Making Concrete Countertops – Finish & Install

In my last post we went over the tools you need to mix and pour your concrete counetrtop.

The next step making concrete countertops is to pop the concrete out of the mold and let cure on 2 x 4’s. Placing the concrete on 2 x 4’s will allow air to flow on both sides for an even cure.

Tools for Finishing Your Countertop

1. Water Fed Polisher – Granite City Tool has a division featuring a large supply of tools & equipment for concrete countertops. They have a Makita wet polisher that sells for about $270.00. It has a variable speed from 2000-4000 RPM

2. Polishing Pads – The DX Dura Plus Diamond Polishing Disks are ideal for polishing starting at 50 grit all the way through to 3000 grit. They come in 3, 4 & 5 inch diameter. The 5 inch diameter is the best choice for keeping a flat finish.

3. Hand Polishing Pads – The diamond hand pads work well for edges and go from 60-1000 grit. They are sold individually or in a kit.

www.concretecountertopspecialties.com a division of Granite City Tool is a great source for supplies.

You can also go to www.Granquartz.com for polishers and Diarex Diamond Hand Pads.

If you are doing the veined method you will use Buddy’s concrete paste applied with a plastic putty knife.

The final step before installation is application of the sealers. There are 2 sealers

1. Penetrating Sealer – You apply 2 coats with a spray and wipe with a cotton rag. 2 coats with 30 minutes dry time between coats.

2. Satin Sealer – Apply 2 thin coats with a foam brush with 30 minutes dry time between coats.

3. Wax – Bees Wax available by Buddy Rhodes is available but should be put on after the installation of the countertops.

The final step to making concrete countertops is installation which I’ll review in the next step.

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