How to choose a Concrete Countertop Mix – SureCrete Mixing and Pouring
USES
Typical areas include residential, commercial, or industrial countertops. Xtreme
Countertop’s versatility allows for the fabrication of precast, cast-in-place, or the
unique “capping” of existing cabinetry. It may also be used to fashion extreme curving
furniture or produce any manner of durable architectural panels.
CHEMICAL MAKEUP
Xtreme Countertop combines the most advanced chemical technology with modern
fiber advancements, to create an unparalleled countertop mix design. This technology
binds the raw materials of cement and sand with other ingredients into a
stronger, denser cementitious composite than ever before possible.
MIXING
Add 1—color pack (if desired) to 1—gal. Xtreme Countertop Modifier and mix
thoroughly. Introduce 1—bag Xtreme Countertop while mechanically mixing thoroughly
for approximately 5 mins. after all ingredients are combined. Mix should approximate
the consistency of oatmeal.
Larger projects may require multiple mixes. While a mortar mixer or tumble concrete
mixer may be used, a horizontal shaft with helical paddle.
APPLICATION
Pour mixed material into form. While vibration is not absolutely required, it will help
material to fill the form level, enhance readability, and reduce pin holes that may
have been created by air.
Decorative aggregate loading throughout the mix can be achieved through an adjustment
in Xtreme Countertop mix design (available upon request).
Alternatively, aggregate or other decorative elements may be added or seeded into
the base of the form prior to placing the mix.
After approximately 4 hours the countertop may be pulled from the form. If desired,
after approximately 8 hours, the countertop may be polished with diamond pads.
Any pinholes may be filled with a slurry mix created through wet polishing or a slurry
of SureCrete’s Micro-Topping combined with SureCrete’s Color Pack.
Secondary coloring with SureCrete’s SureStain may be applied if desired.
Final sealing selection is dependent upon the finish desired. SureCrete’s Polyurea
was created for Xtreme Countertop, providing excellent stain resistance and protection.
Multiple coats will enhance the sheen of the countertop (if desired). As Polyurea
is pH sensitive, LD1800 densifier is required prior to the application of Polyurea
or sufficient cure time must elapse to lower the pH.
Other choices include simple Butcher’s Wax or the superlative protection and gloss
of SureCrete’s Dura-Kote Polyurethane (which is not pH sensitive).
Hot to properly mix Xtreme Concrete Countertop Mix
Mixing your concrete countertop mix:
- Mix or shake Xtreme Countertop Modifier as to make sure all active ingredients are properly suspended. NO white sediment should be seen at the bottom of the bottle.
- Add 1—color pack (if desired) to 1—gal. Xtreme Countertop Modifier and mix thoroughly.
- Water is not necessary, but if you would like to manage the consistency you can add up to 16 oz of water per kit of Xtreme Countertop
- Introduce 1—Xtreme Countertop Bag Mix. Using a helical paddle mix thoroughly for 2-3 minutes or until an oatmeal consistency.
NOTE: Larger projects may require multiple mixes. While a mortar mixer or tumble concrete
mixer may be used, a horizontal shaft with helical paddle.
Pouring your concrete countertop mix:
- Pour mixed material into form. (While vibration is not absolutely required, it will help material to fill the form level, enhance readability, and reduce pin holes that may have been created by air.)
- Decorative aggregate loading throughout the mix can be achieved through an adjustment in Xtreme Countertop mix design (utilize Xtreme Series Terrazzo Countertop Mix).
- Alternatively, aggregate or other decorative elements may be added or seeded into the base of the form prior to placing the mix.
Note:
- For the first 20-40 minutes the Xtreme Countertop mix is a self consolidating concrete countertop material. And form of vibration will turn the thick oatmeal like material into a loose milk shake.
- If your desire is to take the mix vertical, trowel it smooth or stamp a texture into itself. You must wait for the self consolidating engine to slow so that it will accept the shape or form you want it to take.
- After approximately 4 hours the countertop may be pulled from the form. If you are using Xtreme Veining as a coloring technique, it would be wise to demold after 10-12 hours as the Xtreme Veining material does not cure as fast.
- If desired, after approximately 8 hours, the concrete countertop may be polished with diamond pads.
Uses for Concrete Countertops
Typical areas for concrete countertop mixes include residential, commercial, or industrial countertops. Xtreme Countertop’s versatility allows for the fabrication of precast, cast-in-place, or the unique “capping” of existing cabinetry. It may also be used to fashion extreme curving furniture or produce any manner of durable architectural panels.