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 All countertop materials, even concrete, are vulnerable to stains and scratches. Whether in a home or food service setting, countertops are constantly exposed to food spills and sharp utensils, so accidents are bound to happen. The good news for your clients -- and a big selling point for concrete -- is that if surface blemishes do occur in concrete, most of them can be fixed or disguised with the right tools and techniques. Here are some tips from decorative concrete expert Jeff Girard of the Concrete Countertop Institute for restoring marred countertops to like-new condition.
Jim Peterson,
The Concrete Network
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Touching Up Minor Surface Scratches
If the scratches are minor, they are most likely in the countertop sealer and not in the concrete itself. Just like with scratches in a car door, you can often touch up the scratch by simply applying more sealer. Learn more about the procedures to follow to achieve the best results.
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Removing Stubborn Oil Stains
Oil stains can be especially difficult to remove from concrete countertops because they tend to penetrate deeply into the surface. One good method of removal is to use a strong poultice to draw out the oil. See this recipe for making your own poultice.
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Fixing Spots Caused by Acid Etching
White spots from lemon juice and other acids are actually not stains but instead etching of the countertop surface where the acid dissolved the cement paste and left white carbonate deposits. The fix generally involves honing or polishing out the white spot, grouting to fill exposed pinholes, and resealing to restore the finish. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process.
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Fixing Scratches in Topical Sealers
Deep scratches in countertops not only look bad, they also compromise the sealer and can make the underlying concrete vulnerable to stains. To successfully repair these scratches, you must restore both the appearance of the finished surface and the protection the sealer provided. Learn about two basic methods you can use to make the surface look like new again. |
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WIN BEST OF SHOW!
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The Decorative Concrete Council, a specialty council of the American Society of Concrete Contractors, is seeking entries for its 2011 awards program, which recognizes outstanding decorative concrete projects in 11 different categories,with one project taking home the coveted Best of Show honor. Download this PDF for complete contest rules.
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