Anyone else tried Concrete Worktops?

glock339 · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:10 am

I had a go at casting a concrete worktop and so far I'm happy with the results.

Here's the mold nearly ready:

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And here it is so far (I will be making a cover for the back to hide the rad etc):

I've gave it an initial sanding with 120 grit and am just waiting on my diamond pads arriving to complete the polishing process. Now I also need some appropriate concrete stain (dark grey/black) and sealer (food safe obviously). There's loads of concrete countertop specific products available in the US but I cant seem to find any in the UK. The P&P from the US is mega so I need to find something in the UK that will do the job.

Can anyone recommend a decent stain & sealers for the job? I was wanting a non water based acrylic or maybe a Urethane based sealer if possible.

Cheers!

joinerjohn · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 11:35 am

Looks very nice glock. Have a look here for sealers etc
http://www.extensive.co.uk/section.php/22/1/protective-finishes

Alarm · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:37 pm

May I ask why the Rad is there?

In the middle of the room?

glock339 · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:37 pm

Cheers for that, they do a finishing wax that looks quite good.

I'm really struggling to find a decent acrylic or urethane sealer though. Also need a good stain.

glock339 · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:41 pm

The rad is there because there is almost no free wall space in that room what so ever. There will be another (cast iron) rad on the one free bit of wall in the room as well as that one hidden under the bench to give the correct BTU.

RedHerring2 · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:47 pm

Really interested in the progress of this too, glock. So keep the info' coming.

Alarm · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 12:54 pm

glock339 wrote:

The rad is there because there is almost no free wall space in that room what so ever. There will be another (cast iron) rad on the one free bit of wall in the room as well as that one hidden under the bench to give the correct BTU.

Correct BTU`s is one thing but how big are the windows/Doors?

Again ,only asking. I have one room where the rad is not near the window and its a little chilly when the temp drops.
Although I accept yours is a kitchen and there will be other heat sources.

glock339 · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:25 pm

Quote:

Correct BTU`s is one thing but how big are the windows/Doors?

Theres some big Bifold doors in there but they were added to the calcs. The rads been running by it's self for a couple of weeks and seems good so should be even warmer once the other rad is up

Alarm · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 2:39 pm

Thanks, was just wondering.

masona · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:17 pm

Alarm wrote:

I have one room where the rad is not near the window and its a little chilly when the temp drops.
Although I accept yours is a kitchen and there will be other heat sources.

Is it possible to add a smaller rad under the window to take the chill off?

glock339 · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 10:46 am

Quote:

Is it possible to add a smaller rad under the window to take the chill off?

There really isn't any problem with the rads, it's a very warm room.

I'm just after some decent stain & sealers for the worktop available in the UK, such as a non water based acrylic or maybe a Urethane based sealer if possible. I've been Googling for days but can't seem to find anything like what the guys in the US use yet.

Cheers!

Alarm · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 11:38 am

masona wrote:

Is it possible to add a smaller rad under the window to take the chill off?[/quote]

Not really, all the decorating is done, fitted wardrobes ect. Concrete floor, so not going under that either.
Next job on the to do list when the gaff gets a make over.

Only noticed it on the last cold snap anyway, generally the heating is not on.

RedHerring2 · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 1:27 pm

glock339 wrote:

I'm just after some decent stain & sealers for the worktop available in the UK, such as a non water based acrylic or maybe a Urethane based sealer if possible.
Cheers!

I've only ever used this stuff on floors. But they are supposed to helpful vis their Technical Dept:

http://www.thompsonsweatherproofing.co.uk/datasheets/onecoatconcreteseal.pdf

Graemevw · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 5:57 pm

I have been considering doing something similar.

Can i ask a few questions?

I assume the base board stays there.
The edges extend down past the base board correct?
How did you cast the upstand, just a stiff mix?

What was your mix?

Thanks.

glock339 · Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:48 pm

Quote:

I've only ever used this stuff on floors. But they are supposed to helpful vis their Technical Dept:

Thanks for that, sounds quite promising. Wonder if its food safe etc? I'll have to do some research on it.

Still looking for more suggestions on Stains & Sealers if anyone has them