I do this as a business. Concrete release works wonders. I also have silcone molds to give it more of a granite look (I also use epoxy/paints with these.) I also created some coloring to give the concrete any color needed.
How do the silicone molds work? Does it put a texture in the concrete? Also may I ask - have you ever cast concrete tops and then taken them to a marble/stone shop to have them honed and get some exposed aggregate look going on? If that's even possible?
I have a question for you if you do this for a living. I want to remodel my kitchen with concrete coutertops, but I am afraid of the level of smoothness you would get. I have looked at a lot of videos online but I can never seem to find one where it goes into detail about the level of smoothness and gloss that you would get. I fear that they would come out feeling rough or gritty to the touch and just not have a good shine to them.
I'm only about a quarter of the way through the video and I just wanted to stop and say kudos to you on the sharpie idea, that's brilliant. Ok, now, back to the video.
My husband runs a construction company, and we fix up houses together. Your concrete countertop turned out great, but the imperfections from the foam mold would likely have released better if you had mixed it to the manufacturers specifications. You mentioned other tops in your kitchen not turning out; they gypsum needs a specific amount of water to create the proper chemical reaction in order to cure properly. You can also use a quick release formula for molds. Hope this helps.
put packaging tap on the outside of the foam to make it easier to come out. Also, after you put the bead on silicone around the edge of your form, spray it with windex and it wont stick to the side when you use the sharpy to make the rounded edge. Then you don't have to use the razor blade.
Good vid! I've found it easier to run painter's tape top and bottom when running your silicone, then pull it while wet. Them you're not scraping. Cheers!
Great instructions and video and very helpful links! I have a suggestion! Use some smooth packing tape around the pink foam. It helps the concrete release easier, especially if you coat it with wax finisher or oil. So glad i found your channel!
If you're having issues picking apart the foam you put in try looking into pairing a foam and solvent (think Styrofoam and acetone). That way you can just dissolve away the foam
I think I would try wrapping edge of the foam sink insert with clear packing tape for easier release when removing the mold. Maybe that would have helped(???)
I love your video but I have some suggestions. First, try to make the surface layer more liquid so the bubbles of air can move when you vibrate the mix. After the first layer is stiff a bit add the peanut butter like mix. If you do it like this you will get smother surface. Secondly, before placing the silicone, pure some wax so it can be peeled easier from the melamin. Maybe pouring wax on the dry silicone would help too.
Great tips. Is there a reason you didn't use the flow control additive? Basically makes the cement runny without losing strength. Easy pours. Do you not like it?
Well done! Great tutorial. I actually think you've solved an expense/conundrum on the total reno of my 1989, quickly- built "model home" (don't buy one of those: The builder's pushing the trades to rush so he can start selling, so they're built speedily rather than well.) You've a lovely aesthetic shown in your home.
I don’t know how I missed this video! Thank you thank you thank you for the description/demonstration!!! I need to do this :))) I love your channel and the blog is very helpful :) Thanks for sharing!
Hello! Thanks for the how-to videos. Inspiring and informative! I'm curious "how white" the white concrete turns out? Wondering if there is a way to quantify this - maybe with video or still shots next to standard large brand name paint swatches? Perhaps some real white ones and then a close match? I had ruled out concrete as I'm going with a mid-grey cabinets and thought the grey-grey combo would be too bland. Never even knew white existed until seeing this, so I may be able to make my own yet!
Use packing tape on the edge of your foam and it will slide right out of the c-top👍. Nice job😁 I use Trinic h12 sealer....it’s fabulous. It drys quick and is fully cured in a week or so but good to use in 24 hours. A little expensive but goes a long way ....best I’ve tried in 8-9 years of doing concrete countertops.
