Changing up an Orange Formica Countertop With Concrete

We bought an older home we planned to use as a rental property. Charming as some of the features in the house are it was also tired and old. We decided to make a few cosmetic updates before renting. We started in the kitchen with painting the cabinets and then moved onto the countertops. I wanted to try a concrete skim coat I had seen on Pinterest. So, as usual, I jumped in.

Finished result.

Orange Formica

This was what we started with (the former owners were big Coca Cola fans).

After taping it off we started sanding with a sander. I have to say I did not like results so I went to a 60 grid sandpaper and sanded it by hand. Just enough to take off the sheen and allow the skimcoat to adhere.

Henry Feather Finish

We mixed it in small batches.

We put several thin coats on, sanding very lightly between coats. I did this by hand also. This was DUSTY so go slow with a light touch.

I used a trowel to spread the concrete mix.

First coat.

Coat 4.

Final coat

Then we sealed it with 3 thin coats of Acrylacq.

I used a gloss finish because it is what I had on hand.

They have been holding up really well for the time they have been in use. Part of the charm is I did not care if they were perfect. But they are holding up under semi heavy use. For around $60.00 (there was not a lot of square footage) I would certainly do it again!

Suggested materials:

Feather Finish (Home Depot)
Acrylaq (Amazon)
Sponges for application (on hand)

See all materials

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Chrissy
on Jan 26, 2019

I have a laminate counter top with wood edge - interested in trying this but would it look the same?

1

Answer this
- Libbie B
  on Jan 26, 2019
  
  Yes, I would add a line of grout along the edge when you are done to give a more finished feel. That is pretty easy to do. Good luck and be sire to post pictures if you try it!
  
Kat
on Jun 23, 2019

Trying this now. Would like to know how long you let it dry between coats?

0

Answer this
Kat
on Jun 25, 2019

How long did you let it dry between coats? I just put on my first coat.

1

Answer this
- Libbie B
  on Jun 25, 2019
  
  I let it set until it was dry to the touch. A few hours or so? Then before I sealed it I let it dry for 48 hours. I just did another counter top a few weeks ago I liked the first one so much. https://www.alifeunfolding.com/blog-1/2019/5/28/how-to-diy-a-concrete-bar-top-in-a-weekend

4 of 133 comments

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Kellie
on Jan 5, 2018

I love this look. You make it seem so easy that I have to try it. Thanks for your post.

- Libbie B
  on Feb 1, 2018
  
  Give it a try! I'd love to see how it turns out. I still LOVE mine!
  
Kat
on Jun 27, 2019

I did it!!!! One countertop down and two more to go. I love it.

1
- Libbie B
  on Jun 29, 2019
  
  They look SOOOOOO good! YAY!!

Changing up an Orange Formica Countertop With Concrete

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