Sanding Concrete Countertops In Place
Tip finishing or polishing concrete countertops using these techniques is done the next day and in some cases 3 7 days after the concrete countertop was poured.
Sanding concrete countertops in place. Concrete countertops are typically 1 1 2 to 2 inches thick. Some hand polishers attach to a garden hose to provide a small steady stream of water. Make sure the mold is on a level surface that can accommodate the weight of the concrete. When finished gently cover the countertop with a sheet of plastic or damp burlap to protect it from dust and dirt.
Making your own diy concrete countertops may require some dedicated time but the result of your effort can be gratifying. The polisher is usually water fed and is attached to a normal garden spout. Sand the concrete countertops. I started with 60 grit and then moved to 100 grit then 150 grit and finally 220 grit.
The water helps cool the pads down and also keeps dust to a minimum. Mixing and pouring the concrete. Normally polishing is accomplished using a variable speed concrete polisher with a set of diamond sanding discs. I sanded the concrete countertops using my rotary sander and regular sanding discs from home depot.
The vibrations will help bring air bubbles in the concrete up to the surface. Smoothing the concrete mix with a hand trowel is the only technique you will use on the day the countertop is poured. Dampen the concrete surface. Remember the countertop will be upside down in the mold.
The top surface will be against the melamine so make sure the mold is as smooth as possible. For the edges i used regular sandpaper and sanded those by hand. To settle the concrete use an orbital sander without sandpaper against the sides of the mold. There are a range of finishes possible from a single piece of concrete.
This guide will help you learn how to make concrete countertops and outline the tools and supplies needed. Fasten a hook and loop 50 grit polishing pad to a variable speed hand polisher. Concrete countertops can give the kitchen inside your home a distinctly industrial look or provide an outdoor kitchen with a slab that is both functional and durable. Heavy drop cloths to protect cabinets and floors it gets pretty messy.