Concrete Countertops Tampa are one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to bring a new look to your kitchen. Concrete countertops can give your kitchen a rustic yet modern look that works perfectly in urban or rural kitchens. Concrete countertops are typically created with a natural mortar mixture consisting of only one component sand and three parts cement. This mix is mixed and poured into molds and then poured directly on the countertop. Concrete is strong, durable, and very easy to clean, making it ideal for any countertop job.
Because concrete countertops take so little time and effort to maintain, you will find that they will save you money on expensive remodeling costs. If you install granite or other top surfaces, you will need to reseal or re-seal your concrete every few years due to stains or other potential problems. Sealed concrete will not absorb stains like other types of countertops and will not require re-sealing because it is sealed at the time of manufacture.
Concrete is sealed by applying what is known as a white or stamped concrete coating. The white coating is applied to the top of the countertop in three layers. The first layer is the standard masonry mix that is used to complete the rest of the project. The second layer is an abrasive that helps lift stains and dirt off the concrete. And finally, the third and final layer of sealer helps keep your concrete countertops from cracking, chipping, or breaking when heavy objects are placed on them.
You may have seen DIY ads on television for a special type of sealer that you can create yourself from materials that you probably already have lying around your house, such as cork, paperboard, or even cardboard. Although this DIY kit may look like it would be a quick and easy way to create your own custom sealant for your concrete countertops, the cost of purchasing and using one of these kits actually costs more than the cost of hiring professionals to install one. In addition, if you decide to purchase an abrasive cleaner in the kit along with the special abrasive mix, you will spend even more money than if you simply use regular dishwashing detergent to clean up spills. It can also take up to 4 days before a countertop is usable after a spill has occurred.
As mentioned earlier, most kitchen stains are impossible to remove completely once they set in. However, there are some ways to greatly reduce the amount of time between initial stain formation and the appearance of discoloration on your concrete countertops. First and foremost, the longer the stain is allowed to chemically react with the natural ingredients of your stone surface, the harder it will be to remove. Additionally, the heavier a stain is, the more likely it will be to stay on the stone surface even when it has been cleaned with the harsh cleaners found in most home spas and day spas.
Spills on concrete countertops can be cleaned with water, peroxide, or even acid, depending on the specific strain. Be aware that one of the best acids for cleaning concrete is muriatic acid, as it will break down the molecules of the stain and make them lighter, removing them from the stone surface. Before applying the acid mix to your countertop, be sure to mix up the solution with water first. Apply the acid-water mixture to the stained area in thin, even stripes, making sure to disperse it over the entire surface of the countertop. Allow the acid-water mix to sit for a few minutes, then scrub it clean with a garden hose. Be sure to rinse your countertop thoroughly between passes.
If you have already tried scrubbing the stains out of your countertops by hand and they are still too stubborn to clean, you may want to try using acid-based cleaners or muriatic acid cleaners. These acid cleaners or muriatic acid cleaners are a form of muriatic acid that can break down stains from concrete kitchen counters. Acid is the active ingredient in both these cleaners, which makes them great options for hard-to-remove stains on concrete surfaces. Acidic cleaners can be mixed with other ingredients to create a stronger solution for soaking stains out of concrete countertops made from ceramic materials. However, before applying muriatic acid cleaners to your concrete surfaces, be sure to test your acid-water mix on a small inconspicuous area of your countertop or on a hidden part of your countertop before applying it to your countertop.
Concrete is also a popular choice for kitchen countertops because it is very easy to maintain and does not require a sealer or a polish to maintain its original appearance. Concrete kitchen countertops will stand up to hot cooking and can stand up to acidic kitchen items, such as orange juice, and will not fade or dull over time. Concrete kitchen countertops offer a great alternative to laminate or composite kitchen countertops and offer a variety of design possibilities, from simple to intricate designs. Concrete offers many advantages for your home, but before you choose concrete countertops for your kitchen, be sure to research the pros and cons of each type of concrete material.