How To Finish Concrete Countertops: Easy Steps For Finishing

Easy Steps For Finishing Concrete Countertops

1. Hand Polisher: In the process of finishing the Concrete Countertops, the first step is to attach a hook-and-loop 50-grit polishing pad to a speed hand polisher which should have the variable speed option. Dampen the concrete Countertops surface. However, Some hand polishers attach to a garden hose to provide a small and steady stream of water that will help to cool down the polishing head. Start polishing with the hand polisher to the entire surface of the concrete, including the edges as well. The users are advised to Keep the polisher level to keep the surface even. After that Wipe off any grit that remains from the polishing.
2. Switch pad: The next step is to move to another pad of about 100-grit on the polisher. Then start again on all the surfaces. At the same time Wipe off the surface. Repeat this process by changing to finer grit polishing pads. The user can use the polishing pads in the order of 200-grit, 400-grit, 800-grit and 1500-grit. If the user wishes, they can finish with a 1600-grit pad.
3. Clean The Countertop: Once the above step is done then clean the surface with a solution of 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar mixed with a gallon of water. This slightly acidic solution will help to neutralize the alkalinity of the concrete. After the vinegar solution, prepare another mixture of 1 cup of household ammonia mixed with a gallon of water this will help to counteract the effects of the vinegar solution. At last, the user needs to Rinse off the ammonia mixture from the Concrete countertop with clear water and wipe the area dry using a clean cloth. The user needs to remember that countertop should not be a neutral pH.
4. Concrete Sealer: Now at last the user needs to apply a concrete sealer to the countertop. Select sealer which should be food-safe and will create non-permeable protection for the countertop to prevent any kind of staining. The users are advised to follow the manufacturer’s directions while applying the sealer with a roller or paintbrush. Allow the sealer time to dry the drying time depends on weather conditions and humidity.