DIY Concrete Over Laminate Countertops Using Feather Finish

[@turdferguson12]

We built new countertops in a new house this way. Thanks for the great instructional video. We used 3/4 plywood and then covered it with concrete board before applying the finish.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Wonderful!

[@akapatience5571]

Snowballing project? I don’t know anything about that...or getting grumpy during projects! I have to say, this is the most thorough video I’ve seen on this! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

You're welcome. :)

[@leoprdsoul1]

Maria, this is a fabulous video!! I appreciate your meticulous explanation and the lists of materials, and how professionally you produced this video. It's amazing to me how folks are willing to share their time and experiences with others on KZbin for free... so that we may try things out, too!! So generous and thoughtful. And I love the way your counters turned out --- beautiful!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks so much, Debbie!

[@mrsmykids]

Debbie Cole if

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

7:25 This one minute makes this whole video worth it. I wanted the variation in shades of grey. I knew that the thickness ad moisture content were determining factors in that, but how to vary the thickness and still get a nice, flat finish? And here's my answer! Just make coat 2 a little more uneven, then fill it all in with coat three. Thanks!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

So glad you could find what you were looking for.

[@cole2089]

Wow..Thank you so much sharing this!! I have been researching how to replace or cover my laminate for a long time. I do not want to spend a great deal, and do not have a helper, so this was huge for me. I am going to try this and feel much more confident on account of your video!! Thank you!!!

[@mermaiddiyartist8119]

Did you do it? You can also use epoxy or painting techniques

[@hera6341]

your counters are amazing. thank you for walking us through and the tips. such a great help. this will be my next project.

[@The_Crusty_Old_Hag_Next_Door]

Thank you so much this gave me the courage to finally do something about my canary yellow bench tops!! Looks great, I'm selling my house the realestate agent loved the bench tops!! Great video 👍👍👍

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Yay! That is great! Best wishes on selling your home.

[@brandonbaird1]

Lisa A fcc

[@andrewmorris9499]

Just mix portland cement with cement bonder and water half to half. Put a coat of cement bond on your laminate counters first, let dry. Mix portland cement to paste like consistency and trowel on. One coat will do and seal with water based sealer (You may have to spritz with water as you trowel, depending on how smooth you want it) . Took me less than a day, looks great, and after a year is holding up fine with zero cracks or blemishes. it looks like precast concrete.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@naturesgenesis]

Hi, how is it still holding up?

[@ashleym4084]

Looks great! I have never heard anyone say caulk like you do!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I've had that comment a lot. Most people from around here say it that way. Guess it's a small town thing.

[@countrycandlessoaps4997]

I was trying to decide which way to go with my existing countertops, and your video has helped me make up my mind, thank you so much! I greatly appreciate how in depth you went with your explanation and the sharing of what you felt you would do different. I couldn’t decide on concrete over my laminate countertops or epoxy like stone coat countertops, but you’ve helped me decide, thank you!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

So glad it helped! I hope they turn out great!

[@MissaLifeStyle]

Awesome job! I use TSP to remove the grime/grease, then sand, and then degloss before painting which seems to help adhere better. I'm about to tackle my cabinets and countertops! Thanks for the info!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks for the tips on prepping the backsplash, Missa! Good luck on the cabinets and countertops. I think I'm going to start with a bathroom cabinet first to practice before I do the kitchen.

[@evahamilton8195]

You did a much better job than I could.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I'm not professional by any means, Eva. Go for it!

[@sunnymonkey6182]

I sincerely appreciate that you posted this video and now I know I can save a few $$$ by DIY with this product. thank you!

[@chicagomash09]

Good job with the "Macaulay Culkin" hahaha.....countertops look great!!!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks

[@michaeldonohue8015]

Thankyou for sharing this video. There is lots of good advice given. cheers from Michael Australia

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Why did you remove the caulk? Also, why do you have to do multiple layers on the countertops? Why can’t you do just like one layer of cement and then like little patches?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I removed the caulk around the sink to get the sink out and concrete under it. I removed the caulk around the backsplash so the concrete would go all the way up to the wall. With feather finish, you want to build it up in several thin coats for a nice, smooth, strong finish. I did see someone who did it all in one thick layer and sanded from there. It worked. But, it was an accident and she regretted it. You can find links to others who did something similar on my blog, which is linked in the description of this video. Click "show more".