Consider using a plasticizer next time, so that it's runnier (but doesn't lose any strength as if you added extra water) and you don't have to flatten it around
If you had taped off the foam with packing tape before installing it it would’ve popped out better. Also I’ve seen some use wd40 as a mold release with excellent success. Lastly use paste wax before applying the silicone onto the form to make peeling the access easy. Some use windex, I’ve seen it done more times with paste wax. Glad to know about the black silicone staining white concrete, modustrial maker always uses black silicone with his white but maybe it’s a brand thing?
Thank you for the website link. Sometimes I would rather read than watch. Plus, you have a really cool website. I bookmarked it and am looking forward to exploring there more. The "chicken themed gifts" post with pics is fun. :D Edit: One question and maybe a dumb one but was that bathroom countertop especially heavy...like did it take two people to do the work and then to move it into place for the install?
I don’t see the sealer llnk? It would be easier for viewer if you would’ve showed the bottle your husband was holding (using). Thank you for making this video. The countertop came out awesome! ❤
I don’t see the name or link to the sealer you said is special order and the concrete mix link doesn’t work 😢 Really want to do this in my kitchen but more than a little intimidated!
Do you think a wetter mix would minimize the air bubbles? I know we’re worried about PSI but does that matter since it’s a countertop? Also, does the white concrete mix differently than normal concrete?
Thank you for such a simple and comprehensive video on how to make this vanity/countertop happen! It is exactly what I envision in our guest bath. I know it's been some time since you posted this but I'm wondering (for the sake of comparison) what the dimensions of your top was, understanding it was poured to be 1" deep, and approximate weight when it was finished. Our guest bath has a cheap builder-grade particleboard vanity that is placed off-center with a strange 4"-5" open gap at one end that only a contortionist can reach into to clean. My hope is that I can pour a countertop to totally span the 36" space and be installed at a raised height. I am envisioning using continuous cleats bolted into the wall studs with additional 4"×4" ripped on the diagonal to act as back corner supports and the addition of legs in the front if additional support is needed. Planning on skirting the front opening and dropping a sink in instead of undermounting. Hoping to get an idea what weight might be relative to the size you poured. Thank you for any input and best regards!
Anyone know what is a good brand of concrete to use for a bar top and have that bright white color? I've only found 1 and it's the z form company but it's a lil pricey.
O ya and if your fiber mesh ever pokes out or is like sticking up like fuzzys from the Surface all over use a torch or a weed Berner and problem solved
Concrete needs water to activate the curing process. Not enough water= no curing. Although it looks good now its going to crack over time. mix should be slightly thicker than pancake mix.
I just bought a house and hate the cheap looking “butcher block” the old owner used. LOVE the concrete. Idk if I have the nerve to try this on my own! But I’d love to. How was the center put in, measured and secured?
Thank you!! The sink comes with a template for measurements when you buy it -- that's where we got the measurements, and I believe he cut the foam board with a knife and used a small saw to cut the PVC knockouts. We secured it with silicone, but I think some other commenters had tips on how to do it so that it doesn't stick like ours did!
The reason it didn't come out as easy is because u did a better job. The thicker consistency and the vibrating caused it to impact down and out while maintaining a psi that a wetter mix would not be able to maintain effectively.
Your mix looks way too dry to me. Vibrating such a dry mix won’t get all the air pockets out. Not suggesting slush but definitely wetter than you had it. Also I’d pour a shallow face layer, and then mix the fibre reinforcing into the dry mix first for the next batches. The fibre needs to really be mixed in for maximum strength. Padding it on the top isn’t going to achieve the same strength. I personally prefer to use fiberglass reinforcing mesh embedded for strength.
I do this as a business. Concrete release works wonders. I also have silcone molds to give it more of a granite look (I also use epoxy/paints with these.) I also created some coloring to give the concrete any color needed.
Are you in Miami, Florida by any chance for a potential project?
How do the silicone molds work? Does it put a texture in the concrete?
Also may I ask - have you ever cast concrete tops and then taken them to a marble/stone shop to have them honed and get some exposed aggregate look going on?
If that's even possible?
