How to Finish Concrete Countertops
Concrete can be used as countertop material that is finished by sanding, color staining, and acid etching, sealing, polishing, and waxing. The finishing techniques are sometimes combined to achieve a look that you desire. Most of the finishes for concrete countertops are best when they are constructed by a professional or by you, if you are an experienced craftsman.
Supplies needed:
- Belt sander or orbital
- Orbital polisher pads and wax
- Muriatic acid and water solution
- Stain colorant
- Foam applicator
- Cement and a float tool
- Respirator
- Eye goggles and gloves
- A large supply of 100 grit sanding discs and 180-grit discs.
- Sand down the edges and any projections on the tops and sides of the countertop. Use an orbital sander with a 100-grit sanding disc. Make sure that you are using a respirator, gloves, and goggles.
- Acid etch the countertop with muriatic acid and water in a ratio of 1 oz. acid to a gallon of cool water; tepid tap water can be used instead of cool water. Allow the mixture to sit for thirty minutes and rinse with clear water and clean rags. The countertop should air dry thoroughly before you continue with any finishing techniques.
- Fill any crevices in the countertop, which a thick wet mix of cement. To add extra durability, add a latex binder. Apply the mix with a rubber concrete float and squeegee away the extra cement that is not in a crevice. Leave the countertop to cure for at least 24 hours.
- Add stain or colorant with a foam brush; add the stain or colorant in thin coats for the best color. Let the color seep in and wipe off the excess with a lint-free cloth. Allow the color to dry for at least 36 hours.
- Use a 180-grit orbital sander to polish the countertop as smooth as possible. Sanding can take several hours and the use of many disc refills. If you remove too much color, repeat the staining process.
- Apply paint on a concrete sealant of your choice; also apply a food-safe clear acrylic with a foam brush. Allow the acrylic to dry for at least 24 hours and polish the counter to a gloss finish with a orbital sander.