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Designed by Maria thank you! That’s super helpful!

[@charlenetaub1701]

The countertop looks great, thanks for the tips!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

You're welcome.

[@oneswolf]

Thank you for making this video, Maria. I saw at least one negative post. Sure, it's not the best video in the world. But, you know what, if I was doing this makeover at my house (and I was considering it), your video has some really valuable stuff in it. You put in the work to make this video to help others. I thank you.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you! I'd love to hear what you end up doing. :)

[@SheriLynNut]

The counters look great! Thanks for the video, I’m excited to try this!

[@alexandriameserole826]

Hi! Can you tell me after 5 years, how are the countertops holding up? Thank you!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmbUnqd_Ysacm5o

[@Juneboolove88]

I think it looks fantastic- going to do it this summer!!

[@catherinemiles8021]

I think they look awesome thank you for sharing 🥰🤗

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you! You're welcome!

[@chriswadas]

Congratulations! I love it; you did a great job. I appreciate how you had everything you wanted to say prepared. Thank you for sharing.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks so much, Miss Chris! :)

[@ireneosborn]

Thank you for this video! My countertops are almost done- great tutorial :)

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Awesome, Irene! I'm glad I could help. I hope you are happy with how they turned out.

[@elsielaneartgarage]

Thank you! I’m going to try this! Worst case is it won’t work and I’ll have to replace them. I’m going to try a sealer that I carry in my shop. It’s an outdoor satin sealer. Wish me luck! 😆

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Sometimes you have nothing to lose, which can be a good thing! Let me know how the sealer works. Only concern I would have is food safety. But, a lot of people never set food directly on their counters anyway. I have a toddler that doesn't always do that so I was concerned about that. How did it turn out?

[@adoarch]

Great video! genuine instruction no hype. :)

[@Soireemgmtgroup]

Hey Maria! Do you remember the overall cost of this project ? Not sure if you mentioned it (I’m a chronic fast forwarder 😂)

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

At the time I purchased, feather finish was about $17 per box at Home Depot, the Safecoat Acrylaq was about $54 on Amazon, and 511 Impregnator was $33 at Home Depot. We also got masks, sandpaper, caulk, and a bunch of other things you might have on hand. But, we ended up returning several unused boxes of feather finish after the fact too. I hope that helps.

[@TerriShaver1]

Maria, what a job!! Looks amazing! I have such a tiny space that I don't think it's worth all the expense if these materials unless they come in smaller amounts. You said you'd like the blog posts where you learned this technique and I didn't see them.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you, Terri! Click on my blog post link above for the list of other blog posts on this topic. Good luck!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

yayimadeit.blogspot.com/2017/04/diy-concrete-over-laminate-countertops.html

[@affinityfunable]

As a builder I cringed at the tools that were used but I gotta say I think it turned out gorgeous and I think I know a house that would greatly benefit from this exact technique what a super cool idea. And your countertops turned out pretty amazing way to go. Can I post a couple other products that are not quite as readily available but are superior products?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I feel your pain! I just got a nice drill and am realizing how much better it is to have good tools. Sometimes you just make do with what you have.

[@affinityfunable]

@@DesignedbyMariaShop Absolutely but in the end the result was a beautiful countertop so again very nice job. 😀

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

@@affinityfunable Thank you!!

[@affinityfunable]

Euclid also makes an Eucopatch product designed concrete product for resurfacing and repairing concrete. The adhesion is fabulous.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

@@affinityfunable Thank you for the tip!

[@rushtonworks9186]

How do you ensure the cement stays on the sides?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I just smoothed it on with a gloved hand or trowel. It stayed fine, especially if it was a bit thicker there.

[@tradechartpatternslikethepros]

i wonder how your countertop looks like now

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

There is an update link in the description.

[@angiehylton9977]

Loved your video and the quote!

