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At Sydney Wide Spray Pave, we specialise in transforming driveways, patios, and outdoor concrete surfaces with two trusted solutions: traditional Spray on Concrete Resurfacing and modern, premium Silexstone Resurfacing.
Both dramatically enhance appearance, durability, and value, but they differ in materials, performance, maintenance requirements, and long-term value. This guide provides a clear comparison to help you choose the ideal solution for your Sydney property.
Spray on concrete resurfacing rejuvenates existing slabs by applying a cement-based coating. The surface is thoroughly prepared, cracks are repaired, a base coat is trowelled on, followed by textured coats sprayed in your chosen colour and design, then sealed with two coats for a durable, anti-slip finish.
Often called driveway resurfacing, spray paving, or concrete refacing, it’s a fast, affordable, highly customisable way to refresh tired, faded or outdated concrete without replacing the slab.
• Benefits: Affordable, quick turnaround, endless colour and stencil options
• Strength: Cures to approx. 40MPa in 3 weeks and may reach up to 70MPa as cement naturally hardens over time
• Best for: Homeowners wanting a decorative upgrade on a budget
Silexstone resurfacing is a premium system combining advanced epoxy resin with natural hard mineral stone. Instead of a cement overlay, Silexstone uses an epoxy base into which the stone is trowelled, creating a dense, durable, elegant finish sealed with a UV-stable two-pack topcoat.
• Benefits: Superior durability, low maintenance, exceptional moisture and UV resistance
• Strength: Cures to approximately 83 MPa when fully hardened, providing exceptional compressive strength
• Best for: Homeowners who value longevity, premium aesthetics and reduced upkeep
Moisture Management
Concrete resurfacing, even when sealed with an acrylic sealer, is not fully non-porous; it remains breathable and may allow moisture to rise from beneath the slab. In rare cases, this can cause discolouration under the clear sealer, necessitating the use of coloured sealers to mask it, which can obscure grout lines or decorative flecks.
Silexstone handles moisture very differently. Epoxy by nature is impermeable, reducing the potential for moisture transmission from beneath the slab by approximately 99 to 100%. This significantly lowers the risk of moisture-related discolouration and staining, which, although rare, can occur in cement-based systems over time.
UV Resistance and Durability
UV exposure can degrade the sealer used in spray on concrete resurfacing over time. The solvent-based acrylic sealer provides initial protection and enhances colour but is gradually broken down by the sun’s rays and vehicle traffic, making resealing every two to three years an important part of maintenance.
Silexstone is different. The clear UV-stable two-pack topcoat used in the Silexstone system is engineered to resist yellowing, fading and degradation under harsh UV exposure. No moisture ingress from above or below, no chemical absorption, and no risk of the sealer degrading under Sydney’s harsh sun. This ensures that the surface remains protected and attractive for many years with minimal maintenance, reducing the ongoing costs typically associated with keeping outdoor concrete looking its best.
Adhesion Strength
In spray on concrete resurfacing, a specialised polymer primer is used to promote strong adhesion between the concrete and the cement-based coating, with the polymer also integrated into the resurfacing layer to further enhance the mechanical bond.
When preparation is done properly, adhesion is excellent. However, cement-based coatings are not very forgiving and are sensitive to any deficiencies in preparation, which can lead to rare cases of localized peeling or delamination. That’s why a professional, thorough approach is essential to ensure long-term durability and performance.
In comparison, Silexstone resurfacing uses epoxy as its bonding layer, providing exceptional adhesion strength. Epoxy penetrates deeply into the concrete, creating a chemical and mechanical bond far stronger than most alternatives. It is so effective that it is widely used as a structural adhesive in other industries.
This superior performance virtually eliminates the risk of delamination or peeling under normal conditions, giving Silexstone outstanding reliability, a more robust and consistent bond than cement-based systems, and ensuring long-term durability.
Slip Resistance
Both spray on concrete resurfacing and Silexstone resurfacing offer excellent slip resistance, typically achieving a P5 rating when freshly installed, making them ideal for outdoor areas exposed to rain and traffic. Spray on concrete resurfacing provides a textured, anti-slip finish that outperforms many alternatives and delivers reliable grip when maintained. However, resealing, essential for protection, can gradually reduce slip resistance over time, as successive coats slightly smooth the surface.
Silexstone delivers a denser, more durable slip-resistant texture, with hard mineral stone embedded in its epoxy matrix. This texture resists wear better than cement and maintains consistent slip resistance even after years of use. Together with its UV-stable two-pack topcoat, Silexstone provides a premium, long-lasting anti-slip finish that retains grip longer and requires less maintenance.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Spray on concrete resurfacing delivers a hard, attractive finish, ideal for homeowners seeking an affordable way to revitalise driveways or patios with decorative stencils and colours. As a cement-based surface, it requires resealing approximately every two years to protect against wear, UV damage and stains. Cleaning is straightforward when freshly sealed but becomes more difficult over time as fine pores and micro-texture trap dirt. Resealing restores protection and appearance but cannot fully prevent dirt buildup as the surface ages.
Silexstone is designed for homeowners wanting premium performance and durability. Its dense, non-porous surface resists stains, chemical spills and UV damage exceptionally well. The texture, formed by larger mineral stone, offers sufficient grip while maintaining a smoother profile that resists dirt accumulation.
This makes Silexstone easier to clean, as most dirt, oil and spills can be removed with water, mild detergent or light pressure washing. Its impermeable, chemically resistant finish is ideal for driveway resurfacing, giving Sydney homeowners a cleaner, more durable surface with far less maintenance. While no surface is entirely maintenance-free, Silexstone rarely requires resealing under normal conditions and stays looking fresh with minimal effort.
Both spray on concrete resurfacing and Silexstone offer distinct advantages, depending on what matters most to you. Whether you’re looking for an affordable, decorative upgrade or a premium surface that delivers lasting performance with minimal upkeep, Sydney Wide Spray Pave can help.
Our team will guide you through the options and ensure your driveway or outdoor space looks its best for years to come. Get in touch today to discuss your project or request a quote.
📞 Call Sydney Wide Spray Pave on 0424 900 920
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If you’re ready to transform your concrete surface into a modern and functional space, call us today on 0424 900 920 . We’re happy to answer your queries and get you a no-obligation estimate within 12 hours.
