Clean and Prepare the Damaged Area

What happens in this clip

Begin by assessing the damaged concrete step, noting where pieces have broken off. Using a hammer or similar tool, carefully chip away any loose or crumbling concrete from the damaged area. Follow this by brushing the surface with a stiff brush to remove larger debris, then use a wire brush to dislodge any remaining stubborn dirt, dust, or small particles. Finish with another pass of the stiff brush to ensure the area is as clean as possible.

Goal: Remove all loose and unstable concrete and debris from the repair area.

What's used

Tools

• Hammer
• Mason's hammer
• Stiff Brush
• Hand broom
• Wire Brush
• loose particles
• and any remaining weak material.

About the full video

This project guides you through repairing a broken concrete step using specialized patching compounds. The process involves thoroughly cleaning the damaged area, preparing a rapid-set mortar mix, carefully reattaching the broken concrete pieces, ensuring they are level, and finally, blending the new repair with the existing structure to achieve a seamless, aged appearance.

Step 1 of 6: Clean the Chipped Area

Using a stiff brush or wire brush, vigorously scrub the chipped area to dislodge any loose concrete particles, dirt, or old paint. For finer dust, a shop vacuum or compressed air can be used to ensure the surface is completely clean. The area should be dry before proceeding to the next step.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Repair a Chipped Concrete Step Edge

1. Step 1: Clean the Chipped Area

   • 0:12–0:55 Clean and Prepare the Damaged Area (this video)
   • 0:46–1:13 Clean Out Debris and Loose Chunks
   • 1:36–3:50 Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris

2. Step 2: Undercut the Edge (if necessary)

   • 0:46–1:13 Clean Out Debris and Loose Chunks
   • 1:36–3:50 Clean Out Loose Concrete and Debris
   • 0:43–1:02 Prepare Damaged Concrete and Install Forms

3. Step 3: Mix the Concrete Repair Compound

   • 0:39–0:49 Mix Patching Cement
   • 1:41–1:54 Mix Concrete Patching Compound
   • 1:03–2:18 Mix the Concrete Patcher

4. Step 4: Apply the Repair Compound

   • 1:55–2:11 Apply Concrete Patch to Chips
   • 1:15–4:04 Apply Two-Part Epoxy Filler
   • 1:32–1:46 Fill Damaged Areas

5. Step 5: Shape and Finish the Surface

   • 3:40–5:58 Smooth and Finish Concrete Step Repair
   • 0:52–1:02 Smooth and Finish Concrete Patch
   • 3:15–5:02 Shape and Texture the Patch

6. Step 6: Cure the Repair

   • 0:37–0:46 Cure and Protect the Repaired Area
   • 0:28–0:29 Allow Compound to Cure
   • 11:58–12:06 Cure and Protect Repaired Steps