|
|
|
|
Sealing the Countertop
Q1: |
How is concrete sealed?
|
|
Refer to "Sealing the Concrete" on pages 143-147 of Concrete Countertops. Note,
however, that while the book states that we use penetrating sealers (and at the
time of its printing we were), we now use a "hybrid" topical sealer that also
has penetrating qualities. Our CHENG Sealer is the sealer we actually use in
our shop and is the best all around sealer for use with the
concrete countertops we produce and for the products we sell for others to
create concrete countertops.
CHENG Sealer is a professional-grade sealer created from the latest
water-based acrylic micro-emulsion technology which creates non-yellowing
barrier coat to seal, protect and beautify concrete (thus, it is "topical"
but is not a wet-look sealer). Particularly on porous substrates (like
ground concrete), the sealer will deeply penetrate and provide years of
protective service for your countertop. Our CHENG Sealer is intended to be used in
conjunction with our CHENG Concrete Countertop Wax for additional protection.
Always follow the directions of the actual product you are using.
|
|
|
Q2: |
When do I apply CHENG Sealer to the concrete countertop?
|
|
Once the countertops have been unformed you should allow them to sit 48 hours before polishing.
After polishing is complete you can go right ahead and start sealing using the CHENG Sealer.
Simply rinse the surface and start the sealing process while the Countertop is still wet.
For more detailed instructions, follow the directions on the CHENG Sealer bottle,
not those written in the book, which refer to a
sealer we no longer use.
|
|
|
Q3: |
How do I apply the CHENG Sealer? How long do I wait between coats?
|
|
Here are the instructions for using our new CHENG Sealer:
- In order to achieve a smooth, streak free-finish, take a sponge or clean cloth, saturate the entire concrete surface with clean water, and allow the water to penetrate for 2-3 minutes
- In a small container, mix equal parts of clean water and sealer. This will create a 50% dilution, which we refer to as "wash".
- Using the damp sponge or rag, saturate the countertop with the "wash", ensuring that the entire surface is covered and stays wet for 5 minutes. It is important at this stage to not allow any area of the surface
to dry out.
- Over the next 5-10 minutes, continue saturating the concrete with the wash, as you gradually add more and more sealer to the wash, which increases the ratio of sealer to water.
- For the final wash, wring out the rag, and pour full-strength, undiluted sealer directly onto the rag. Apply it to the concrete surface and let stand for a minute or two.
-
Wipe up the countertop surface using the same damp rag, and
be careful to avoid heavy streaks or puddling in the process. Don't allow excess sealer to pool or puddle while drying.
- Apply a second coat (starting from Step 2 mentioned above) 30 minutes after you have completed the first "wash." For best results wait 48 hours before waxing with the newly
reformulated CHENG Concrete Countertop Wax.
|
|
|
Q4: |
How do I remove sealer from my countertop?
|
|
If the sealer is grossly misapplied, applied considerably too thick, or needs to be removed in
order to refinish the countertop, you may use a Sealer and Adhesive Remover (such as Jasco brand)
to remove all remnants of the sealer from the countertop. In cases of slight excess build-up
or swirl marks, you may want to try burnishing the sealer (before stripping the sealer
completely) with the CHENG Burnishing Pads (available soon!) to see if this alleviates the problem, then
reapply sealer in light coats as directed. For more information about refinishing a
countertop, refer to Appendix 4, "Maintaining a Concrete Countertop", pages
190-193, in Concrete Countertops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Waxing the Countertop
Q5: |
When and how do I apply CHENG Finishing Wax to my countertop?
|
|
For best results, the CHENG Sealer should have a full 48 hour cure before waxing.
CHENG Wax is best applied with a moistened wax applicator.
|
|
|
Q6: |
How many coats of wax do I apply? How long do I wait between coats?
|
|
For a brand-new countertop, we recommend two coats of wax in total. One coat of wax should be
applied prior to installation, and the other coat after installation, to remove any marks and
scuffs resulting from installation. Thereafter, one coat applied once a month is recommended
for continued maintenance.
|
|
|
Q7: |
Why do you use a carnuba wax as opposed to beeswax?
|
|
Our experience with beeswax is that is less workable and does not create the durable finish of Carnauba. It is very difficult to apply an even consistent coat of beeswax, in contrast to our carnuba-based CHENG Wax, which is much easier to work with and specially formulate for countertops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
