A brushed finish gives concrete a textured, slip-resistant surface — perfect for driveways, ramps, pathways, and outdoor slabs. It’s simple, fast, and effective — but like all concrete finishing, the timing is everything. This guide covers exactly how to apply a brushed finish to concrete, including when to strike, what brush to use, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Begin by pouring the concrete and screeding it to level. Use a bull float to embed the aggregate and close the surface lightly. You don’t want a polished surface — just smooth enough to work with. The concrete must be consistent and level before brushing, as this finish won’t hide dips or high spots.
Allow the bleed water to fully evaporate — this typically takes 1–2 hours after pouring, depending on temperature and mix. The surface should look dull and be firm to the touch without pulling or smearing. If you brush too early, you’ll drag paste and tear the surface. Too late, and the brush won’t cut in properly.
Use a purpose-made concrete finishing broom — typically soft to medium bristle, between 600mm and 1.2m wide. Don’t use a regular yard brush — it’ll be too harsh or inconsistent. Make sure the brush is clean and slightly damp to avoid drag. Long handles help maintain even pressure across the full width of the slab.
Starting from one edge, lightly pull the broom across the slab in a straight, even line. Maintain consistent pressure and overlap each pass slightly. Avoid stopping or jerking the brush mid-slab — it will leave ridges. Always brush in the same direction, unless a cross-hatch or swirl pattern is intentional. For driveways or ramps, brush perpendicular to traffic for better grip.
Use a smaller hand broom or edge tool to finish up around walls, corners, and joints. Match the direction and texture of the main slab. If you’re cutting control joints, do this after brushing and before the slab sets fully. Hand-finished areas should blend smoothly with broomed zones — avoid heavy pressure or back-and-forth dragging.
After brushing, begin curing immediately using plastic sheeting, wet burlap, or a curing compound. Curing is especially important for brushed finishes, as they’re more exposed and porous. Without proper curing, you risk surface dusting, crazing, or premature wear. Keep foot traffic off for 24–48 hours minimum.
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