Care guide · Decorative & outdoor finishes
How to clean and reseal decorative concrete
By Nathan Carter, owner, Gold Coast Concrete Services. Reviewed October 2026.
Quick answer
Decorative concrete such as exposed aggregate, coloured and stencil should be cleaned and resealed about every two to three years on the Gold Coast, sooner on busy driveways in full sun. Pressure clean the surface, let it dry fully, then apply a compatible sealer in thin, even coats. If water no longer beads on the surface, the sealer has worn off.
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Water soaks in instead of beading | Sealer has worn away |
| Colour looks faded or chalky | UV has broken down the sealer |
| White, cloudy patches | Moisture trapped under the sealer |
| Oil stains soak straight in | Surface is unprotected |
| Peeling or flaking sealer | Sealer built up too thick or incompatible |
Why decorative concrete needs sealing
Sealer protects the surface from oil, tannin from leaves, mould and UV fading. It also deepens the colour of exposed stone and coloured toppings.
Our Gold Coast sun and humidity break sealers down faster than in cooler climates, so resealing is a normal part of owning decorative concrete.
Step 1: Clean
Pressure clean the whole surface to remove dirt, mould and loose sealer. Treat oil stains with a degreaser first. For heavy mould, a suitable concrete cleaner helps.
- Move cars, pot plants and furniture
- Degrease oil stains
- Pressure clean in even passes
- Rinse well and let it dry
Step 2: Let it dry
Sealing over damp concrete traps moisture and causes white cloudy patches. Allow at least a full dry day after cleaning, longer after rain or in the shade.
Step 3: Choose a compatible sealer
Use a sealer that suits what is already on the surface. Many decorative finishes on the Gold Coast use solvent-based acrylic sealers, which can be recoated with the same type. Water-based sealers have less odour but may not stick to an existing solvent sealer. If you aren’t sure, test a small area first or ask us.
Step 4: Apply thin coats
Roll or spray thin, even coats and avoid puddles. Thick coats look glossy at first but are more likely to peel or turn cloudy. Add anti-slip grit for paths, driveways on a slope and pool areas.
Keep cars off for the time the sealer maker recommends, usually about a day.
When to call a professional
If the old sealer is peeling, cloudy or patchy, it usually needs stripping before resealing. That is a bigger job, and getting it wrong can damage the colour layer. We strip, clean and reseal as a service.
Common questions
How often should I reseal exposed aggregate?
About every two to three years on the Gold Coast, or when water stops beading on the surface.
Can I use a pressure washer on stencil concrete?
Yes, with a fan nozzle held at a sensible distance. Don’t hold a narrow jet close to the surface, as it can damage the coloured layer.
Why has my sealer gone white?
Usually moisture got trapped under the sealer, or it was applied too thickly. It can often be fixed by re-wetting the sealer with solvent or by stripping and resealing.
Should plain concrete be sealed?
It doesn’t have to be, but sealing makes it easier to clean and helps it resist oil and mould.
