Do-It-Yourself Concrete Countertops (NAPSA)—If you’re cooking up a do-it-yourself project that can improve the look of your kitchen or bath, you may want to check out concrete countertops. The counters have become popular with professionals and do-it-yourselfers because of their unique appearance, low price, high durability and—perhaps equally important— they’re easy to build and install. If you want concrete countertops in your hometry these tips: Start by getting Precision NonShrink Grout, a product called Cement Colors and a product called Cure & Seal—all of which are made by Quikrete. You'll also need a drill with a paddle mixer, trowel, cement float, 5-gallon bucket, 1-gallon bucket, 34-inch laminate wood board, %-inch laminate wood strips, 14-inch wood screws, caulk and caulk gun, form release agent, 2-inch paint brush, rubber mallet and sandpaper. * Construct the countertop form by securing the laminate strips to the laminate board with the wood screws. * Run a small bead of caulk into the joint andlet it dry. * Apply a form release agent to the inside of the form for easy removal of the countertop, once the concrete has cured. * Mix the Non-Shrink Precision Grout to a plastic yet flowable consistency using the drill with the paddle mixer. * For a decorative touch, add the Liquid Cement Color (available in red, brown, buff, charcoal, terra cotta) to the mixing water. * Pour the completed mixture into the pre-constructed forms Making stylish concrete countertops can be an easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself project and spread evenly using a cement float. Level the grout to the top of the form using a wood float or steel trowel. * Tap the sides of the form with a rubber mallet before finishing the concrete countertop to reduce air pockets that could leave voids on the surface. * A steel trowel finish can be applied to the bottom surface of the concrete countertop once the surface is “thumbprint hard.” * Remove the form from the concrete countertops after setting for 24 to 48 hours. If necessary, the countertop edges can be touched up with fine sandpaper. * Clean the countertops with Concrete and Asphalt Cleaner and then apply Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal. * Secure the concrete countertops to the vanity or cabinetry using silicon sealant. For moretips visit the Web site www.quickrete.com.
