by Libbie B
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)
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![Kat]()
Katon Jun 27, 2019I did it!!!! One countertop down and two more to go. I love it.
![Rebecque Turner]()
Rebecque Turneron Oct 22, 2020It's been a year, for are your counters now?
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![Kat]()
Katon Oct 22, 2020I still love them!!! Although I’m going to sand them down and reseal them.
![Libbie B]()
Libbie Bon Oct 23, 2020I've done that a few times too. I also did a bar height counter top at our current house and STILL love it. https://www.alifeunfolding.com/blog-1/2019/5/28/how-to-diy-a-concrete-bar-top-in-a-weekend?rq=countertops
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Have a question about this project?
Trying this now. Would like to know how long you let it dry between coats?
How long did you let it dry between coats? I just put on my first coat.
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
Did you remove your sink and faucet before starting?
Yes, we removed them because it does raise the right a bit. If you decide to go forward post a pic. I love the way it looked so much I did a second one. https://www.alifeunfolding.com/blog-1/2019/5/28/how-to-diy-a-concrete-bar-top-in-a-weekend?rq=countertop