I am exploring ways to resurface my laminate countertop to give it the look of solid surface concrete (on s small budget). I saw that Flex-C-Ment has a product for this task, but the company requires you to take their training classes b4 they will sell you the product.

What I am looking for is:
1) has anyone done this sort of overlay project before and would recommend it as a DIY?
2) If so, can they share the overlay recipe and step by step instructions?
3) Or can anyone recommend a practicle way of giving laminate contertops the look of concrete or other solid surface?

Thank you for your help

Cement tops must be done correctly. They require experiance in cement work and if not done correctly will crack. The final finish must be properly sealed as well as the cement will wick any moisture from the surface and stain easily.
If you like the look of granite check out www.granitetransformations.com They have a very good product which can be placed over the existing laminate top. Also have you considered using granite or marble tile? can be quite nice and not to hard to do.

Please check out this website. They do awesome concrete countertop and other work. www.reachingquiet.com. Let me know what you think. Thanks, kim

Hi,
I am also interested in this product. I just went to the website and they make an exception for counter tops. All you have to do is purchase the video for $29.95. Then you can purchase their product. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a portland cement product that can be aplied to the laminate top with a binder. Multiple layers and then sealed. I just took a weekend class for countertops: www.skimstone.com

There is a DIY show called Rock Solid. They built a kitchen concrete countertop a few months ago and then did a smaller bathroom countertop last week. Depending on how big your countertop is it looked realitively easy. The episode will be rebroasdcast 2/2/07 at 5:30PM Eastern. Here is the link: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_droc/episode/0,2499..._21539_37348,00.html

Have you looked at Granicrete concrete countertop overlay? They are really beautiful and you can get the look of granite, marble, natural stone and concrete. You have to take a seminar to be able to purchase the product, but it is well worth the investment! They have distributors all over the country that provide the training. Check out their web site: www.granicrete.com.

Also look into Modern Masters Skimstone. Great for floors, countertops, etc.. A lot of paint stores carry Modern Masters products and will show you how to use it. But overall, it is easy and a great 'veneer' product.
-Dan

Has anyone had any luck finding a DIY version of the Concrete overlay? I checked the few sites above, but can't seem to find the video to purchase to then do it yourself? And yes - all the others require a training course? I'm not looking to do it professionally - but I'm looking at a countertop in my basement, so want to play around with the DIY method and apply it myself?

Any help would be appreciated?

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by tcmercil:
Has anyone had any luck finding a DIY version of the Concrete overlay? ... so want to play around with the DIY method and apply it myself?

We just finished covering our laminate in our new kitchen with Skimstone from Modern Masters. You can find some details and photos in my blog. theamelia.com

When we saw Design On a Dime do this, I was really interested as stone is expensive. So, we looked around the web for info and found little or nothing about it. So, we set out on the project and decided to try to document things and pass on some tips to other DIYers.

Hope the info helps.

Here is a terrific website that will help answer most of your question about concrete countertops. It has videos on why to choose concrete countertops, how to personalize your kitchen with concrete countertops, and do it yourself concrete countertops.

What I am looking for is:
1) a concrete recipe for the overlay
2) step by step instructions.

Has anyone ever completed this type of project? I know there are
products like Flex-C-Ment that can be used as an overlay on formica,
but you have to become certified to buy it or go through a certified
contractor. I saw another site offering a class out of state, but was
not willing to provide info unless i attend.

I had a similar problem once and i hired professional named Ciciliotandson for this matter.
Still i have some tips for you for doing this. There is a good way and a bad way of doing a solid surface edge on a laminate top. The best way is to use a router and put a groove in the particleboard about half way down the edge. Then make your 1/2" solid surface edge to receive that groove. Lay up a scrap piece of laminate on a large scrap piece of particleboard. With your router still set up, make the groove in the scrap piece. Then temporarily push the piece of solid surface onto your scrap fake countertop. Now sand the edge flush to the fake countertop. Put your profile on it, and you have an edge that will line up exactly with your real countertop. It's important you use precision straight edges to cut out the deck of the countertop so that your solid surface fits tightly. Tape off the laminate and solid surface with clear tape, and glue the edges on with a good seam adhesive like Gruber. If you follow these guidelines you should come out with a very professionally done solid surface edge on a laminate top.