I have a question for you if you do this for a living. I want to remodel my kitchen with concrete coutertops, but I am afraid of the level of smoothness you would get. I have looked at a lot of videos online but I can never seem to find one where it goes into detail about the level of smoothness and gloss that you would get. I fear that they would come out feeling rough or gritty to the touch and just not have a good shine to them.
I'm only about a quarter of the way through the video and I just wanted to stop and say kudos to you on the sharpie idea, that's brilliant. Ok, now, back to the video.
My husband runs a construction company, and we fix up houses together. Your concrete countertop turned out great, but the imperfections from the foam mold would likely have released better if you had mixed it to the manufacturers specifications. You mentioned other tops in your kitchen not turning out; they gypsum needs a specific amount of water to create the proper chemical reaction in order to cure properly. You can also use a quick release formula for molds. Hope this helps.
put packaging tap on the outside of the foam to make it easier to come out. Also, after you put the bead on silicone around the edge of your form, spray it with windex and it wont stick to the side when you use the sharpy to make the rounded edge. Then you don't have to use the razor blade.
Thanks for sharing the sharpie tip. Simply brilliant!
Do you have a video on how the sink was installed?
Put tape down before putting caulk and pulling the sharpie across, then you can just pull tape up instead of razoring off.
You did a gorgeous job!!
Can you comment on how you mounted the sink? Is it adhered or clipped to the concrete or just resting on a wood frame?
never seen a mix that thick
Good vid! I've found it easier to run painter's tape top and bottom when running your silicone, then pull it while wet. Them you're not scraping. Cheers!
Love the cat playing in the sink in the intro
I always add water before concrete and use a full bag and use the instructions on the bag for water amount
The attention to detail with everything was really impressive! It turned out amazing! Now I'm really considering doing concrete counters 🤔😁
Gorgeous!!! Have you ever tried adding any kind of glitter or sparkle? Im going to do a white like yours for a small vanity and i want some bling!
If you wax before you silicone, the excess silicone comes off easy!
I really appreciate all the details you shared about your DYI experience, it made it more doable for me 🙏🙏🙏👍🛠️🥾🖌️
If you wrap your foam knockout with clear packing tape it will come out a lot easier! Cool video
Great instructions and video and very helpful links! I have a suggestion! Use some smooth packing tape around the pink foam. It helps the concrete release easier, especially if you coat it with wax finisher or oil. So glad i found your channel!
You could add reinforcement wire to this if you need more strength.
This will be perfect in my home. Thanks for making this video with so many details!
If you're having issues picking apart the foam you put in try looking into pairing a foam and solvent (think Styrofoam and acetone). That way you can just dissolve away the foam
Amazing!Your beautiful cat loves it!
What gloss did you choose on the V Seal for your kitchen? Also what do you use to attatch them to your cabinets?
I think I would try wrapping edge of the foam sink insert with clear packing tape for easier release when removing the mold. Maybe that would have helped(???)
I definitely get perfectly symmetric and square results out of my concrete pours..... it's all in the preo
I love your video but I have some suggestions. First, try to make the surface layer more liquid so the bubbles of air can move when you vibrate the mix. After the first layer is stiff a bit add the peanut butter like mix. If you do it like this you will get smother surface. Secondly, before placing the silicone, pure some wax so it can be peeled easier from the melamin. Maybe pouring wax on the dry silicone would help too.
Great tips. Is there a reason you didn't use the flow control additive? Basically makes the cement runny without losing strength. Easy pours. Do you not like it?
Well done! Great tutorial.
I actually think you've solved an expense/conundrum on the total reno of my 1989, quickly- built "model home" (don't buy one of those: The builder's pushing the trades to rush so he can start selling, so they're built speedily rather than well.)
You've a lovely aesthetic shown in your home.
How many bags of concrete did you use? And in the kitchen as well?
Awesome counter tops thank you for showing the process
Great job, I started following because I'm looking for tips on a similar project. Thank you!
