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How To Install Concrete Countertops - 2

...Runny concrete levels itself much easier in the forms but it dries week. Thicker concrete requires more effort from you to level but it's much stronger.

15. Use your magnesium float to tamp your concrete. Pack it tightly in the form. Work your surface until it is smooth. This is the step that burns the most energy but produces the most rewards.

16. You'll need a channel that's 2 inches wide and at least 18 inches long and begin striking the surface.

17. As you move along the top of the form saw the bar back and forth. You'll need to repeat until the surface is smooth.

18. Let the concrete set for 3 hours then use your steel trowel to trowel the surface. Do not overwork it or you'll draw the aggregate to the surface which is not what you want. Instead trowel briefly, stop, and then re-trowel.

19. If the climate is hot or dry you will have to cover your concrete with wet burlap or plastic to slow down the curing process and increase the hardness. Let cure for a minimum of 48 hours before you remove them from the forms.

20. Now its time to finish the concrete by releasing the concrete from the forms.

21. Separate the joints with a flat pry bar.

22. Unscrew the blockout but don't remove until you are ready to install.

23. Sand sharp corners with 100 grit sandpaper and an orbital sander.

24. Use muriatic acid and water to etch the surface. Follow the directions carefully!

25. Rinse completely and let air dry.

26. Prepare a mix of Portland cement, liquid pigment, and latex additive until it's about the thickness of peanut butter.

27. Use your rubber face grout float to apply it to the surfaces.

28. Skiff the surfaces with the leading edge of the float.

29. Let the filler dry and cure for about an hour.

30. Sand it with 180 grit discs using an orbital sander. Make sure you've got lots of discs.

31. Great now it's time to start the installation - you'll ant to make sure you've got plenty of help rounded up.

32. The slab is going to weight about 20 pounds per square foot and really hard to maneuver and you have to be sure to protect it so that you don't cause any stress fractures. So the more friends you can round up the better.

33. If at all possible let it cure completely before you move it. That can be about a month.

34. Once it's in place you will need to apply a thin bead of silicone caulk along the edge.

35. Use your jigsaw to cut out the blockout pieces.

36. Seal the exposed surface of the slab. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.

37. Once the coat has dried buff out the surface.

38. Now apply the acrylic clear finish and let dry.

39. Use your electric drill with a buffing pad to give it the ultimate high gloss shine.

That's it - your do it yourself concrete countertops from start to finish.

Another great place that you can find great information about do it yourself concrete countertops, is you local countertop dealer. You will find that any dealer will be more than will to let a potential know all about the goods he is wanting to sell. Give your dealer a call and see what they say.

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