[@SaraShuffles84]

I’ve been considering this over painting with appliance epoxy. How have they held up ?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

There is an update link in the description. If you are good with epoxy, that could be cool too, just depends on the look you want. Biggest downfall is the dust.

[@ruddylascala5470]

great video, very helpfull..

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Do you think I could cover my laminate backsplash, too?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Yes I do. The vertical surfaces I did are fine. The biggest problem is the oil and you'd probably have less of that getting on a backsplash.

[@HowtoFaithALife]

Designed by Maria okay great! Thank you!

[@rhondazappalewis3685]

You did a awesome job, they look nice

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you!

[@karenzilverberg4699]

Thanks for the wonderful lesson.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

You're welcome. :)

[@ladywillowkeepe]

This was so helpful that #1 you were a first-timer and #2, you shared your mistakes and what you would do differently. My husband and I need to change our white (peeling at the sink) laminate, and after looking into installation of different tops, we thought going this route would be more in line with our budget. Can you tell me how much in total you spent? Thank you.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks, Mara! If your laminate is peeling, you will want to secure it before going over it with anything. I can't remember exactly how much we spent. I think it was close to $200 for the countertop & backsplash supplies. The new sink, faucet, plumbing stuff about $200-$300 on top of that. To give you an idea, at the time I purchased, feather finish was about $17 per box at Home Depot, the Safecoat Acrylaq was about $54 on Amazon, 511 Impregnator was $33 at Home Depot, & paint was about $20 +/-. We also got masks, sandpaper, caulk, and a bunch of other things you might have on hand. But, we ended up returning several unused boxes of feather finish after the fact too. I hope that helps.

[@ladywillowkeepe]

Designed by Maria very helpful. Thank you. I think we can tackle this!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Good luck, Mara! Let us know if you have any other tips. :)

[@alyssamathews7492]

if you went through all that trouble you should do some rustoleum on your cabinets. that shade is dated and if you make them a darker finish...it will really modernize your home

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Don't worry! I have plans for the cabinets once I have the time and $. I will have to make a video on that too. It's amazing how having the countertop up-dated suddenly the outdated cabinets and appliances look even more out-dated.

[@alyssamathews7492]

Designed by Maria y'all did a great job on the counters it just depends on the look you are going for I guess but the effort y'alls did on this...your cabinets are already in good shape look into the rustoleum for those there tons more options too than rustoleum but I love the counters. can I ask why you painted the backslash?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Sure! The backsplash and countertop where the same material. So, it seemed strange to me to change one and not the other. I wanted something light and bright to contrast the countertop and how dark it was before. I'm still trying to decide what I want to do long-term. I've thought about a lot of options. But, paint seemed the most simple for now. It's actually holding up quite well and wipes of easily. I've learned I can only handle one big project at a time. Sometimes this means other things get a temporary fix.

[@leoprdsoul1]

Designed by Maria -- "You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time" :)

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Ha, ha! So true! No matter how hungry I am to get it done, it doesn't work that way!

[@shelleywilson7516]

Did you use the green frog painters tape? It’s supposed to be much easier on fresh pain and not pull it up so it may work for this also. Or you can purchase caulkers that automatically give you a very precise line. Also with lots of practice you can paint without showing brush marks. Just some tips but you did do an amazing job and I’m thinking of using your video to do my counters. Thank you.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[@punchymuffin6402]

I used duct tape becuse it does not rip. I used it after picking out little pieces of frog tape along the backplash.

[@alyssamathews7492]

good job on the counters though! they do look nice in the background. looks like solid concrete

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you, Alyssa!

[@davewilliams4556]

How are they holding up? This would be my biggest concern! as Formica is a nonstick surface!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

The feather finish has actually stuck really well. I haven't had any chipping. My biggest problem is the dark spots oil leaves. A good topcoat can minimize that. But, with concrete, I don't see a lot great way around that.

[@lolalino4046]

Maria i love the video...how have your countertops held up??

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

They have held up well. However, oil leaves spots.

