Concrete Countertop
#1
05-14-11, 08:22 AM
Concrete Countertop
I am looking at doing a pre-cast stamped concrete countertop. Everything i have read about, says to basically do it upside down. Does anybody see a problem using the melamine board for the bottom (this would create a flat surface to sit on cabinets) and finishing the top with a slate textured stamp?
For color, i am going to be using a charcoal gray for the main color and want to do a black metallic accent. What is the best way to do the accent color? I am thinking about the colored release. Thoughts? What is the best option for base color. Powder, or liquid?
I have done plenty of concrete work, but never worked with colored or stamped concrete. Should be a fun and potentially a rewarding project!
For color, i am going to be using a charcoal gray for the main color and want to do a black metallic accent. What is the best way to do the accent color? I am thinking about the colored release. Thoughts? What is the best option for base color. Powder, or liquid?
I have done plenty of concrete work, but never worked with colored or stamped concrete. Should be a fun and potentially a rewarding project!
#2
05-14-11, 03:30 PM
You can easily do it if you're a concrete finisher. The downside I see to doing a stamped texture on a countertop is that it's rough. A coffee cup will not sit level, and you will not be able to write a note on top of it without destroying your paper. Another downside is that precast tops are HEAVY! Moving them into position when they're done will take two men and a boy, and then you have to worry about cracking them.
I've poured many countertops right-side-up on melamine but I slick finished them and then acid stained them. I formed and poured them in place, that is, right on top of the cabinetry so i didn't need to move them later.
I know I'm about to be frowned upon, but posting pics here is a pain... if you want to see my tops, visit my website. I think you can get to it through my profile. I recently quit contracting so I'm not selling anything! I only mention it for the pics.
I've poured many countertops right-side-up on melamine but I slick finished them and then acid stained them. I formed and poured them in place, that is, right on top of the cabinetry so i didn't need to move them later.
I know I'm about to be frowned upon, but posting pics here is a pain... if you want to see my tops, visit my website. I think you can get to it through my profile. I recently quit contracting so I'm not selling anything! I only mention it for the pics.
#4
05-14-11, 08:55 PM
your right about the stamped section being rough and i have thought about that. I still love the way it looks and flows really well with the rustic theme of the entire house. It also saves me time doing the textured look as I wont have to polish and grind it with 10 different grits of diamond sandpaper. Time is limited for me on this. My counters will not be very big. I will have 3 sections that will be about 5' long and 1 section that will be 7' long, but only 1.5' wide or so. So im not worried about the weight as they shouldnt weigh much more than a 100lbs or so. I will be using 3/8 bar for reinforcement. Im not a big fan of the fiber mesh in concrete.
#5
05-15-11, 05:35 AM
The fibers I'm talking about are made out of polyester or nylon or something. I've never heard of anyone sanding their concrete tops to get them smooth. The way I've seen it done is the top is poured upside down in a form and the entire table is vibrated to get the air out. Once it sets, the form is knocked off and the top flipped over. Any small imperfections are filled and then the top is sealed with an epoxy finish.