The sealer! I have looked for hours on concrete countertop sealers without any luck finding something that would hold up.
Sorry may have missed your answer to finding the sealer. Can you help out. Thanks and great job!!
Great job! I love your cat!
😸 Thank you!!
@@OakAbode price?
I don’t know how I missed this video! Thank you thank you thank you for the description/demonstration!!! I need to do this :))) I love your channel and the blog is very helpful :) Thanks for sharing!
Would you have try adding some small and large aggregate pieces to the concrete countertops?!
Clear packing tape around the edges of the knockout will help them release better
Hi there, what sealer did you use on this countertop? I like that it didn’t darken or yellow. Also, how is it performing now?
Thank you!
I guess it would be simpler to have the cutout depth exactly the same height as the edges so you could screed it to the desired height?
Hello! Thanks for the how-to videos. Inspiring and informative!
I'm curious "how white" the white concrete turns out? Wondering if there is a way to quantify this - maybe with video or still shots next to standard large brand name paint swatches? Perhaps some real white ones and then a close match?
I had ruled out concrete as I'm going with a mid-grey cabinets and thought the grey-grey combo would be too bland. Never even knew white existed until seeing this, so I may be able to make my own yet!
Great video! Do these countertops stain easily?
Beautiful!!!
I learned to keep all walls and center bits the same level it helps a lot
Did sealing the seems on inside the form show through on finished product?
Impressive...... thank you for making this video.
What color did you paint the cabinets! Very cute ❤️
Wow is that pretty. 😃
How did you cut the foam sink insert so smoothly?
What size PVC pipe did you use for the faucet?
How did you mount the sink to the bottom of the counter top ?
Hi! If we don’t have a menards what cement product will be buy from Home Depot? They have too many choices!!
Rapid Set Mortar mix is perfect for this project. Only found at Home Depot
Use packing tape on the edge of your foam and it will slide right out of the c-top👍. Nice job😁
I use Trinic h12 sealer....it’s fabulous. It drys quick and is fully cured in a week or so but good to use in 24 hours. A little expensive but goes a long way ....best I’ve tried in 8-9 years of doing concrete countertops.
Consider using a plasticizer next time, so that it's runnier (but doesn't lose any strength as if you added extra water) and you don't have to flatten it around
If you had taped off the foam with packing tape before installing it it would’ve popped out better. Also I’ve seen some use wd40 as a mold release with excellent success. Lastly use paste wax before applying the silicone onto the form to make peeling the access easy. Some use windex, I’ve seen it done more times with paste wax. Glad to know about the black silicone staining white concrete, modustrial maker always uses black silicone with his white but maybe it’s a brand thing?
Where did you get the fibers for the concrete? I am having trouble locating some since they do not appear to be at big box stores?
Do you have a video showing installation?
Construction adhesive for the bottom and silicone the edges.
How did you make the template for the sink??
Thank you for the website link. Sometimes I would rather read than watch. Plus, you have a really cool website. I bookmarked it and am looking forward to exploring there more. The "chicken themed gifts" post with pics is fun. :D
Edit: One question and maybe a dumb one but was that bathroom countertop especially heavy...like did it take two people to do the work and then to move it into place for the install?
What did you use for the sink hole?
I don’t see the sealer llnk? It would be easier for viewer if you would’ve showed the bottle your husband was holding (using). Thank you for making this video. The countertop came out awesome! ❤
That cat wants faucet water! Hope he got some.
I don’t see the name or link to the sealer you said is special order and the concrete mix link doesn’t work 😢
Really want to do this in my kitchen but more than a little intimidated!
You cat is identical to mine ❤️❤️❤️
Do you think a wetter mix would minimize the air bubbles? I know we’re worried about PSI but does that matter since it’s a countertop? Also, does the white concrete mix differently than normal concrete?
