Concrete countertops provide homeowners with a number of benefits, including the opportunity to alter the appearance to suit specific preferences. You can get a minimalist theme by using only concrete or combining it with other elements. Such as pottery, seashells, or glass to create a one-of-a-kind design with invisible seams.
This material lasts for years and is easy to work with, aging beautifully and acquiring its personality over time. When correctly sealed and finished, concrete countertops withstand water and stains and provide hassle-free caring and maintenance.
If you want to place one in your house, keep reading to learn how to finish concrete countertops to leverage natural goodness. Here’re the 4 easy steps to finish concrete countertops:
- Choose Concrete Countertop Finishes
- Prep Concrete Countertops
- Clean Concrete Countertops
- Finish Concrete Countertops
Choose Concrete Countertop Finishes
It is entirely up to you to choose the color and layout style for finishing concrete countertops.
- Because of the material’s adaptability, you can add color combinations to the medium to generate attractive veined and marbled patterns. Or you can use woodgrain form liners to replicate the appearance of wood.
- While the surface is still wet, trowel it over for a rough stone-like effect or flatten it out for a finished design.
- You can also leave the borders naked or apply molding to emphasize your concept, which will help your job fit in with other fixtures and furniture.
Prep Concrete Countertops
After you’ve poured your concrete countertops exactly how you want them to dry, finish them by eliminating any boards or forms that held the main mold in place.
- Based on whether you want a rough or smooth countertop, sand down the surface more or less.
- Although you can sand things down by hand, using a rotary sander speeds up the procedure.
- Use sandpaper or discs suited for the look you want. Such as higher grit choices for a more textured area and fine-grit sandpaper for a more classy finish.
Clean Concrete Countertops
Once you’ve sanded the area, it’s time to clean it. To clean:
- Either mix 2 teaspoons of Trisodium Phosphate Cleaner with water or add a quarter or half-cup of vinegar to a gallon of water to counteract the alkalinity of the concrete.
- Wipe the mixture over the entire area, making careful to get into every nook and crevice.
- After the liquid has dried, wash the area with clean water and let it dry completely. This step is critical for achieving a high-quality product since it guarantees you’re sealing a pH-neutral surface that will last.
- If you need to add some hue to an inky black effect, choose your favorite color. Apply the color and allow it to dry before proceeding with the finishing step.
Finish Concrete Countertops
After prepping work and cleaning, it’s time to finish the concrete countertops using the sealer of your preference.
- When choosing a way to finish concrete countertops, it doesn’t matter what material you choose, just apply the same way.
- Simply apply the sealant in a brisk style with a soft brush or roller, enabling the medium to sink into the permeable surface.
- Let the first coat dry before adding more, ensuring it is all clean and smooth.
Note that once you finish your concrete contractors finish your countertop, it should be able to withstand the warmth and scratches while maintaining its charm over time.