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How to FAQs |
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What is the concrete counter mix composed of? How do I get the concrete countertop mix? How much concrete will each bag produce? How much liquid color will I need to buy? Can I use re-bar in my counter top? Do the edge forms work on pre-cast counters? How do I keep the concrete from leaking onto my cabinets? How long do I wait before I can strip the mold? Do I need to keep the concrete wet after pouring? How long do I wait to polish or grind the counters once they are cast? |
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| Q.1 | What is the concrete counter mix composed of? |
| A.1 | The concrete countertop mix is a special formula of marble aggregate, silica sand and white cement and a few additional proprietary ingredients. The concrete countertop mix is packed into seventy-pound sacks. |
| Q.2 | How do I get the concrete countertop mix? |
| A.2 | You may purchase concrete countertop mix products online or thru a distributor near you. You may help us expand our distribution by asking your local distributor to contact us through our toll-free number: 877-706-5303. |
| Q.3 | How much concrete will each bag produce? |
| A.3 | Each bag produces 1/2 cubic foot or 4.5 square feet of material at 1 1/2” thickness, without added pea gravel. |
| Q.4 | How much liquid color will I need to buy? |
| A.4 | We formulated one jar of color to two bags of concrete countertop mix. This helps to assure quality control when mixing different concrete countertop batches. Each color requires different amounts of pigment to achieve the desired result. |
| Q.5 | Can I use rebar in my counter top? |
| A.5 | We do not recommend rebar. Buddy uses ladder (Ladur) wire or galvanized expanded wire mesh placed in the center of the slab, thus allowing the concrete to expand and contract. Because the concrete mix is composed of finer material, it increases the body density and allows for more shrinkage. |
| Q.6 | Do the edge forms work on pre-cast concrete countertops? |
| A.6 | The extruded styrene edge forms are made for a cast-in-place application. They have a flange that can be clamped onto the cabinets. |
| Q.7 | How do I keep the concrete from leaking onto my cabinets? |
| A.7 | Caulk the edge of the form and the cabinet face to prevent the concrete from dripping. Cover the cabinet face and floor area with drop cloths as well. |
| Q.8 | How long do I wait before I can strip the mold? |
| A.8 | Most times you can de-mold the next day. |
| Q.9 | Do I need to keep the concrete wet after pouring? |
| A.9 | The most important thing you can do is to cure the concrete slowly and evenly. If you have cast the concrete countertop in place, spray the concrete with water and tent the project with plastic, being careful to keep the plastic off the wet surface so as to prevent stains. Block out direct sunlight that could cause drying of the slabs. If you have precast the concrete countertop, elevate the slab onto 2x4 blocks to allow for air circulation around the concrete. |
| Q.10 | How long do I wait to polish or grind the concrete countertops once they are cast? |
| A.10 | After at least two days, polish with diamond pads and water starting with #120 grit (black), then #220 grit (red) and finish with #440 grit (yellow). Be sure to sponge the area free of any sludge. |
| Q.11 | How soon shall I seal and which sealer do you recommend? |
| A.11 | After the concrete has thoroughly dried, we apply two thin coats of Buddy Rhodes Penetrating Sealer. Let dry completely and apply a second coat. Next, for added protection and higher sheen, apply Buddy Rhodes Satin Sealer. |
| Q.12 | Why should I use beeswax? |
| A.12 | Buddy Rhodes Food Grade Beeswax is a finishing touch providing another level of protection. It is recommended to use this every two or three months to keep the concrete countertop in good shape. Use a soft cloth to apply the wax. |
| Q.13 | How do I achieve the “pressed” look? |
| A.13 | The pressed or veined finish is made upside down against a smooth mold. Mix the concrete into a clay-like consistency and press small handfuls into the mold, filling it half way up. This technique will cause voids to form. Let this set up for a half hour or so. Wet the remainder of the concrete batch to get a more ‘sour cream’ feel. Next, place the galvanized expanded wire mesh in the center of the slab and top off the mold with the rest of the mixture. The next day, flip the slab and elevate on 2x4 blocks of wood. This will allow the air to circulate under the piece and provide even curing. Fill the voids with a colored “slurry”. Let dry overnight and polish. Repeat the process to fill any voids that remain after polishing. (See above for grinding instructions.) |
