Quck answer
Concrete countertops are a popular choice for their durability and modern aesthetic. However, over time, they may develop cracks, chips, or stains. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to repair concrete countertops. Firstly, clean the damaged area and remove any loose debris. Next, fill in small cracks and chips with a concrete repair mix and smooth the surface. For larger cracks or deep chips, use epoxy resin to fill and level the surface. Finally, sand and polish the repaired area to blend it with the rest of the countertop. With proper care and maintenance, your concrete countertop can look as good as new.
Concrete countertops are strong and durable, but they have similar limitations to concrete driveways and patios. Since concrete is porous, it needs a protective sealer to prevent damage. However, when the seal wears off, the concrete absorbs water and then dries out, resulting in cracks.
Indoors, concrete countertops tend to experience this process around sinks and dishwashers where water is frequently present. Moreover, concrete kitchen countertops may crack if exposed to prolonged heat. For example, using a crockpot regularly can cause cracks where it is usually placed. Additionally, like other countertop surfaces, concrete can chip at the edges if a dish is dropped or excessive pressure is applied.
The good news is that most homeowners can repair concrete countertops themselves. However, if you find yourself repeatedly fixing the same spot, it is advisable to seek professional help. This could indicate a structural issue that requires expert attention.
Repairing Concrete Countertops with Epoxy
Epoxy is the simplest and most readily available solution for fixing concrete countertops. You can easily find a repair kit designed specifically for stone countertops at your local hardware store. Look for a kit that includes both high- and low-viscosity epoxies. The low-viscosity epoxy is used to repair the top of the counter, while the stickier high-viscosity epoxy is used for fixing dings and chips on the countertop’s edges.
Fixing small cracks in concrete countertops can be a successful DIY project.
While you are at the store, consider purchasing powdered concrete dye in the appropriate color for your countertop.
- To clean your countertop, use soap and water. If there are oil stains, you can make a poultice by mixing baking soda, powdered sugar or flour, and acetone to a peanut-butter-like consistency. Apply the poultice, cover it with plastic wrap for 24 hours, then uncover and let it dry completely before removing it.
- If you want to add dyes or pigments to the epoxy, do it before adding the hardener. This way, you have enough time to get the color right and mix it well without rushing before the epoxy begins to harden.
- Add the hardener to the epoxy and mix it thoroughly. Use a disposable bowl and a plastic spoon for easy cleanup.
- Use a putty knife or the edge of a credit card to smooth the epoxy into the chip or crack. Try to make the epoxy as level as possible, overfilling the chip or crack rather than underfilling it. If you have a piece of the chip that came off the edge of your counter, you can use the epoxy to glue it back. If not, shape the epoxy to match the rest of the counter’s edge as much as you can.
- Wait for the epoxy to set and then sand away any excess using 400-grit sandpaper.
- Reseal your countertop to protect the repaired area.
How to Repair Concrete Countertops With Cement Grout
If you prefer to use cement grout for repairing damaged countertops, you can do so. Countertop fabricators use cement grout to fix voids and pockmarks caused by bubbles in the concrete mix. Grout is also a good option for outdoor countertops since some epoxies may turn yellow in direct sunlight. However, if you’re fixing a small crack, you’ll need to put in more effort to squeeze the grout into the crack compared to using epoxy.
To perform this repair, you’ll still need to buy concrete dye powder from the hardware store. Instead of an epoxy repair kit, you’ll need to purchase one of two concrete grout products. For repairing the top of your counter, get some vinyl concrete patch. If you’re fixing chips along the edge, also buy a small bottle of acrylic fortifier. The fortifier gives the grout a putty-like consistency, making it easier to shape and match the contours of your counter.
- Clean the countertop as you normally would when using epoxy for your repair.
- Add the concrete dye to a scoop of the concrete grout patch material and add water according to the instructions on the package. Allow the grout to set and compare the color of the sample to that of your countertop. Keep experimenting, adjusting the color or quantity of the dye as necessary.
- Once you have achieved the desired color, prepare a batch of grout by adding the appropriate amount of dye and water as directed on the grout package. If you are using the acrylic fortifier, add it to the mixture according to the package instructions.
- Spread the grout mixture onto your counter using a putty knife, credit card edge, or a similar tool. For cracks, apply pressure to the counter while applying the grout to ensure it fills the crack completely. If using acrylic-fortified grout, use your fingers or another shaping tool to match the edge of the counter. The smoother the grout is now, the less sanding you will need to do later.
- Allow the cement grout to dry and harden. According to Quikrete, concrete grout patches require at least 24 hours to cure. It may take longer in humid weather.
- Remove any excess cement grout by sanding it off with diamond pads.
- Apply a sealant to your countertop.
Tip
If you cannot find the exact formula or dye color used on your concrete countertop, try sanding the bottom of the countertop and collecting the sanding dust. Mix the dust with bonder to create a spreadable paste. Repairing the countertop with this paste will give you a nearly perfect color match.
A Word on Color Matching
Whether you are using epoxy or cement grout to repair your concrete countertops, achieving the right color is crucial for a seamless repair. This is often the most challenging and time-consuming part of the process. If you are unsure about the exact coloring products used on your counter, you will need to experiment and make educated guesses.
Color matching is essential for a professional and polished look.
Image Credit:
Nicole Mason
Start by taking a photo of your countertop and bring it with you to the hardware store. There, you will find a variety of concrete pigments, stains, and dyes in different colors. Select and purchase the one that you believe will match your counter or backsplash. Mix a batch of epoxy or cement grout with the chosen color and allow it to set.
Once it has set, apply your selected concrete sealer to the sample and compare the color to your existing countertop. If it matches, mix another batch of epoxy or cement and proceed with repairing your counter. If it does not match, return to the hardware store and try again. Trial and error may not be the most efficient approach, but even professional concrete fabricators resort to experimenting when repairing or touching up concrete surfaces.
