Refinish Laminate Countertops with Concrete Overlay | Direct Colors (2024)

FAQs

What colors do concrete overlay countertops come in? ›

WHAT COLORS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS? When it comes to color options, concrete offers nearly limitless possibilities—shades of white, gray, brown, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, black and more can be created.

Concrete overlay for countertops is an ultra-strong, easy-to-apply concrete layer used to “lay over” existing laminate, Formica, wood, or tile countertops. Overlay ensures a durable concrete look and feel at a fraction of the cost required for freshly poured concrete slabs.

Concrete Base Color Additive for Overlays by SureCrete

It's such a simple coloring system that even homeowners can create consistently colored floor overlays on their concrete cement outdoor kitchens or patios.

Pros: Offers a sleek, modern appearance; enhances the natural beauty of concrete; resistant to stains and requires minimal maintenance. Cons: Can be slippery when wet; may not be suitable for outdoor applications due to reduced traction.

Cement-based resurfacing systems developed specifically for application to countertops offer the advantages of being nonporous, extremely hard and durable, and customizable in color and finish.

The minimum recommended thickness is 1 to 2 in. (25 to 50 mm) for a fully bonded concrete overlay placed on a base slab that is practically free of cracks and in which the concrete is sound, clean, and of good quality. The use of welded wire fabric reinforcement is usually not warranted under these conditions.

Once your chosen countertop material has been cut to the precise specifications, it's time for installation! Unlike standard countertop replacements, installing an overlay countertop on laminate takes almost no time. The installation team will ensure the existing surface is clean and free of dust and debris.

Spray-painting works well for laminate countertops and other surfaces that can be scuffed down with sandpaper. Go with a matte finish spray paint since glossy paint shows scratches. Remove the sink and fixtures. If possible, move the entire countertop outside to avoid fumes and overspray in your home.

Concrete overlay is a method where a new layer of concrete is applied over an existing surface to improve its appearance and durability. Unlike resurfacing, which involves a thin layer, overlays can be thicker and used to correct more substantial imperfections or to add decorative finishes.

After the texture coat of the concrete overlay system is dry, we begin sanding the entire floor. In this photo we are using a large commercial sander. In this photo, we are using a small palm sander to get in the corners and close to the walls.

How long does decorative concrete overlay last? ›

Ease of Installation: With an overlay, there is no mess from removing concrete with jackhammers or the noise associated with demolition. A typical overlay project can be performed by a stamped concrete contractor from start to finish in two days. Durability: Stamped concrete patios and walkways last around 25 years.

Will Concrete Overlay Crack? In most cases if the sub-base and any damaged concrete is prepared properly then the concrete overlay will not crack. Unfortunately, most concrete has a tendency to crack, usually as a result of improper design or poor construction practices.

The proper care and maintenance of your Concrete Armor overlay will provide years of protection and beauty to your concrete. To maintain your coating, the installation needs to be pressure washed and resealed every one to three years depending on exposure to sun, weather and amount of use.

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.

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. Adding an integral pigment such as our Terra-Tint or Color-Packs is a great way to get a uniform color throughout the concrete, providing versatility and dependability.

Countertop Mix is available in standard gray (-80) and as a light colored tint-base (-81) for use with QUIKRETE® Liquid Colors.

To give the shiny look of granite, sprinkle the included minerals onto a sponge. Then gently pat the sponge onto the primed surface to make random mineral marks. Keep the application random and natural-looking just like a granite stone.