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The first step in protecting Concrete Countertops is proper sealing. Some people get the idea that concrete countertops are stained easily, because of the fact that concrete is porous. This is true only if the concrete countertop is not sealed properly. Concrete countertop sealers are different than outdoor concrete sealer. Most outdoor concrete sealers are made with harmful chemicals you don't want near your food, or inside your home period. These concrete sealers also don't last very log and ted to peel off to let you know " hey, I need to be stripped, then reapplied!" Can you imagine the mess?There are natural, and safe concrete countertop sealers though. Non toxic, water based concrete countertop sealer are the go to option for my projects. The water based formulas, absorb into the concrete, protecting it by closing up the pores. These concrete countertop sealer do not leave streaks, or a film on the surface. Starting off with sealing a concrete countertop this way, creates a few lines of defense against stains. I apply two to three coats, beginning by diluting with water, and working my way up to a stronger solution.
The next line of defense in protecting your concrete countertop is topical, natural waxes. Never use a car wax for concrete countertops, they too have many harmful chemicals. Natural waxes can be buffed to give a high gloss shine, or a semi gloss shine. The best part is Natural wax repels liquids that can stain concrete countertops. Natural wax also protects the water based concrete sealer. I also apply two to three coats on each concrete countertop depending on the gloss desired.
The kind of maintenance that a concrete countertop needs is very simple. You should never let harmful liquids stand on the countertop for long periods of time. You should never cut directly on the surface, a cutting board is always recommended. Placing hot pans on your concrete countertop will not scar the concrete, but it can harm the sealer.
The sealer methods I use are to protect concrete countertops for years, and years. Every year, you can apply a coat of wax, by hand, to maintain protection, and restore the shine. This is done very easily, and will take, in most cases, less than an hour. No stripping of any coats of concrete countertop sealer is need. Also, if at any time you do get a stain on your concrete countertop, a simple rub with a diamond sanding block and a little water, will wipe it right out.
Protecting and maintaining your concrete countertops a simple task, and rewarding when done correctly. Even though it is a concrete countertop, and we drive on concrete everyday, we should treat it like a unique part of our home. By using these simple preventive maintenance steps with correct concrete countertop sealers, and yearly maintenance, we will have a beautiful countertop, that will last and satisfy us for years.