[@amandaramsay5934]

Looks great!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks! :)

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences and information. I wondering why multiple coats? The people who work with this material (it's intended purpose, flooring) only put one coat. I'm thinking if one puts a single 1/8" coat (as even as possible), then can just sand to smooth the surface. ?!?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

The top thin coat is kind of more like a primer coat I feel like. The feather finish is splotchy at first. But, the more layers you build up, the more coverage you get. There is a link in the description to my blog post on this with all the other people I found who did this process. One lady's husband didn't understand that it was supposed to be done in thin coats. So, he laid it on thick. It still worked. But, she felt like it created extra work to get it smooth.

[@mrsbblanks]

Hi. If I wanted to use a color like tans to match my marble what would I add to the concrete? Thank you

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I liked the color it came in. So, I didn't add anything to mine. I did a little research before though and found some powdered concrete pigments on-line. I believe Ardex brand has a white feather finish that you might find a pigment that mixes into it. I'm not sure if they would work the same or not. Sorry, I'm not an expert on this.

[@yibuseato]

Thank you for the video. I just coated my countertops and they have been curing for 30days but the surface is still very easily scratched. I tapped on an outside edge corner with a wooden spoon and it left dents/removed some concrete. Is your countertop like this? Does an impregnator make it more durable etc? I appreciate any advice you can give 😊

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I haven't had any problems with the concrete chipping. But, the topcoat I used does seem to get micro scratches easily. That's one of the reason's I'm trying a different topcoat.

[@THEJET52]

So appreciate your honesty. Are lighter shades available?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Yes! I just did a white Ardex feather finish and mixed it with some gray in my new home. Only problem is I had a little skin reaction to that one for some reason.

[@YmmitSparty19]

I am attempting this on several tables, however, instead of the safecoat I am going to use a 2 part liquid plastic coating for my finish. I’m curious if SO much sanding is that necessary, especially with what I’m using for finishing.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Sounds like a great plan! I'm not familiar with liquid plastic. But, I would expect that if you have a thick, self-leveling material less sanding would be required. Personally, I wish I had done a better job on the sanding. So, I would still recommend taking your time.

[@Wendy-xe4gk]

Hi Maria, your countertops turned out beautiful! I'm thinking of doing this but I'm concerned about how durable the end product will be. I'm always in my kitchen, cooking, baking, canning, etc. and that is why they are beginning to wear through. . . but I need a good sound surface to work on. Your video posted almost two years ago, how have they held up?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

The feather finish holds up great. The topcoat did not prevent oil from leaking through. That is my biggest complaint.

[@Wendy-xe4gk]

@@DesignedbyMariaShop I think that might be a maintenance issue. They say even granite should be sealed every year because it is porous. We wash and scrub these things constantly so it only makes sense. I would love to have quartz but every time I price it I find so many things my family could use besides a countertop. :) Thanks so much for your answer. It helps me make up my mind.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Could be. However, we noticed the oil leaving marks pretty early on.

[@Catherineslove]

@@DesignedbyMariaShop Hi Maria!! I am doing the feather finish counter tops this week! When you say the topcoat did not work well did you mean the safecoat or the impregnator? Im having a hard time deciding what to put as a sealer on them.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

@@Catherineslove I am referring to the safecoat. The water does bead up on it and doesn't soak in, which I like. It might go on smooth if you have a good brush and don't overwork it. Just brush and leave it to self-level. However, it wasn't what I had hoped for. So, I bought this to try: www.expressions-ltd.com/products/surecrete-xs-327-hybrid-water-based-concrete-sealer#shopify-product-reviews I think it will be a smoother finish. But, I don't know if it will keep oil from seeping to the feather finish and leaving dark spots. Good luck!!

[@rileyallred6303]

Great tips. How are counter tops holding up? I have two young kids and want to make sure its going to hold up. Thanks again for posting.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

The feather finish concrete is holding up great!! Oil does leave darker areas which you may or may not appreciate. The topcoat I used is ok. But, I would like to try something else.

[@catherineandrews1757]

Designed by Maria hi Maria! I’ve run into the dark spots any ideas what to do about them? At the point of sanding again and doing another round of sealants? Thanks so much.

