How To Make A Polished Concrete Table Top – If your countertop is damaged beyond repair, a solid countertop is just the solution.
They sit in the air for nearly a decade before being completed.
How To Make A Polished Concrete Table Top
If you’re ever starting to wonder if you’re the only one who rejects projects, I’d like to put this aside and share it here.
All About Concrete Countertops
A few months ago, when I posted my 6 Quick Porch Makeover Ideas, I shared a teaser of the makeover for this table.
I got one for free about 10 years ago and planned to remake it and sell it at that time.
However, it was moved to other important projects, and over the years this table has found a temporary home on our kitchen porch as a landing spot for many different items (aka junk).
Polished Concrete Tables By Daniel
It is partially protected from the weather, adding to an already battered and damaged table.
Once I took that porch and refinished it, I knew it was time to give this table a chance to be a DIY success story, or call it a toss if my ideas didn’t work out.
My first thought was to remove the peeling plywood and see if I could fix the existing table top.
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A lot of the plywood came off really easily with the paint scraper, but then I got to the point where the parts that were still attached were well aligned.
I knew I had to resort to some kind of strong chemical stripper or I could redo the table top and attach it to the nice legs that were still in good shape.
Since creating a faux concrete table top has been on my mind for a while, I went for it!
Diy White Concrete Countertops
My husband and I removed the entire table top and I began cleaning the legs.
It took a lot of brushing, vacuuming, and terry towels (the design did a good job of catching old dust and dirt), but they cleaned up well!
While a real concrete countertop is really heavy and more work to assemble, we created a simulated version with a wood base and concrete treatment on top.
Tip Top Concrete Tables And Counters
To set this up we used the table legs as a saw horse and a metal level and clamps to guide the saw. We were able to use our skills with a straight saw in front of the guide to make a nice straight cut.
We used our miter saw for the trim, but made straight cuts that rest against each other instead of nailing the edges.
After all the pieces are the right size, we glue and nail the trim pieces to the edges of the plywood.
Custom Concrete Countertops & Residential Concrete Designs
The product I used for this was called Ardex Feather Finish and it was the first time I used it!
To make the concrete mix, I initially used 1 cup of powder and 1/2 cup of water. Then I added a little more water until it was the consistency of cake batter.
I find it doesn’t last very well between coats, so it’s best to make a small batch to use right away.
Sealing Our White Concrete Countertops
I applied it with a plaster trowel under a sponge. I was very pleased with the thin layer I was able to apply and how evenly each layer came off.
When I’m done with a coat, I wash the trowel and bucket and shake the stick so I can prep it again for another coat without letting the product dry on my tools.
After each coat dried, I lightly sanded the countertop with 180-grit sandpaper between coats. I was using 220 grains, but I had 180 on hand and it worked fine.
Polished Concrete Countertops
I was in a bit of a rush, so after the third coat, instead of waiting for the 24 hour drying/curing time, we brought the table inside and set up a room with a heater to help it. Total drying time is about 15 hours.
The last step is to close it. I used this product called Tile Lab Gloss Sealer. I like that it’s for “stone” types like stucco and concrete and that it’s very glossy.
I apply with a small sponge brush, but I prefer to use a larger, coarser brush.
Moon Decorative Concrete
Because I used such a small brush, I applied the table top in sections, and even after the table dried, they still showed a bit, which I don’t like!
If I had used a bigger brush it would have been easier to go across the width of the table and look a little nicer.
Overall, I’m really happy with how this table turned out, and I’m especially happy that I now know how simple (almost fool-proof) the process is and how amazing the results are!
Diy Concrete Countertops
I will definitely use this technique again in the future when I decide what to do with fake concrete next!
Well, hello, my dear! My name is Sarah. I’m so glad you stopped by. Here, you’ll learn how to decorate like a pro, no matter what your resources are! Concrete kitchen countertops are popular. Being able to install them without hiring a professional contractor will boost your DIY skills. Today, homeowners are replacing granite kitchen countertops with concrete.
Many homeowners believe that concrete is only suitable for outdoor or underground environments. But since then, people have discovered that concrete can be used for kitchen countertops.
Dreamy Kitchens With Concrete Countertops
If your countertops have loose edges or are uneven, it’s time to get rid of movable items.
If you have visible silicone sealant, remove it with a razor blade before pouring concrete.
There is nothing to worry about if you forget to do this. You can use a razor blade to remove the first layer of silicone and concrete in one swipe, when it is dry and non-sticky.
How To Clean Concrete Countertops
I removed the loose grout behind the kitchen sink and left a clear space. Concrete filler takes care of these places.
Sand the table top with coarse sandpaper. Use 60- or 80-grit sandpaper to roughen the tabletop. The idea is to scratch so the concrete has something to “grip”. After sanding, clean and dry the countertop thoroughly before proceeding.
Mix a small amount of Ardex Feather Finish. The manufacturer’s instructions recommend a powder to water ratio of 2:1. This is a good place to start and you will be able to tell if this relationship is right for you.
Verdicrete Concrete Countertops
Use the same ratio for each batch of layer mix, as even small differences in water content can change the color of the dry concrete.
Insert the trowel into the concrete and sweep so that there is a smooth band of concrete along the edge of the trowel. Start from one corner and pull smoothly with the spatula. Lift with a trowel and move to overlap an inch or two, then spread again in the same direction.
If there are gaps where the concrete has broken, pour concrete into the gaps. Run the trowel again to smooth out the new seam.
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Although you don’t want to pour the same concrete mix over and over again. After closing the section, I thought it would be a good idea to drag the troll in a vertical direction. This helped reduce the main trawl lines.
Go ahead and take a small portion before moving it around the surface of the kitchen counter to see how you like it.
Tip: It is important to ‘finish’ the section before proceeding as the Ardex Feather finish does not take long to dry.
A Guide To Concrete Kitchen Countertops: Remodeling 101
Tip: I find it’s best to try to get thick coverage in all the corners and edges because it can be smoothed out. Flat grinding is easier when you have extra concrete.
Tip: After the corner has “set” for a few minutes, I find it helpful to smooth the concrete with my fingers. Concrete is dry but soft. This is the main condition to compress it and get the desired angle.
Avoid contact with water. The trick I tried but now I miss the flexible option is to recommend keeping your fingers from getting wet and not smoothing the corners. It is evidence of inconsistency in powder-water ratio and color even after drying.
How To Make A Diy Concrete And Wood Dining Table Top
While the concrete is still wet, run a paper towel or baby wipe along the edge to clean it up a bit. Don’t worry if you miss a spot; Dry concrete also peels easily.
I kept my sink on throughout the application process (instead of removing the sink) and it didn’t cause any problems.
If necessary, use your finger instead of a spatula.
Pros & Cons Of White Concrete Countertops: Read This Before Pouring!
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