Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Concrete Driveway Question

A year ago I had a new concrete driveway replace the old beat up one. After drying I notice that the driveway itself is white in color. That is to say, not the typical concrete color.

This whiter color shows up tire tracks something fierce. Looks like a NASCAR race just finished!

The other day I laid something down on this concrete to clean with a small power washer and when I picked it up I noticed that part of the concrete that the power washer hit removed the "whiteness". Those areas looked like .... er .... concrete.

Would anyone know what this "layer" of white is?

Thanks. Jim

White pigmented sealer. It is titanium dioxide, and is added to improve reflectivity. It is normally specified on highway work. It is good stuff.

Thanks for the reply. If it wasn't for the fact that the tire tracks seem to show so easily, I would be pleased knowing that you consider it good.

I appreciate the response.

Thanks. Jim

that white is the sealer it is the type u would find on interior concrete a very weak soulition of muratic acid and water should remove the sealer use a exterior sealer

Please don't use muriatic on it. Just power wash it off.

I think it's highly unlikely that the concrete was sealed with a pigmented sealer. Except for highway work, it is almost unheard of. I would bet that it wasn't sealed at all. Almost any unsealed concrete will turn white instead of gray, especially if it was poured and finished somewhat wet.
If the pressure washer turned it gray, it just removed some of the weaker paste on top and exposed the sand in the mix. Get down close to it and see if you don't see sand. If you like that look, then pressure wash the entire driveway. However, be advised that you may see wand marks over such a large area.
Good luck.

Pecos

You are correct that we did not pay for or get any pigment sealer on the driveway. And I can see the sand when I get close to the area that the pressure washer hit. Will rain and the other elements eventually "wash" away this paste so the driveway would look more concrete in color?

I'm sure if I pressure washed it away I'd leave some wand pattern and regret doing it.

I appreciate all the suggestions.

Regards,

Jim

Yep, you got into the paste, and yes you will leave wand marks.

We used to pressure wash our driveway and sidewalks about once a year back at the old place in VA. (Yes Pro guy's...I know, it's bad to hit it with high pressure! I was happy with a cleaner, a hose and a stiff push broom, but my wife loved getting that sucker all cleaned up.)

It always left wand marks, but they evened out after a month or so of weather. I'm not sure how much of the actual surface we were abrading, it seemed to be mostly dirt, no grittiness to it. I don't know how it would affect new concrete.

btw...we have the same issue with tire marks here. I try not to turn the wheels too sharply or at all when the vehicle is not moving. That seems to help.

You're probably right about trying not to turn the wheels to sharply as most of my marks are just that. Ironically, when getting this new driveway, we had them add a side piece so we could turn around and always leave in forward motion. :rolleyes:

Should I ultimately seal the driveway once I get a handle on the tire marks? I've held off not wanting to seal these tire marks as well.

I very much appreciate you all taking the time to help.

Jim