EZ & CHEAP! Henry's Concrete COPPER Counter With Patina...OVER TILE!

Jacque
by Jacque
8 Materials
$30
2 Days
Medium
Yes, I said it and I did it! Even though everything I have read & researched says not to concrete over existing tile...but have you ever tried to remove tile? Especially tile with an inlaid sink? It's virtually impossible and honestly unnecessary IN MY OPINION! (To the small peanut gallery out there, if you do not agree, no need to read further!icon ) I combined two of my fav things; copper & concrete to begin my full bathroom makeover.
If this sounds familiar then you're correct! I came upon this idea while scrolling thru another hometalker's page.
Here is my inspiration: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/countertops/copper-countertops-under-20-what--18910246). My process and products were a little different but the end result was pretty much the same.

BEFORE-Builders Grade Vanity w/ Tile
I really loved working with Henry's Feather Finish concrete and look forward to using it again. (I was not paid nor was it free.) This hands down is the easiest concrete process that I've seen (Insert: Again, my opinion). Seriously, anyone can do this. No special tools or training required; just the desire to make something one of a kind and beautiful.If you're thinking about concrete, this is a great method (did I say that already??)! Why? Well, let me count the ways...1) It's cheap! It won't break the bank at under $20 a box (only half used).2) It's simple to do (yup, I did it ALL on my own).  3) It's quick, not a lot of downtime for drying.4) Plus, it holds up and is STRONG! 5) and AGAIN it's WAY CHEAPER than real copper!I'm by no means an expert nor a professional so take my experience for what it is...I can give out advice, share my experience and offer any other helpful ideas but again I do this for fun. I hope you enjoy it!
Remove all gloss from tile so Concrete sticks
My husband removed the tile around the vanity and backsplash. We were keeping the sink and all fixtures, so we had to be careful not to crack the porcelain. Therefore, some tile could not be removed without damaging sink and had to be concreted over. I sanded the remaining tile down to remove any gloss and then got the concrete ready for first application.The first batch of concrete I made I tried to mix the mica directly with it but it just looked like mud. Even when it dried it did not look like copper. So, I stopped using mica in the mix and instead used it on top as a finish. (I will get to that in a second.) Make sure not to add too much water to the concrete mixture, you can always add more as needed. Consistency shouldn't be watery or it won't set well and will take forever to dry.
After final application, ready to sand
The 1st layer of concrete did settle into the grout lines when drying (4hrs). I did about 3 good thick layers of concrete, each layer took a bit longer to dry (total16-24 hrs) and was able to completely fill in the grout lines until they weren't seen.A light sanding was done on the 2nd & 3rd layers after they were completely dry, skipping the edges to give it more of an unfinished "concrete" look.
Nurture Soap Copper Mica - So Gorgeous!
After wiping down concrete of all dust, dampen it with water. I mixed the mica with water to make a "liquid copper" mixture. I used a soft wet 3" synthetic paint brush (with edge) to apply the mixture evenly. I applied a very generous coat. It dries fairly quick.Then I went back over it and added smaller "puddles" to darken areas for an aged look. Be warned, the mica will easily come off if rubbed, Continue to apply until you reach desired color. (Note: it will be 2-3 shades darker once polycrylic is applied)
I added a bit more Mica to the darker areas.
After mica was applied, I used the Rub & Buff wax (metallic Patina finish) to apply a patina coat to the copper counter. A small painters brush is all you need for application; Strategically utilize wax in small amounts or else it won't look as authentic. A little goes a LONG way! This stuff is GREAT!!! I thought I would use the whole tube but it seriously is VERY concentrated. What an awesome find & value!Very little dry time needed for wax...make sure you like it because once it's sealed no changing it!
After Mica finish & Patina wax has dried
Now it is time to seal it all in with a coat of polycrylic, which is water based. I used clear gloss to give it a nice shine. It dries really quick only 1 hr between each coat! I put on about 5 coats to ensure it would stay safe. It looks so beautiful with the shine on it! I had painted the backsplash weeks earlier.
After Polycrylic dries time for backsplash
It was pretty simple and quick to install the 4-shade (White, grey, dark stain, and white w/ stain) wooden slate backsplash.  I bought a bag wooden sticks for about $4 at hobby lobby. Each are exact width with varied lengths so they worked great as tiles. If I don't tell people, they think it's actually a glass backsplash because the polycrylic makes it shiny.We laid out the design on the ground and as my husband put liquid nail on back of slate, I attached them in place to the wall (which had some liquid nail on it too). Note: If your dry wall comes off like mine, you will need to build it back up so the backsplash has something to hang onto!Once backsplash was in place, I let it set before covering it all with polycrylic to protect it from water damage. As I applied a coat of poly to backsplash, I added another coat to the counter. I did this 2-3 x's to help ensure no damage could be done and it also helped to solidify it as one piece.
CLOSE UP Left side- Copper concrete counter
Finally ready to paint the faucet (and water drain), each are spray painted with Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze ! I actually covered the entire counter with butcher paper & tape before painting rather than remove the whole faucet.
CLOSE UP Right Side-Copper Concrete Counter
I love love love my counter top and backsplash! So happy for the inspiration I find here everyday! I hope this gives you some! 
This is one part to a whole bathroom remodel we are doing. We put the mirror back up after we installed backsplash and put up wallpaper.
AFTER-Final vanity makeover DONE!
You can see my vanity remodel in this photo... I may do a full reveal of the entire bathroom down the road...still have lots to do! (I have a matching His/Her's vanity on the other side of walk-in bathroom, we also have a walk-in closet that we want to organize, and a small "toilet room"...they're all kinda in one space.) Thank you so much for reading!! If you have questions regarding any part of the process please let me know! I will do my best to answer. If you don't like it or disagree with things I've stated, that's totally fine we all have our opinions. All I request is, please just keep remarks positive...skip writing anything negative. It's best to keep those comments out. We do this for free & fun...let's keep it that way!!
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3 of 29 questions
  • Cookie Cookie on Oct 25, 2018

    What product did you use to paint your vanity, I love the color! This is a beautiful makeover, I want to do this, but I am  Thanks great job, waiting for the full reveal.

  • Gay M Veit Gay M Veit on Oct 30, 2018

    I plan to use this idea, can it be done in different colors.

  • Annie Annie on Feb 23, 2020

    Can you do this on Corian counters in the kitchen? How will it hold up?

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  • MJ MJ on Mar 10, 2022

    By now you KNOW many of us are impressed with your “copper” makeover! How has it held up to water. I have used Polycrylic to find it peels if wet (somewhat like too thick nail polish does).

    I don’t know how I missed this in ‘18. But want to try in my tiny bathroom. Thank you for great instructions - and giving your inspiration credit.

    • Jacque Jacque on Mar 13, 2022

      We sold the house in 2019 and the bathroom was a big sales feature. The poly was great even after a year, and I’m sure it’s fine still. Although I do recall after washing my face and not drying water drops, it would appear cloudy but after it dried it went back to normal. If I did it again I might use epoxy. Good luck!

  • Butter Butter on Oct 08, 2022

    Gorgeous - stealing a lot of your idea thank you for sharing. I love the colors.

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