[@politicalnecrosis]

Maria are you finding staining, chips, or cracks on your countertops? Just wondering how they are holding up! Thinking about doing this.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Fats/oils leaves dark spots. But, there isn't really any other staining or chips. It wipes up really easily. There a slight crack where seams met up in my laminate. But, it doesn't affect the surface at all. The feather finish holds up great!

[@naturesgenesis]

Hi, I would love an update to see how things are holding up :-)

[@rebeccalovestinyhumans4261]

How are your counter tops now?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

The feather finish has held up perfectly. Any grease will leave dark spots though. I'm hoping to find a better topcoat. I bought this to sand off the old topcoat and retry: www.expressions-ltd.com/products/surecrete-xs-327-hybrid-water-based-concrete-sealer#shopify-product-reviews

[@SaleanaC]

great video! thanks!

[@xiaoxiaodezhigengniao7503]

Hey, I come from Poland and we don't have Feather Finish here. Could you be so kind and tell what are the ingredients? I am not sure what mixture shall I buy.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

It's like concrete without the rocks.

[@dustinbrowne5145]

A professional would have done that in 1 day. Time vs. money. Good job for doing it yourself though, it’s just I do this for a living and the time u spent is crazy.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Right! Wish I had the cash to pay someone. But, it can be fun to try something new too.

[@powerofknowledge7771]

You're right! It should have imperfections if it's a concrete countertop ;) How is it doing now? Is it lasting? Did it break or separate in any places?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Please see the update link in the description.

[@85jordanboi23]

Thank you for this video. I do have a question is it possible to add paint or dye to concrete? Because I want to do black cement countertops andjust trying to find a way. Thank you

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I believe you can. This lady added a black powder pigment to hers: karapaslaydesigns.com/diy-black-concrete-island/

[@kenedin8745]

Maria I loved the video and I wanted to know where you bought your product to do the countertops and what the name of the product is. I want to try this project on my own. Thank you for the Video.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Which product are you referring to? Almost everything is from Home Depot. I think the safecoat is the only thing I had to order on Amazon.

[@marciogardel9046]

great job. congrats

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you, Marcio!

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thank you, Marcio!

[@causeeffect7624]

How often, I wonder would you need to redo the acrylic [acrilaque?] So thT the concrete does not tamper with the food. Is any of it food grade?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

As far as I know everything is food safe. I'm not sure about re-doing it. But, I am going to re-do mine with a new product, hopefully next month.

[@madajuarez7073]

​Hello! Wondering what new product do you use and how is holding up?

[@cesarrios114]

How did u cut the corners of your counters to get that curved look? Sanding?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Our counters already had kind of a decorative router edge. But, I was able to fill it in a bit more with the feather finish and sand to create more of a rounded edge.

[@cesarrios114]

Ty for the tutorial, you did a great job.

[@Spankdattoaste]

Do you still have these counter tops? How did they hole up?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Yes! The feather finish held up great! I suggest a different topcoat though. I just re-did the topcoat using Surecrete SX-327 and so far I like it better than the other.

[@bpdmoses]

How has this held up over time?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Really well except with the oil. See my update link above.

[@machina_aeterna]

How did it hold up since you made this video?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

It's strong... no cracking, chipping or anything like that. But, I've yet to find a topcoat that keeps oil from leaving darker areas on the surface.

[@richardabarollo3795]

Is it durable?? How is it at this time?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Yes, there is an update video linked in the description.

[@chefe2152]

I'm wondering how durable this thin coat really is? If I had glass cup falling out of cupboard on to the countertop, would it shatter the concrete?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

No problems with cracking concrete after 2 years. It's still solid & we've had some very heavy things fall on it. The only tiny crack is along where the laminate seam was.

[@nfgatorgal]

Can you do this over Formica?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I think that is what mine are.

[@samanthay5620]

How are they holding up???

[@jessehamilton1049]

Hi, I was wondering how your counters have held up? Did you experience any cracking on your breakfast bar overhang? Thanks

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

They held up well. No cracking! I have an update video in the description.

