How to Apply a Faux-Concrete Countertop Finish
Concrete countertops are popular—they're durable, versatile and easy to clean, and they give off a chic industrial vibe. But oftentimes they have to be custom built for the home—meaning costs can climb quickly. Luckily, there's an easy DIY solution—a faux-concrete finish. A basic MDF countertop receives a facelift with the help of a gray feather finish, sandpaper, and sealer, and we'll show you how to do it.
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What You Need
Plastic drop cloth
MDF countertop
Primer
Safety glasses and face mask
5-gallon bucket
Ardex Feather Finish in gray, 10 pounds
Electric drill and mixing attachment
Putty knife
Plastic scraper
Electric sander or sanding block, 60- and 220-grit sandpaper
Damp cloth or wet/dry vac
Sealer (we used Buddy Rhodes Satin Concrete Sealer)
Before You Begin: Prep and Prime
Assemble your materials. Protect the work surface and surrounding areas with plastic drop cloths. Prime the MDF countertop and let it dry.
Step 1: Mix the Finish
Wearing safety glasses and a face mask, mix Feather Finish with water to a desired consistency, following the package instructions. We mixed ours in a 5-gallon bucket using an electric drill and mixing attachment until it reached the consistency of toothpaste.
Step 2: Coat the Counter
Using a putty knife, spread a thin layer of mixture over the primed MDF. Coat the top and all sides, spreading smoothly. Use a plastic scraper to knock off the texture and further smooth the surface. Let it dry 20 minutes, then smooth the edges with a damp finger. Let it continue to dry.
Step 3: Sand the Surface
Sand the surface using 60-grit sandpaper. Wipe with a damp cloth or clean with a wet/dry vac.
Step 4: Repeat
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 four times. On the 4th sanding, use 220-grit sandpaper.
Step 5: Seal It Up
Apply 5 coats of satin concrete sealer using a clean cloth and following manufacturer's instructions. Let it dry.
