
- Veining Technique. Baking Soda: Creates voids and pinholes in the surface. It acts as an accelerator. ...
- Create Voids. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface to create voids. Continue laying out concrete 3/8″ thick and adding veining compound around the edges to create veins.
- Veins on Vertical Surfaces. Using the same technique, veins can be created on vertical surfaces or around the sink opening as in this example.
- Here you can see how the darker veining material sticks to the leading edge of the wet concrete mix.
- Continue Filling the Form. Spread the concrete out 3/8″ thick, adding veins as you go, until the entire surface is covered.
- Add the Backer. Pour 1-1/4″ of casting blend on top of the face coat. ...
Can you add an insert to a concrete countertop?
Adding inserts or inlays is a great way to personalize a concrete countertop in a kitchen, bathroom, or even outside. Inserts are small stones, pieces of glass or other materials that are mixed throughout the concrete to add interest to a countertop (See How to Embed Glass in Concrete Countertops ).
What can I embed into my countertop?
Almost any item can be embedded into your countertop. Choose personal mementos, coins, glass, or as this picture illustrates, sea shells. Embeds allow you to add creativity to your countertop. In this example, iron scrolls were inlayed into the wet concrete.
What can you put on a concrete countertop to decorate?
Solid Solutions Studios in Fresno, CA Learn how to use decorative inserts like tile, fossils, metal, copper, stone and other materials in concrete countertops. Adding inserts or inlays is a great way to personalize a concrete countertop in a kitchen, bathroom, or even outside.
What can be inlayed on a concrete countertop to add interest?
Small, colorful tiles were inlayed in the surface of this bar top to add interest. Solid Solutions Studios in Fresno, CA Learn how to use decorative inserts like tile, fossils, metal, copper, stone and other materials in concrete countertops.
How to activate cement in XS precast?
Can you use XS veining in a precast mold?

How do you put sparkles on a concrete countertop?
To make the sparkle even more prominent, he recommends integrally coloring the concrete mix. This metallic aggregate from Pacific Palette Concrete Products comes in black and white. Sparkle Grain is recommended where you want a decorative, hard, nonslip surface.
How do you add color to concrete countertops?
There are three common methods for coloring concrete countertops. One way is by using integral pigments. Another way is to acid stain the concrete, and the third way is to use a dye.
How do you make concrete countertops look like natural stone?
To create the realism of natural stone, cast the concrete in an integral color and then apply acid stain in layers to the top surface. Vary the pigments and degree of marbelizing to achieve one-of-a-kind custom pieces. If the countertop has seams, you can make them less noticeable by hiding them in the veining.
How do you decorate concrete countertops?
Unusual Ways to Personalize Concrete CountertopsShotgun shells. Put more "bang" into your countertops by dressing them up with 12-gauge shotgun shells (emptied of their gunpowder, of course). ... Hand-hammered spoons. ... Metal shavings. ... Car gauges. ... Stainless steel inserts. ... Daring Free Spans. ... Custom Built-Ins. ... Colored Glass.More items...
How do you make swirls in concrete countertops?
4:5210:03DIY Colored Concrete Countertop - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs you want so we laid it out in this pattern. So that it'll kind of swirl together you'll haveMoreAs you want so we laid it out in this pattern. So that it'll kind of swirl together you'll have highlights of one highlights of the other. And then you'll have some of the natural concrete.
How do you make concrete countertops look like granite?
1:1720:37How to Make Concrete Countertops Look like Natural Stone - Icoat ReviewYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBasically what I'm gonna do is spritz on some water. Then when it's wet you know used to a lightnessMoreBasically what I'm gonna do is spritz on some water. Then when it's wet you know used to a lightness then when it's wet I'm gonna mist over it with the Kodiak mortar.
How do you make concrete countertops look like marble?
How to Make Concrete Countertops Look Like MarbleStep 1: Choose Contrasting or Complementary Colors. ... Step 2: Clean Countertops Thoroughly. ... Step 3: Patch and Seal. ... Step 4: Use Painter's Tape. ... Step 5: Apply a Primer. ... Step 6: Mix Glaze and Topcoat. ... Step 7: Dip Drop Cloth in Glaze. ... Step 8: Lay Drop Cloth on Countertop.More items...
How do you stain concrete to look like marble?
How Do I Make Concrete Look Like Marble? Other than having a true marble slab, the most natural-looking and durable marble-like option is to use concrete Acid Stain. Unlike paint, concrete stains penetrate deeply into the concrete surface, producing fade-resistant, permanent color that won't flake off or peel away.
How do you make concrete smooth and shiny?
If the concrete floor is sloped, self leveling cement can be applied to make the surface even. Ardex or other similar self leveling cementitous mixes can be applied and poured on to the surface and then ground afterwords just like regular concrete to get a smooth shine.
How do you embed something in concrete?
1:509:59How to embed sliced agate, fossils, and coins in concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhere you'd like to place it then apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to one side of the object.MoreWhere you'd like to place it then apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to one side of the object. And you can use a razor blade to get a super thin layer then press the sliced eget onto the mold.
What colors go with concrete countertops?
By far, the most popular colors for our concrete countertops are some variation of gray. It's a very neutral color that blends in well with almost all other colors. For that reason we have three types – light, natural, and dark gray. Graphite (black) and white are also very popular.
Are concrete countertops still in style?
While quartz, granite, and marble countertops are popular with designers, concrete remains a desirable option on the periphery, offering flexibility and a creative potential that other materials simply cannot provide.
Can you color a concrete countertop?
HOW ARE CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS COLORED? Color can be applied throughout the entire mix with integral pigments, or applied to the surface of cured concrete with stains or dyes. There are different brands of pigments, stains, and aggregate colors, so concrete countertops will always be unique.
What kind of paint do you use on concrete countertops?
Make sure you only use concrete epoxy paint. There are other types of epoxy paints that are not designed for concrete. As with regular paints, stains and dyes, sand the concrete countertops lightly first. Then clean them off.
How do you make concrete countertops darker?
0:485:29How To Stain Concrete Countertops With Aqua-Stain UV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe first mist the concrete with water. This will slow the absorption of stain which gives more workMoreWe first mist the concrete with water. This will slow the absorption of stain which gives more work inside it also allows staying to bleed out so you get natural variations. And color blending.
Can you Colour concrete worktops?
Adding color or texture to your DIY concrete countertop is a quick, easy, and cost effective way to turn ordinary concrete into extraordinary concrete. Color can be added integrally (mixed into concrete), or it can be applied after the concrete is poured through the use of stains or dyes.
What can be embedded in a countertop?
Almost any item can be embedded into your countertop. Choose personal mementos, coins, glass, or as this picture illustrates, sea shells. Embeds allow you to add creativity to your countertop. In this example, iron scrolls were inlayed into the wet concrete.
What is an insert in concrete?
Inserts are small stones, pieces of glass or other materials that are mixed throughout the concrete to add interest to a countertop (See How to Embed Glass in Concrete Countertops ). An inlay is an object, such as a large rock, or other decorative item that is embedded in the surface of the countertop. Common items to insert or inlay are pieces of ...
How to activate cement in XS precast?
Vacuum up or blow out with compressed air any excess veining material. Using a spray bottle with water, lightly mist the vein. This will help to activate the cement in the vein. Now pour your remaining XS Precast into the mold (or form up your next vein if you want another one in your cast surface).
Can you use XS veining in a precast mold?
XS Veining is typically applied inside a precast mold before and/or during the casting, the mix is poured: If looking to create some discoloration in the surface, simple “dusting” the surface of the mold in the areas you would like to create prior to the mix is poured in will create your desired look.
