Expert: Stephen Hayes - 10/10/2006

Question
How can I turn my old gray dull driveway a nice new white color?  Please let me know what to do to achieve this.  Thanks!
I have been told to pressure wash with a high psi machine but that doesn't make it the like new white color again.  Is there some chemical or something that can be put on top of the driveway to give it the clean new white look?  Am wanting something that will stay for a long time and keep the driveway looking a nice white color.  Please respond to kanjewel@aol.com

Answer
We are a floor covering inspection service and deal with floor covering problems, including concrete, however we do not have the expertise to answer your question.  When ever we have a question about concrete, we contact the Concrete Institute, in Illinois.  You will probably find your answer, with them.  We think the dullness of your concrete has to do, in part, with oil based residues such as tires, asphalt, etc., so they must be removed with solvent based cleaners.  Do remember that any solvent based cleaning agents and oil based residues, especially outside, when rinsed, will flow somewhere.  If into street sewers, they then flow into rivers and oceans.  Get some knowledgeable guidance from The Concrete Institute and anyone else to which they refer you.