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A Do It Yourself Guide to Concrete Countertops - 2

...9. Pack a one inch strip of concrete along the edges

10. Fill the middle with the reinforced concrete then add reinforcing rods and diamond lath and then layer of regular concrete.

11. In order for the different concretes to look like one seamless block you need to keep the color and the consistency the same. So no guessing on ingredients, instead measure everything!

12. The concrete used for countertops is a lot firmer than regular old cement so you will need to press it hard and compact it well in the form. Use a magnesium float and get ready for some serious manual labor.

13. Add your concrete to fill the low spots then smooth. Repeat until surface is smooth and well packed.

14. Let your concrete set for two hours then take your steel hand trowel to the surface. Don't overwork the concrete or you'll get aggregate popping up. If you see water puddles then you need to let it set for another 30 minutes.

15. If the weather is really hot you'll want to cover with wet burlap or plastic to slow down the setting process.

16. Do not remove the forms for 48 hours. Let the concrete cure.

17. When it's time remove the forms by separating them at the joints with a flat pry bar.

18. Sand any sharp edges and corners using an orbital sander and 100 grit sandpaper. Make sure you wear an appropriate mask.

19. Etch the surface using a muriatic acid and water solution and then rinse thoroughly and air dry.

20. Now prepare your latex additive, liquid pigment, and Portland cement until it is about the thickness of peanut butter.

21. Use your rubber grout float to apply it to the surfaces. Then skiff the surfaces with the float to fill the voids.

22. The filler needs to cure for about one hour

23. Sand with 180 grit discs until it's as smooth as you want it.

24. Let cue for a full three weeks.

25. Now it's time to install. You are going to need lots of help because the slab is not only awkward it's heavy and it will need to be supported so as not to cause stress cracks.

26. Apply a thin bead of silicone caulk where the countertop and wall meet.

27. Seal the surface with your sealer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

28. Once the surface has dried buff with your Scotchbrite pad.

29. Lastly apply the acrylic clear finish. This will give you the high gloss surface.

30. Use a buffer to bring it to a terrific shine.

That's it! You've installed your concrete countertops.

Once you have the right materials on hand that you are going to need, you will be more than ready to get started and finished with your countertops. You should understand concrete countertops, and that will help you along the way as well.

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