Thank you for such a simple and comprehensive video on how to make this vanity/countertop happen! It is exactly what I envision in our guest bath. I know it's been some time since you posted this but I'm wondering (for the sake of comparison) what the dimensions of your top was, understanding it was poured to be 1" deep, and approximate weight when it was finished.
Our guest bath has a cheap builder-grade particleboard vanity that is placed off-center with a strange 4"-5" open gap at one end that only a contortionist can reach into to clean.
My hope is that I can pour a countertop to totally span the 36" space and be installed at a raised height. I am envisioning using continuous cleats bolted into the wall studs with additional 4"×4" ripped on the diagonal to act as back corner supports and the addition of legs in the front if additional support is needed. Planning on skirting the front opening and dropping a sink in instead of undermounting.
Hoping to get an idea what weight might be relative to the size you poured. Thank you for any input and best regards!
How long after you took off the fence form on sides?
Could you add sparkles?!
I didn't see the link for the sealer
But looks awesome
Where did you get the concrete?
You must’ve been reading my mind!
How many bags of concrete needed????
Are electrical socket outlets beside sinks building code approved in the US?
Yes, must be GFCI protected within 3 ft of water source or over any counter.
Anyone know what is a good brand of concrete to use for a bar top and have that bright white color? I've only found 1 and it's the z form company but it's a lil pricey.
Love it 😍😍😍
What was the final price spent for your kitchen countertop?
its in the blog link in the description
Which silicone did you use?
Put the wax on before you caulk and you can peel the caulking off instead of using a razor blade.
Also maybe mix it a little wetter
O ya and if your fiber mesh ever pokes out or is like sticking up like fuzzys from the Surface all over use a torch or a weed Berner and problem solved
Can I borrow Ian? Lol
Add beeswax before the silicone as a release agent
i dont see the sealer in your list
Concrete needs water to activate the curing process. Not enough water= no curing. Although it looks good now its going to crack over time. mix should be slightly thicker than pancake mix.
You can just pour acetone on your foam insert and it will just melt away.
That’s what I use to melt the residue away after I bust the largest part out.
I just bought a house and hate the cheap looking “butcher block” the old owner used. LOVE the concrete. Idk if I have the nerve to try this on my own! But I’d love to. How was the center put in, measured and secured?
Thank you!! The sink comes with a template for measurements when you buy it -- that's where we got the measurements, and I believe he cut the foam board with a knife and used a small saw to cut the PVC knockouts. We secured it with silicone, but I think some other commenters had tips on how to do it so that it doesn't stick like ours did!
I don't know anything about concrete mixing but in the videos I've watched the concrete was a little more wet
If you move the silicone to the opposite direction you will not need the sharp to make it perfect
Why not wire mesh?
Rebar isn't necessary if you use Rapid Set mortar mix from Home Depot.
@@bhough410 i don’t believe that
Wire mesh at-least!
I'm so sassy to say I'm early
Seal the foam insert before you set it… close all those tiny little holes
Hi I am getting ready to do this concrete tops to a vanity. Where do I find or purchase the concrete countertops?
The reason it didn't come out as easy is because u did a better job. The thicker consistency and the vibrating caused it to impact down and out while maintaining a psi that a wetter mix would not be able to maintain effectively.
Why did ypu not polish them before sealing you get a better smother more even hi end finish.
The cat wants water.
Your mix looks way too dry to me. Vibrating such a dry mix won’t get all the air pockets out. Not suggesting slush but definitely wetter than you had it. Also I’d pour a shallow face layer, and then mix the fibre reinforcing into the dry mix first for the next batches. The fibre needs to really be mixed in for maximum strength. Padding it on the top isn’t going to achieve the same strength. I personally prefer to use fiberglass reinforcing mesh embedded for strength.
Wow that is definitely not the way to do concrete. Gfrc needs to have the correct amount of finers and mixed in. Not sprinkled on the surface.
interesting, but I think I will just get a used granite counter top off facebook market place
Your mud looks too dry. Probably why you had voids.