[@causeeffect7624]

Coating seems so thin, the guys who uses the epoxy pours on thick coats and spread it out. What say you?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

This particular product isn't designed for countertops. But, it actually does very well at just puddling liquids on top and not sinking into the concrete, even with a few thin coats. I don't love it personally, even though a lot of other people recommend it for this project. So, I am going to try a product designed for concrete next.

[@causeeffect7624]

Designed by Maria +i see from here it looks good. Food grade, right? My counters seem to stay wet (because, no one else cares). The laminate is old/well used and warped. I just want to change it inexpensively and give, also, an updated look. TY for taking the time 4the video, commentary and responses. We appreciate you.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

You're welcome! Yes, from what I understand everything is safe for food. This is the new product I ordered to re-do my topcoat: www.expressions-ltd.com/products/surecrete-xs-327-hybrid-water-based-concrete-sealer#shopify-product-reviews I'm hoping to try it out next month and have a smoother finish on top. If you decide to try the safecoat acrylaq, I would just put it on with a nice, new brush and leave it to self-level. Definitely don't overwork it. That is where the worst streaks come from.

[@inpeacewithgod]

Maria Does the concrete overlay really stick to the wood?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

It did fine on my little corners. But, I don't know how well it would do with a big sheet of wood.

[@inpeacewithgod]

Thanks

[@Sam-yr7vl]

Do you need to take out the sink?

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

It is a lot easier if you do. I just re-did it again without taking out the sink and it still worked, just not as easily.

[@Sam-yr7vl]

@@DesignedbyMariaShop I figured it probably would be harder with a sink there. Thank you so much for your help!

[@dakotadelver9964]

total cost of all the counter top stuff??

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

At the time I purchased, feather finish was about $17 per box at Home Depot, the Safecoat Acrylaq was about $54 on Amazon, and 511 Impregnator was $33 at Home Depot. We also got masks, sandpaper, caulk, and a bunch of other things you might have on hand. But, we ended up returning several unused boxes of feather finish after the fact too. I hope that helps.

[@sebausa1]

Ha ha ha ,you are awesome 👍

[@superkeola]

A better sander would have cut your time.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Oh, yes! Right?! I just got a new drill and having good tools makes a big difference. But, sometimes you just use what you have or can afford. ;)

[@rebeccamaxwell4110]

caulk, pronounced /kôk/

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

MANY people pronounce it that way and have corrected me. However, where I come from, that's how we say it. We also pronounce the "l" in palm tree and "calm". I'm sorry it bothers you so much.

[@keelywilson621]

Don't say the "L" in Caulk. It's silent. It sounds like, "Kaak"

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

That's how we say it where I'm from. We also say the "L" in palm and calm. Sorry that my accent bothers you.

[@PNH-sf4jz]

@@DesignedbyMariaShop Your presentation was/is enjoyable and informative to watch. Thank you. Your follow-up video on the kitchen countertops is my next video to view. I agree with your response regarding pronunciation. It is always intriguing that some people believe the way they speak is the only way to speak, spell and pronounce words. Living in Australia, there are many words, in English, which are pronounced and even spelt differently from other countries and regions of the world, among and between which there are also many more differences and variations. It is my belief that if we can understand each other, that is what is important. One topical example of spelling is the US version, "defense" and the British/Australian version of "defence". Another is the pronunciation of the word, "nuclear". None, to my way of thinking, is necessarily correct or incorrect, when regionally or nationally spelt and spoken differently from any other. Some of the above came from reflection on the ages of your children, presumably, now teenagers or close to. It is now 3 hours to New Year where I am in the West coast of Australia, so I take this opportunity to Wish You and Your Family a very Happy, Safe and Productive New Year. Peter.

