Concrete Feather Finished Countertops
A few months after buying our 1980s fixer upper, we decided to refresh up our kitchen until we were ready to do a more complete renovation. Oliver wasn’t totally on board with the urgency of this project, but Charlotte decided to work on it while he was on vacation in Switzerland for a week. He was totally surprised with a “new” kitchen when he got back!
We decided to call this project our “Budget Kitchen Refresh,” and one of the biggest tasks we completed was updating our 1980s laminate countertops with concrete feather finish.
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What is concrete feather finishing a countertop?
Concrete feather finishing is a technique used to achieve a smooth and polished surface on a countertop. The process involves applying a thin layer of cement-based material, known as a feather finish, onto the surface of the countertop. This material is then sanded and polished to create a smooth and glossy finish.
We used this method to update our 1980s laminate countertops, and really love how it turned out.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Feather Finishing over other countertop materials
Pros of Concrete Feather Finishing Laminate Countertops:
It’s affordable and durable
It has a natural, modern look
Can be customized to fit just about any color scheme
It’s heat and scratch-resistant, making it a good option for busy kitchens.
Cons of Concrete Feather Finishing Laminate Countertops:
It requires a higher level of skill and time to apply correctly in comparison to other countertop refinishing options (that doesn’t mean it isn’t DIY friendly!)
The project is pretty messy—there was dust all over the place, even with a plastic barrier taped around our kitchen
The sealant needs a little bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition (we’ll talk about this more below)
Materials for Concrete Feather Finishing A Countertop
To apply a concrete feather finish to laminate countertops, you’ll need:
Ardex Feather Finish Cement (we used two bags for our project)
Sandpaper
Orbital sander
Putty knives
A container for mixing the concrete
Cheng Food-Safe Concrete Countertop Seaaler
Cheng Concrete Countertop Wax
Painters tape
How to concrete feather finish a countertop
Now that you have all of your materials together, let’s walk through the process on how to update your countertops with a concrete feather finish.
Step 1: Prepare the countertop
Preparation is the most important step of any DIY!
First, I started by scrubbing my countertops with a 50/50 water and white vinegar solution. This is to remove any residual dirt, grease, or grime that might be lingering on the countertop.
Next, I used an orbital sander to scuff up the surface of the laminate. This will give the cement something to grip to and help prevent cracking down the road.
Once the laminate surface was sanded, I used a wet rag to wipe away any remaining dust or dirt prior to applying the first layer of cement.
Step 2: Apply Concrete Feather Finish
Mix the concrete feather finish according to the instructions on the package. This stuff sets up really fast—so only mix together a little bit at a time. I personally found that the best consistency to work with is similar to a thick milkshake.
Next, apply a thin layer of the cement onto your countertop. Applying a layer that’s too thick can result in uneven drying, which can lead to a crack in your surface.
Once the first layer is applied, allow at least three hours for it to dry. Then use find grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the concrete feather finish.
Sanding can get really dusty, so be sure to section off your kitchen using plastic sheets beforehand.
I applied three layers of cement feather finish and sanded between each layer for our countertops.
Step 3: Seal the Concrete Feather Finish
Concrete on it’s own isn’t food safe, which is why you need to use a food-safe concrete sealer and wax to finish off this project.
To do this, I used the Cheng Food-Safe Concrete Countertop Sealer and Cheng Concrete Countertop Wax for the project. And, yes, you do need both products!
The reason for this is because the countertop sealer is meant to prevent moisture from absorbing into the concrete, and the wax is made to protect the sealer from damage. Using both products helps achieve a durable countertop surface.
How to Seal Concrete Feather Finish with Cheng Food-Safe Concrete Countertop Sealer
Dilute the sealer with water: The sealer can be hard to work with at full strength, so I followed the manufacturer’s recommendation of mixing 30% sealer with 70% water.
Clean the surface: Use a 100% cotton cloth and clean water to wipe down the countertop thoroughly.
Apply the sealer: Soak a 100% cotton rag in the diluted sealer and wipe down the countertop. I worked in small sections from the middle of the countertop and out to the edges. Apply the sealer in thin coats, making sure to cover the whole surface and work quickly to avoid streaks.
Repeat: The manufacturer’s instructions state that you’ll need to apply the sealer anywhere from 3 to 6+ times until the concrete doesn’t darken anymore when water is dripped on the surface. I read numerous reviews that stated you will likely need to apply more than 6 coats on new concrete—I applied 8 coats of sealer before it passed the water droplet test.
Check the sealer: After the sealer has dried overnight, do another water-drop test. Pour water on the countertop and let it sit for 10 minutes. Wipe it off, and if the surface has darkened, it isn’t fully sealed. Repeat Steps 2-4 until it passes the water-drop test and the surface doesn’t darken.
Apply the Cheng Countertop Wax: Once your sealer has passed the water-drop test and dried completely, apply Cheng Concrete Countertop Wax using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. Work in small sections, and rub the wax into the surface of the countertop using circular motions. Allow the wax to dry for at least 30 minutes.
Buff the countertop: Once the wax is dry, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the countertop, removing any excess wax to leave a beautiful, protective finish.
That's it! Just be careful to work quickly and methodically, and do it in a shady, cool place to avoid streaks.
Tips for Maintaining Concrete Feather Finish Countertops
Congrats on your newly sealed and waxed concrete countertops! These countertops are absolutely stunning, and with just a little bit of care, you can keep them looking their best.
Here are Four tips that will help you maintain the surface of your newly sealed and waxed concrete countertops:
Clean spills immediately: Spills happen, but no need to worry! Concrete is porous and can stain easily if it's not sealed properly. So, to avoid any stains, clean up spills as soon as possible. We’ve had a few stains that weren’t cleaned up right away and left a mark, but ended up fading away after a week or two.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners: I also try to steer clear of using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the sealant. Opt for a mild soap and water solution instead.
Use cutting boards and trivets: These countertops are pretty durable, but they can still be scratched or chipped. To prevent any damage, use cutting boards when preparing food and trivets when placing hot pots and pans on the countertop. I would also avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface, as this could cause scratches.
Reapply wax regularly: Wax helps protect the sealant and gives the countertop a beautiful, glossy finish. However, over time, the wax will wear off and need to be reapplied. How often you need to reapply wax depends on how much use your countertops get. As a general rule, plan to reapply wax every six-twelve months. Just make sure to clean the countertop thoroughly before applying new wax.
By following these four tips, you can keep your newly sealed and waxed concrete countertops looking their best for years to come. Enjoy your beautiful new countertops!