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| Dear Barrie,
I have just had concrete countertops installed in my kitchen and bathrooms. Unfortunately the concrete is not sealed well. It is highly susceptible to stains, which is a major disappointment to me, especially in my kitchen. Sincerely, |
Dear Francine,
Thank you for your concerned concrete query. Concrete, though beautiful as a kitchen counter, is by far at its most temperamental state when it is used for this purpose. Here are a few basic steps that will ensure that your new concrete surface will stay looking as gorgeous as you had first imagined it would. Step one. Clean concrete with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and dust. Apply lightly by hand a waterproof semi gloss concrete glaze. Light is the key word here as concrete is porous and it will slowly absorb the glaze. Rub on as many coats as you desire allowing each light coat to dry before re applying the next. I would suggest 3 to 4 coats but if your concrete has been sealed in the past you may see a dramatic improvement after just one coat. Be sure to keep the kitchen well ventilated during this process, the more air circulation that you can have the quicker the glaze will dry. During summer months when there is more moisture in the air this process may take a little longer. Step Two. When you are certain that the final coat of glaze is dry then the final step to sealing your counter can happen. Spray a thin coat of clear lacquer across the entire surface and edges of the counter. This step is essential and will provide an additional moisture barrier. However, it is vital that before you apply the lacquer that you are absolutely positive that there is no water or moisture of any kind on the surface. Otherwise, as the moisture evaporates and makes its way to the surface of the concrete it will become trapped in between the layer of glaze and the sprayed on lacquer. If this happens the lacquer will turn white and peel and flake like sunburned skin. Don't panic you can lightly sand the area and reapply the clear lacquer. Good luck and let me know how it works out for you. |