[@hugot12]

you see why with something as important as a kitchen you need a professional. Smoothing out the cement veneer, thinning down subsequent coats that flow and fill uneven low spots. This avoids all the sanding to level as it will level with material viscosity and trowel technique. When doing these cement coatings, its like the venetion plaster technique, a uniform but artistic layering to get a special effect. Color and depth show through each layer Sometimes you tint the layers slightly different for depth and effect. Clear coats must be Sprayed on , Clear has catalyst mixed in, each sprayed coat dries in 5 min, 3 coats max. This makes a perfect even sheen with a superior durability unlike single component inferior clear coats homeowners use. By the time you experiment with so much labor, a pro can give you something in one third the downtime to your using your kitchen. Do it yourselfers always overlook their blotchy work because they do it taking their own risks, accepting all the mistakes,and it shows. Sorry after42 years in the high end finish work, I've seen all the blunders done. We professionals do master our work or we wont get paid.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

I agree! If you can afford to have an experienced, trusted professional do it, that's the best route. In our case, we couldn't afford to hire someone or do what we really want at this time (quartz). So, my options were to live with a color I hated or find a DIY in my budget. Personally, I am so happy that I gave it a shot. It's far from perfect but to me SO much better than before. I plan to fix what I don't love about it and continue to learn. If your kitchen is bad enough, worst case scenario, you mess up, you learn something, and pay a professional to do it (which is what you would have needed to do in the first place anyway). I had nothing to lose.

[@bbimota9267]

people always say they cant afford the pro, Im 62 and well aware how people spend their money on coffee drinks and wasteful things If something as a countertop that will highly improve a kitchens look isnt worth saving $15 dollars a week for just 1 year or less to get a dream kitchen countertop is plain silly .You see over all my years in business how many DIY homeowners ive seen say the same thing. How many housewives say they can paint or buy into these cheap homeowner packaged coating products , their duped into believing their going to save and get a spectacular finish I can use a multispec coating with clear coats and make all your counters look like granite in a day for 600-800 $ It can be repaired easily if you put a hot pan and burn it Im not talking about homeowner sprinkle on , roll on highly textured cheap products . This is a very high tech smooth polished look. Now you have a very uneven heavy cement coating and a blotchy non durable clear coat to deal with. You will have years of blotchy follow up clear coat repairs that will resemble all the uneven sheen and texture of the previous coats, one pattern of brush or roller texture will follow the other .This trial coating becomes a never ending nightmare Im doing this follow up to warn DIY that better to wait and find a pro , they are out there !!! Look up companies like Hawk Research ltd or Napco or Midwest chemicals Look at some of their videos on hvlp spray applications If your going to try to trowel something level, think twice. Guys in the trades take years to perfect out smoothing and leveling cement products . Its almost offensive to get praise from these youtubers for actually attempting it . Show some closeups and how the light hits the uneven cement and clear coat sheen ,spare someone else the anguish please.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. :)

[@haveyouflossedtoday]

There is a time and place for professionals, and thank heavens they are there! But the joy and adventure of trying a project and the act of learning new skills and building confidence and pride, not to mention setting a great example for your kids, friends, and followers, far outweighs a few drips in paint, or splotches or imperfect spots. Great video! Very inspiring! Very honest!

[@monicabeatriz2446]

You should filme the task while you Talk, not just talk

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Thanks for the tip. ;)

[@shelbflynnn]

I can’t watch this with sound on. You speak so slowly 🙄

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Before you judge, make sure you're perfect. ;)

[@ma2manytx]

You can adjust playback speed.

[@idid138]

Designed by Maria I thought you did great! Some people live to tear down others... I feel sorry for their families...

[@RachelSWhite]

You're pronouncing caulk wrong. It is in the dictionary written as "kawk" for pronunciation. The L is silent.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Must be my Utah accent. :)

[@susanforrest4056]

I fell asleep. Your voice is monotoned and you drone on.

[@evahamilton8195]

you should skip the first 2 minutes, boring, not relevant

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Isn't that why there's a fast forward button? I promise I'm not offended if you only watch the parts that are helpful to you.

[@lemorris51]

eva hamilton i

[@causa2009]

Honestly. This is a horrible video.

[@DesignedbyMariaShop]

Ok, make a better one then. I'd love to see it!

[@causa2009]

Designed by Maria sorry hun...it's just the banter...and banter.....it was mean of me.

[@Ohsage1111]

It was nice of you to admit that you were mean.

[@akapatience5571]

Causa Sui I couldn’t disagree more! I got all of my questions answered! If I want to be entertained I’ll turn on Netflix!

[@punchymuffin6402]

Good lord people. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all.