How to Resurface Indoor Concrete Floors Without Major Dust

✔ Step-by-Step: How to Resurface Indoor Concrete Without Major Dust

1. 1

   Seal Off Work Zones Before You Begin

   Use plastic sheeting and tape to isolate the resurfacing area from the rest of the building. Seal doorways, vents, and ducts using zip walls or painter’s plastic. If possible, create a negative pressure zone with an exhaust fan venting outdoors — this pulls dust away from the rest of the space. Good containment is your first line of defence against airborne mess.

2. 2

   Use Dust-Control Surface Preparation Tools

   When grinding or etching the floor, always use tools fitted with a high-efficiency dust shroud connected to an M-class or H-class vacuum. Angle grinders, planetary machines, and hand sanders all have dustless versions or attachments. Avoid dry grinding without extraction — it's the fastest way to fill a building with fine concrete dust. Wet methods also help, but create slurry instead of airborne dust.

3. 3

   Clean as You Go — Don’t Let Dust Build Up

   Vacuum surfaces frequently throughout the process. Don’t wait until the end to clean — accumulated dust gets kicked back into the air with foot traffic or tool movement. Use industrial vacuums with HEPA filters and clean floors between each stage: after prep, after primer, and before pouring overlay. Maintaining a clean site helps deliver a cleaner finish too.

4. 4

   Use Low-Dust Resurfacing Products Where Possible

   Many modern resurfacing systems are designed with indoor use in mind. Choose pre-blended overlays with low airborne content, or polymer-modified mixes that reduce dry airborne particles. Always mix indoors using dust-controlled buckets or vac-assisted mixers, and add water first to reduce material clouding. This small adjustment significantly reduces the cloud that comes from powder pours.

5. 5

   Let the Overlay Self-Level — Minimal Trowelling Needed

   Many indoor resurfacing jobs benefit from self-levelling compounds that flow smoothly with minimal handling. Less trowelling = less air disturbance. Pour steadily, allow the material to settle, and only use gauge rakes or finish tools where needed. Avoid vigorous back-and-forth finishing that stirs dust off dry sections. Let the mix do the work wherever possible.

6. 6

   Ventilate the Space After Work Is Done

   Once the job is complete and surfaces are dry, open windows and use fans to flush any remaining airborne particles from the building. Wait until the surface is fully cured before removing plastic barriers or walking through with clean shoes. This protects both air quality and your fresh finish. Final cleanup should include HEPA vacuuming and damp-wiping exposed surfaces if needed.