Creating a Luxurious Matte Finish with Stone Coat Countertop Epoxy

[@alison1jane]

I'm a bit confused... is this matte process done AFTER the flood coat and then nothing applied to seal it after all the sanding steps?

[@smashlieh]

I love your videos. I try to get the same information from Mike from stone coat countertops but his videos are so confusing and he is all over the place! You are so concise! From now on I’m coming to your channel first! Thank you!!

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!! I really do appreciate the kind words! I’m glad you like my content. 😊😊

[@mrspenny42]

Does the matte finish hold up as well as the gloss finish to spills and water?

[@davidhill1220]

Sooo helpful Thanks so much Patricia

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!! Thanks for watching.

[@angelamorales2944]

This was so helpful! I have some old wooded TV trays I am using as practice boards and I wanted a matte finish! Thanks, Ronda!

[@RK3Designs]

You are so welcome!

[@iankreeger3716]

Once again a perfect explanation of the process. Thanks Rhonda.

[@RK3Designs]

Ian Kreeger well thank you!!! I appreciate that so much! 😊

[@michaeloliver6745]

Great video Rhonda! I really like seeing someone doing the in-depth sanding and honing and especially the polishing! I think you do great work. I’m gonna start trying to do some little projects here and there. Right now my space is really limited. Thanks again!

[@RK3Designs]

Michael Oliver thank you so much for watching! Start small, I did. There is still so many fun things you can do for sure!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@KristiSage]

Hi Rhonda, I really, really like the honed finish and would like this look for our kitchen counters. My concern would be the durability which I know we’d get using the UTC. How does the honed finish hold up in a kitchen? Thx 💖

[@JZONE14U]

Was that done on UTC or straight on epoxy?

[@lycancustomdesigns7885]

Perfect timing! I have 2 tables to hone when I get back tomorrow. Great video!

[@RK3Designs]

Lycan Custom Designs great!!!! Thanks so much for watching. Hoped I was able to help a little 😊

[@lycancustomdesigns7885]

@@RK3Designs you did. Didn't know you could use a 4000 grit to touch up a gloss surface without removing the sheen. I'll have to order some liquid smooth from SCC. Thanks for this video!

[@RK3Designs]

Lycan Custom Designs just be sure it’s a used one so your not putting any grit on your surface 😊

[@lycancustomdesigns7885]

@@RK3Designs you got it. Thanks

[@kajogole]

Hi. Love that finish I want to try to copy one of your designs I love the white marble you build around a pole Now my question is.. Do you lose some of the depth when you sand it to matte finish, and do you lose the effect of the diamond dust in the top finish ? I am following you from Spain BTW

[@RK3Designs]

If you apply a clear flood coat, you wasn’t loose to much of the depth. It will depend on how high you bring back your sheen. If you sand back up to about a 5000 grit, you should still be able to see the Diamond Dust.

[@kajogole]

@@RK3Designs Thank you so much for your reply.. Maybe I should invite you to come to Spain for some training 😉 We have good sangria here 😊 I've noticed that most of the epoxy we can get here is at a ratio 1 : 2.. Will that make any difference to the final result?

[@carmelinalouis3587]

Elegant and Chic finish...so many amazing possibilities 💗

[@RK3Designs]

Carmelina Louis thank you!!! Yes, it’s amazing what you can create😊

[@carmelinalouis3587]

@@RK3Designs I envision using on painted furniture pieces that I want a stone top (soft Europen feeling).

[@RK3Designs]

Carmelina Louis yes!!! I did a dresser with a Marble too and it turned out so pretty! 😊

[@kimbeckett8702]

Rhonda- Thanks so much for the great video. When I honed my first project, I noticed small white flecks that showed up after the first 220 sanding. I gather they were a result of remaining dimples that filled up with the sanding dust. I tried to use alcohol and pick them out, tried re-sanding but no success. I approached lots of folks for ideas at the time. It was for my laundry room so I chose not to add another epoxy coat , which might have helped but couldn't be certain. The white spots could easily have still been visible. After watching your process, I wondered what you would have suggested for that problem. Thanks for your opinion and great support!

[@stashagarcia101]

Where do you find the higher numbers of sandpaper? My local store only goes to 220

[@RK3Designs]

I have the sanding kits on my website www.rk3designs.com/shop

[@marsharn53]

Excellent information! Thanks for sharing!

[@RK3Designs]

Marsha’s Mixed Media/RN Goes Rogue thank you so much!!!! 😊

[@RK3Designs]

You bet and thanks so much for watching!

