Concrete countertops offer a range of benefits to homeowners, such as the possibility of modifying the look of their countertops to fit their individual tastes. You can achieve an elegant look using concrete on its own or by adding other materials like glass, seashells, or ceramic to create an original design that has no seams that are perfectly suited for your kitchen. Concrete is durable and can withstand the rigors of time, and is able to be used effortlessly, ageing gracefully and gaining its own distinctive character over time. Additionally, when properly sealed and polished, concrete countertops are resistant to staining and water and offer effortless maintenance and care. If you're considering having one installed in your home, continue reading to learn how you finish the concrete counters in order to reap the benefits they have.

Choosing Concrete Countertop Finishes

It's your choice to decide on the color and design style that you prefer for your concrete countertops. The flexibility of concrete allows you to add color mixes to the concrete to create stunning marbled and veined designs or replicate the look of wood using woodgrain form liners. You can use trowels to smooth the surface as it's wet to create a rough, stone-like look or smooth it out to create an elegant design. It is also possible to add unique effects by planting the aggregate with glow-in-the-dark substances or even bits of contrast marble and then applying a high-gloss surface. To create a natural appearance, think about covering the area with one that is safe as well as VOC-free, and that will complement or contrast with the other hues in your home. Also, you can leave the edges unfinished or add molding to emphasize your style, allowing your design to blend better with the other furniture and fixtures inside your kitchen.

Prepping Concrete Countertops

When you've poured your concrete countertops how you would like them to be and let them dry, you can prepare them for finishing by taking off any forms or boards which held the mold in the first place. The next step is to polish the countertop either a bit or quite a bit, depending on whether you're looking for rough or smooth countertops. Although you can grind them down with your hands, however, it's faster and more efficient process by using a rotary sander. Make sure you select discs or sandpaper designed to match the design you prefer -- for instance, you can use the highest grit option to get a smoother surface and fine grit for an elegant design. However, no matter how you plan to prepare your countertops made of concrete, you will need to utilize products like aprons and gloves, particularly when working with products that may harm clothes or the skin.

Cleaning Concrete Countertops

After you've sanded your concrete and you're now ready to wash the surface. To do this, make 2 tablespoons from the Trisodium Phosphate Cleaner into the water, or mix a quarter or half-cup of vinegar in one gallon of water to neutralize the concrete's alkalinity. The entire surface should be cleaned with the solution making sure you get into every corner and crevice. When the solution is dry, wash the surface using clean water and allow it to dry. This step is essential to ensure a top-quality finish as it guarantees an acid-free surface that stands up to time and use. If you'd like to add some color, such as Arabian Night, for an inky black appearance, pick the shade you like best since it easily bonds to concrete and holds it. Make sure you apply the shade and allow it to dry prior to you starting the final process.

Finishing Concrete Countertops

After all the preparation work is done and the color applied, it's now time to seal concrete countertops using the sealer you prefer. Some options may be a matte finish that's safe for contact with food as well as vegan friendly, and doesn't contain volatile organic substances. It is also possible to apply waxes to bring subtle sparkle and color to the countertop. Whatever product you decide to use when you are deciding how to make concrete countertops more attractive, you apply them in the same manner. Apply the sealant quickly by using a tiny roll or brush, and allow the sealant to absorb into the surface. Let the first coat to dry, and then apply additional coats as required and make sure you maintain a smooth and even surface. Be aware that when you've finished your countertop with concrete, it will be able to withstand scratching and heat with ease and maintain its appeal as the year's progress.