1857, "to provide (a road) with a fresh surface" (implied in resurfacing), from re- "back, again" + surface (v.). Meaning "to come to the surface again" (originally of submarines) is recorded by 1940. Related: Resurfaced.

proprietary name of a machine used to resurface ice skating rinks, 1957, trademark of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Paramount, Calif.