floor was detracting from the overall look.
The patio sits on a basic concrete slab that shows years of wear—stains from old coatings and a network of cracks, some small and some quite obvious. We had grown used to the industrial appearance, but it clashed with our outdoor furniture and decorative choices, so large area rugs became a necessary disguise.
We hadn’t considered a resurfacing solution until Rust-Oleum invited us to try their Deck & Concrete Restore 10X. This product is formulated to resurface wooden and composite decks as well as concrete, creating a durable layer that resists moisture and sun damage.
According to the manufacturer, Restore 10X is intended for a variety of outdoor surfaces and is an economical, environmentally conscious option to refresh worn wood or concrete. It’s designed to hide imperfections, fill small cracks, and create a finished look without exposed splinters or rough concrete texture.
The coating is applied with a special roller and dries to form a tough, resilient surface that’s attractive and low-maintenance. Key features include:
- 10x thicker than ordinary deck coatings
- Fills cracks up to 1/4 inch and secures loose splinters
- Water-based formulation for easy cleanup
- Beautifies and protects outdoor surfaces
- Applied easily with the Restore honeycomb roller
- Hides imperfections and offers slip resistance
We chose the Brownstone color online because it offered a neutral tone that complemented our exterior walls and the red brick accents. The entire project—from prep through the recommended drying times—took three days and is best described as easy to intermediate in difficulty. The longest portion was surface preparation: removing dirt and oil and making sure the slab was completely dry before coating.
Below are the steps we followed to apply the Rust-Oleum Restore product to our concrete patio, along with the tools and materials we used. If you’re working on a wood or composite deck, follow the specific instructions from Rust-Oleum for those surfaces.
Tools for cleaning and prep:
Broom
Stiff brush and running water
Rust-Oleum deck and concrete cleaner
Power washer (optional)
Leaf blower (optional)
Tools and materials for application:
Rust-Oleum Restore (enough for two coats)
Rust-Oleum honeycomb roller brush
Paint roller frame and extension pole
Painter’s tape
Cardboard or barrier material to protect adjacent areas
Step-by-step
1. Clear the Area
Preparation is the most important and time-consuming part of the job. Remove furniture, planters, and any other items from the patio. Sweep thoroughly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris. We used a leaf blower first, then followed up with a broom to capture finer dust.
2. Clean the Surface
After clearing the area, treat the concrete with Rust-Oleum deck and concrete cleaner and scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly—using a power washer if available—to remove cleaner residue and embedded dirt.
Because our patio is slightly uneven and holds water in low spots, we brushed out as much water as possible and allowed the surface to dry completely. This took about a day and a night in our case.
Tip: Make sure temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C) for at least three days (including nights) during application and curing. Avoid rain for 48 hours after application.
3. Tape and Protect Adjacent Areas
Mask any surfaces you don’t want coated with painter’s tape. Because the Restore coating is thick and the roller can fling material when moved quickly, take your time and protect nearby grass, trim, and walls. We used a piece of sturdy cardboard to shield the lawn edge—faster and easier than trying to tape down the grass.
4. Apply the First Coat
Restore 10X is much thicker than standard paint, so it requires the honeycomb-style roller designed for the product. Load the roller liberally and apply evenly, working slowly to avoid splatter and ensure full coverage. The honeycomb roller holds and releases the coating for a more uniform finish.
5. Apply the Second Coat
Drying time varies with humidity and temperature, but we found the first coat was ready for a second application after roughly four hours in favorable conditions. Apply the second coat in the same slow, controlled manner. If the texture looks uneven, you can lightly brush or roll to smooth it, but the coating will settle slightly as it cures.
6. Cure and Replace Furniture
Allow the surface to cure according to the product instructions. You can typically walk on it after the initial dry time, but wait several more days before returning furniture to ensure the coating has fully set.
7. Enjoy Your Upgraded Patio
The resurfaced patio is a dramatic improvement. The Restore coating hid unsightly stains and cracks, created a consistent neutral color, and made the space feel more inviting. This upgrade enhanced our home’s curb appeal and created a nearly maintenance-free surface that should last for years.
