DIY Guide to Creating Concrete Countertops Over Existing Laminate by Burt Burt McClane

Author:Burt Burt McClane [Burt McClane, Burt]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2020-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

Finally, lay down that next layer with about the same thinness as the first. Typically, putting a concrete overlay on top of existing laminate countertops will require three to five layers of concrete. The number of layers depends on how thin you do each layer and how much it takes to fully coat the countertops in an even and visually appealing way.

Common Mistakes

Two common mistakes occur for most people when they start laying down the concrete to overlay their laminate counters. Even with the best prep practices, these common mistakes are almost inevitable. However, you can take steps to try to avoid them as best as possible. The mistakes are uneven or splotchy surfaces and waves or ridges. Both arise out of very specific mistakes, and both have very specific fixes or ways to avoid them.

Uneven or Overly Splotchy Surfaces

The most common mistake that comes with applying the concrete is to slather on or glob the cement onto the laminate countertop. When you put a large volume of concrete on to any surface, it starts drying immediately and quickly. As you try to smooth it in its various stages of wetness, you’re going to have long streaks marking your work. The idea of a concrete countertop is that it looks like a cohesive piece of poured concrete. So, running marks and bubbles where you lifted your tool is not going to give you the final appearance you desire.

Fix: If you do happen to glob on a bit of concrete and need to fix it, break out your sander. Your sander with the heaviest grit of sandpaper that you have on hand can help even out and remove that layer of concrete. You may even want to keep some of the concrete that you accidently poured onto the counter and just remove the running markings and unevenness. As you’re doing this, use a vacuum to remove all the dust from the countertop before you add the next layer.

Ridges and Waves

An additional problem comes from using the incorrect tool. Initially, a trowel with a pointed tip seems like a good option. That couldn’t be further from the truth; this tool, which intuitively seems right is the last tool you want to be used for spreading thin layers of concrete. The result of using the pointed tip a trowel is that you have ridged or uneven points throughout the countertop. Trowels by nature don’t create smooth, even surfaces but rather slight waves across the entire surface.

Fix: Avoid this altogether by using spreading knives of varying sizes and shapes. Use smaller spreading knives to get in areas such as corners and around your sink, and larger spreading knives to create an even flat surface across the top of the countertop.

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