How to Resurface Countertops With Concrete
- 1). Remove any cracked or loose tile, concrete, wood, etc., bits from the countertop using a putty knife or grout saw. Clean off.
- 2). Tape off surrounding areas with paper tape and cover the floor with drop cloths.
- 3). Grind the surface of the countertop with a hand-held concrete grinder if the countertop is already sealed concrete. Grind to remove the sealer. Clean off excess debris.
- 4). Fill in small cracks or gaps up to 1/8-inch wide, with concrete resurfacer. Fill cracks that are up to 1/2-inch wide with concrete repair caulk fitted into a caulking gun. Smooth out with a putty knife. Let it dry.
- 5). Mix a specialized countertop concrete mix following the manufacturer's directions. There are a variety of aggregate blends that range from coarse to fine.
- 6). Apply the concrete mix onto the countertop carefully with a trowel. Pack in to make sure that the concrete squeezes into every crevice. If applying concrete over a tile countertop, apply several thin coats rather than one thick coat. Smooth out with a trowel.
- 7). Remove surrounding tape.
- 8). Dry the countertop by placing a thin plastic tarp over the counter to "wet-cure" the concrete. This process will ensure a more durable countertop and prevent cracking. Let the concrete dry over the course of a week.
- 9). Finish the counter with a sealer, choosing between epoxies, penetrating silicone-based materials, urethanes, waxes, acrylics and silicates. Apply two coats, letting each coat dry before applying the next. Consider the sealer's resistance to temperature, oil, fats, stains, and abrasion when picking an appropriate sealer.