[@carlatigner7536]

I have learned so much from you! You are amazing! How long do I let my clear coat set before I start the sanding process for a matte finish?

[@RK3Designs]

Thank you!!! I’m glad I’m helping you! I ideally like to wait at least 20!days, but I’ve done it successfully as early as 10. 😊

[@mcoutu6849]

Rhonda, I have Diamond grit sanding pads that range from 100 to 6000. Can these be used on epoxy?

[@RK3Designs]

You bet!! Same process.

[@luvmybugg]

can you link or list the products used in the video. I am wondering what head you got for your sander to make it a polisher. This was a question i had the other day. As a diyer and frugalnista i like to have items that serve more than 1 job. So using my sander as a polisher would be awwwwwwsum

[@RK3Designs]

Tiffany Halsey hey there. I actually use two different items. For the sanding I use just a cheap rotary sander from your local big box store. I use sanding pads starting at 220 grit all the way to 600, then I switch to the Mirka Abralon pads grit 500-4000 Mirka Abralon 8A-241 Assorted Silicon Carbide Sanding/Polishing Pads, 10-Pack www.amazon.com/dp/B014Q3PKSI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BMBpDbK64MT42. This will give you a beautiful matte finish. If you want to continue the process and go for a more polished finish, I then use a 6 inch Harbor Freight brand dual action buffer but replaced the head with this Astro Pneumatic Tool 4606 6-Inch PU Velcro Backing Pad www.amazon.com/dp/B003CH577Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GTBpDbD66HX83. Hope this all made sense. Let me know if you have any questions. 😊

[@luvmybugg]

@@RK3Designs Awesome Thank you very much. Yes i have been on SCCI for months absorbing knowledge, Just found your vids and I must say WOWZA lady. Very very nice work both on the actual pieces and the vids themself. Thanks for the response. I have been buying up the tools and products for months, last on the list is the polisher, which I might skip since I want matt. And the router. i was hoping to get away without routing the edges, but I do not want to mess it up after all the time and money invested.

[@RK3Designs]

@@luvmybugg hey there. if you don't want to router, use your sander and just round over the edges so that there are no 90 degree angles. You'll be just fine. Let me know if you ever need any help!!

[@marialivrone919]

Hi Rhonda! I finally tried this matte finish technique today. Yes there is a slight learning curve but not too bad. I know already I need to take it the step further for a more polished look. Can you please give me the link or identifying name of the foam polishing pad you use, the black one? I ordered the wool one and hate it lol, so I'm sure I'll prefer the foam but upon searching, cannot find it on Amazon. Thanks!

[@RK3Designs]

SPTA 5Pcs 7" Face for 6.7'' Backing Plate 7"/180mm Compound Buffing Sponge Pads Polishing Pads Kit Buffing Pad For Car Buffer Polisher Sanding,Polishing, Waxing www.amazon.com/dp/B01ENMQ8DS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2BugEbXWPTABK You can also get them at Harbor Freight. You just want the softest polishing pad in the set.

[@CarnivoresinChrist]

Can you do this matter finish with a rock face edge?

[@RK3Designs]

I use 000 synthetic steel wool to do the matte on a rock edge. However, Stonecoat countertop just came out with a FABULOUS new topcoat that is almost scratch proof and gives a fantastic matte finish. Just roll it on and you can use your project the next day. No 30 day cure time!! It's called Ultimate Top Coat! Check out their website www.stonecoatcountertops.com I will actually be a distributor in a few weeks and you'll be able to order from my website www.rk3designs.com

[@CarnivoresinChrist]

@@RK3Designs Rhonda, you're awesome! Thank you for all these videos and for the great advice.

[@CarnivoresinChrist]

@@RK3Designs I looked up the ultimate top coat and was wondering how long do you have to wait before applying the top coat to the regular epoxy not the plantnium... And is it usable in 24-48 hours with the regular epoxy like it is with the plantnium?

[@RK3Designs]

Carrie Hernandez I wait at least 24 hours after I apply to regular epoxy. You can use them within 2 days.

[@swrussell42]

I have learned so much from your tutorials. I want the matte finish. Does it stain easily? How to you maintain the finish?

[@RK3Designs]

The matte finish is such a cool finish. I’ve never had an issue with anything staining it but Orange Crush Soda. It left a very light tint. You really don’t have to maintain the finish. You can just rebuff every few years if you have evidence of very heavy use. VERY easy to make it look brand new.

