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!
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Have a question about this project?
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 sink 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
Hi, I have been considering this method for my countertops for a good while now. However I am not so partial the colour. I was wondering if the skim coat could be coloured to a black, deep blue or even a white?
Good Luck! :)