Replies

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Dec 13, 2003 10:36pm | #1

    wheelman:....anytime i have a question about concrete countertops i always ask mongo..

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Remodelboy | Dec 14, 2003 10:48am | #2

   Hi Mike,

   I know that Rhode Island is a big place - but I have to ask.  Have you ever met or heard of a carpenter named Tim Ward?  I think that his dad's name was Baxter like the news guy.  I met him when he moved out to So Cal and we were pretty good friends - then he just dissappeared.  I remember he was from Rhode Island.  I always wondered what happened to him.

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Dec 14, 2003 06:48pm | #3

   no... but i'll keep my  eyes openMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

2. 
   CombatRescue | Dec 14, 2003 11:49pm | #4

   I recommend you buy this book:

   http://www.concreteexchange.com/products_books.jsp

   First realize that concrete is an inherently porous material (which means it stains easily) and if you're looking for a counter surface that won't stain you should have chosen another material like granite, stainless, or solid surface.  Having said that you really have two options, neither of which is an ideal solution.  No product currently available with keep them from eventually staining long term- they'll only slow the process.  This is especially so in a commercial kitchen which receives heavy use:

   1. Topical sealer:  These are epoxies, urethanes, laquers etc. that create a film to protect the concrete.  They have to be applied when the concrete is completely dry, and the surface needs to be completely clean and free of previous sealants.  These sealers offer the best stain protection for concrete, but they will eventually peel in your high-use areas and then the whole thing will have to be stripped and the sealer reapplied.  A problem with these sealers is they scratch easily and can be damaged by hot pans.

   2. Penetrating sealer: These penetrate into the concrete to resist stains, but they don't prevent them.  At best they will slow the staining process.  From your description it sounds like this won't meet your needs.  However, they don't scratch and aren't damaged from hot pans, plus they don't change the surface look of the concrete as dramatically as a surface sealer will.  I suspect this is the kind of sealer originally used on your counter.

   Anyway, hope that helps, and good luck,

   Andy

1. 
   brownbagg | Dec 15, 2003 05:44am | #5

   hd and lowes has that book too

   The best employee you can have but you wouldn't want him as a neighbor " He the shifty type"

2. 
   WHEELMAN | Dec 15, 2003 05:41pm | #6

   Andy,

   Thank you very much for the advice. 

1. 
   CombatRescue | Dec 15, 2003 07:13pm | #7

   No problem, hope it works out for you.

   Andy