Concrete – Resurface exposed aggregate concrete patio

Yes, what you have is stone dust, and it is what I used as the top 2.5" layer under my patios. It is perfect for making grade adjustments to the patio. Keep in mind under the 2.5" top layer there should be a 4 - 6" base of compactable gravel for best drainage.

I resurfaced my concrete patio with a combination of Mapei products. It worked out great. Concrete surfacing systems are really unforgiving if you make a mistake selecting and applying the products. To make sure you are on the right track you definitely should ask your Mapei rep to recommend the correct products and techniques - that's what I did.

I've done two major concrete resurfacing projects and worked with concrete countertop craftsmen. What I learned is that the chemistry is sufficiently complicated that it is unwise to use concrete surfacing systems without support from the factory. There will be questions about precisely which product to use and how to use it that only the chemists at the factory know the right answer to. And, if you're just guessing, you're putting your whole project at risk.

Talk to your Mapei rep, be thorough with selecting the right product, and judiciously follow the application instructions. If you skip any of those steps, the chance of success is pretty low and the resurfacing will probably be ugly or peel or both. On the other hand, every project I've seen that followed these steps has been a success.