[@swrussell42]

Great thank you. I’ve watched your tutorials along with the Mike @ Stone Coat. I appreciate the time and effort you both out into the tutorials. I wasn’t totally sold until I saw his video about matte finishes and now I am.

[@kayweinland5638]

Also, where can I get the polishing pads that you mentioned are used for bowling balls?

[@RK3Designs]

Mirka Abralon 8A-241 Assorted Silicon Carbide Sanding/Polishing Pads, 10-Pack. I get them on Amazon

[@kayweinland5638]

RK3 Designs thank you SO much!

[@dianespence5878]

Is there a reason why you start with a low grit and sand repeatedly up to a higher grit? Can it not be done starting at 1,000 grit and go up from there? I'm just curious and I don't understand the logic behind it. Thanks!

[@RK3Designs]

Yes it can, I like to start with the 220 to insure I've gotten any surface imperfections or highs/lows out. If you don't have any dust bunnies, etc. You could absolutely start with a higher grit. I feel starting with the 220 gives me the best, smoothest flawless finish.

[@stashagarcia101]

Would any of the stone coat countertop clear-coat formulas give you the same finish?

[@RK3Designs]

The product I used in this video is Stonecoat. The SCC epoxy when poured is high gloss if you don't sand it to a matter finish like in the video. However this video was recorded prior to them releasing their new Ultimate Top Coat. This product is amazing and gives a beautiful matte finish without all the sanding. It's a roll on product and dries overnight. Extremely scratch and heat resistant. I have several tutorials on my channel where I talk about it. You can purchase from my website at www.rk3designs.com/shop#colors-and-additives

[@AnnieWelensky1]

@@RK3Designs does their ultimate top coat make it as matte as in your video? Thanks!

[@nancywasserman2249]

So helpful!

[@RK3Designs]

Nancy Wasserman thank you!!! Thanks for watching! 😊

[@michellesobey1943]

What was the polish called?

[@jjh3365]

What a difference it makes! Thanks for the video Rhonda. 👍

[@jjh3365]

Also do you have the information on the tools you used available? I didn’t see them in the description box. Thanks.

[@Crazycajun985]

Can you do Matte finish on shower panels?

[@RK3Designs]

Absolutely. You’re going to pour and treat your shower panels just like regular countertops. A matte finish doesn’t hurt the durability in a shower 😊😊

[@tfranklinpro]

Good video guys.

[@parthmadhubhai689]

How does this feel compared to actual stone?

[@RK3Designs]

It feels absolutely amazing. Smooth as glass like real stone. People can’t believe it’s not real stone.

[@buboymadrilejos5065]

Where do you buy the other sanding pads( bowling pads?)

[@esalenchik]

Buboy Madrilejos Looks like they’re Mira Abralon pads. They are available from Amazon

[@kristenwalton88]

This is really helpful. Thank you for sharing! Do you happen to know what colors you used to make that sample?

[@RK3Designs]

Hey Kristen, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! I did a tutorial earlier where I used the same colors as the ones is this video. Check it out and let me know what you think. If you have any other questions, let me know! Thanks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/noSaqY2AnKyjqNU

[@kristenwalton88]

@@RK3Designs Thank you!

[@kayweinland5638]

Oh my gosh! This video solves so many of my issues with my final finishes on my art work! Gratitude...tons of gratitude! Where do I purchase Liquid Smooth?

[@RK3Designs]

Kay Weinland thank you so much I’m so glad that it helped you! You can order the Liquid smooth from www.stonecoatcountertops.com 😊😊

[@debbiehacker827]

Can you tell me the colors you used in this particular piece?

[@marialivrone919]

You are amazing....always sharing great tips! I got to the point with my epoxy art that I thought I was being toooo picky with the look of my final coat, no matter what I tried, I always have some tiny imperfection, so I'd put yet another coat on, which still did not please me. Now that I know about the Liquid Smooth, I may be able to make some profit hahaha.

[@RK3Designs]

Maria Livrone yeah!! A little fun tip for sure. Good luck and have fun 😊

[@АлексейМиронов-ф6и]

Nice job!need make a subtitles.for us,russians)thank you!

[@frankcicero4444]

I have sitting home watching all your videos and the ones I really like muptiple times . Every time you mentioned alcohol I immediately think about the pharmacist who wanted to charge me $15 for a bottle that used to be 2.99 before this evil virus. If he was not practicing safe distance I would have punched him in the face .

[@RK3Designs]

OMG!!! I just laughed out VERY loudly!!! Thank you for watching!! 😊😊😊😊