How to place Glass in Concrete Countertops

This video shows all the fabrication and explanation when meeting a new customer. You will see how to place the glass for those who want custom mixes and placed seashells, if you want terrazzo look, just throw the glass in the crete when mixing. any questions ask me in the comments.
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Below Is some Links for Tools and Supplies I used in this video.
If you notice that i missed to list something used in this video please let me know in the comments below.
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MOLD MAKING MATERIALS :
3/4" Thick melamine ( check a local cabinet supply store in your area)
100% Silicone amzn.to/3Sx6y9E
Caulk gun amzn.to/3SYFmCh
Use WOODEN Shims for Demolding amzn.to/3SVJanF
Festool Track Saw amzn.to/3SVf5EC
Portable table Saw amzn.to/3UJqh8Z
CONCRETE MIX:
Surecrete 50lb Kit amzn.to/3woZK6o
Surecrete White Water color pack amzn.to/3SuEuDS
5 gallon Buckets amzn.to/49y6EVn
Concrete Mixer Handheld amzn.to/42T8NZT
Concrete Mixer Power Stand amzn.to/3SAPXSn
TRAIL MIX and SINK:
Glass Chips amzn.to/49z8sNO
Seashells amzn.to/49dOpop
Tiny Seashells amzn.to/42FGOMM
Double bowl sink amzn.to/3OG85Jx
SINK CUT-OUT and POLISHING TOOLS:
Variable Speed Grinder amzn.to/3wbkjTX
Diamond pads wet & dry starter kit amzn.to/3OLrdpl
Diamond Core Bit for Undermount sink cuts amzn.to/3OJjdW2
7" Stone Blade For grinder amzn.to/3OGbo3m
Styofoam Shape mold if you dont want to cut out
( tape these together than cut with sink template) amzn.to/4bAutNZ
SEALERS:
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Surecrete Semi Gloss if ya want amzn.to/3SXGoy4
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[@patrickhayes3099]

You might consider buying a small concrete mixer to tumble glass bottles to make your own aggregate, you are your own best source.

[@jewdd1989]

I love love love terrazzo, more so with stones than glass but it looks really nice. I’ve seen a couple others use a common spray adhesive to keep the rocks in place but why not just add in more than enough (find out a ratio of glass/shells/rocks/ etc. to concrete) and mix together in the batch of concrete rather than placing down separately? That’s when I’ve seen the terrazzo turn out flawless and consistent is when it’s all mixed in the concrete prior to pouring

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

I agree but I do what customers want, sometimes I feel like a chef..I have the frying pan and they tell me how they like it..on my channel of my updated videos my friend Tommy wanted Flat plate glass to show bigger chips ..but I'm on ur side on terrazzo but we hafta do what ppl want if you advertise custom..have an awesome day I appreciate ur perspective

[@patrickhayes3099]

I keep a diamond wheel on hand when placing the glass in form to knock down chunks. This saves some time on the initial grind.

[@patrickhayes3099]

What is the spacer that turns your grinder into a router bit?

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Have you ever done this in reverse where you pour the concrete first and add the glass on top and float it in? I’ve been on a lot of exposed aggregate projects where they us that method. It’s seem like you may be able to control the glass better.

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

I just don't like the leveling process after the glass is pushed in..when I do it precast upside down I at least know the top is level...I done two jobs like that and thanks to ur suggestion I may look into that..thanks I'll check out some vids as well

[@patrickhayes3099]

vibrating out the air in the face down orientation is less critical. face up means the bubbles are coming to the finishes surface. My next one will use spray adhesive to place glass

[@patrickhayes3099]

@@MrGeneShopTalk I do not think the concrete adheres to the edges of the glass when placed from surface. I have done exposed aggregate and concrete does not come up and around the aggregate, good for walk ways, not for counters. work around is to hand trowel a contrasting color, cement slurry to fill voids around aggregate.

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

It can be done either way... 34 years in Terrazzo trade...

[@jamescoleakaericunderwood2503]

@@MrGeneShopTalk got an email?

[@pedropereira8924]

Very nice, I really like you video, 👍🏼

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Thank you..hope you learn..this is fun as well as work..that's the key..gotta love whatcha do...

[@timhahn7542]

Any particular reason you dry grind instead of wet grind when exposing the glass? Trying to learn the process myself.

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

I sometimes do it wet at the last stage ..sometimes..it's a pia when grinding Glass wet as I can't see if I'm removing scratches as the wet glass looks shiny but when it drys I see scratches ..I done minimum water on my figure 8 glass tile on the last step.. Many ppl do it wet , I'm not saying it's wrong I just have to see the scratches removed before I proceed next grits..have fun

[@timhahn7542]

@@MrGeneShopTalk thanks for the info!

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

@@timhahn7542 not sure if you seen this video, you can see i squirt minimum water..just speed up to end past all the stuff im sure you know already..again good luck and keep grinding buddy kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioKuf4Gtj5yAaZY

[@vzcxfm1]

Fantastic video. What type of concrete mix do you use to achieve the white coloring?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Surecrete Precast and they also have color packs...this other video shows specifically...it's kinda long winded but I me and my bro Tommy fully explain with graphics how to use the white color packs...good luck and hope ya have fun kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnaugKOsetmdhbs&feature=share8

[@brianbraynen4178]

Great job on that countertop,I have a question,how did you get the glass to be exposed on the sides?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

After ya pour it walk around and literally push down the glass along the edge..then the bigger flat plate glass slides along the mold easily I also sprinkled loose glass but was cautious to not sprinkle too much as it might glump..

[@brianbraynen4178]

@@MrGeneShopTalk thank you very much for responding,great stuff

[@syedbaniamin]

Thanks again

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

You are very welcome, Thank you for thanking me , if that makes sense..LOL

[@debraroche3611]

I want to build a 5' x 5' outdoor table, there will be a pavilion roof overhead. I am thinking of pouring the concrete and adding glass, in place...as flipping such a large top is tough. Is this a bad idea? Will the grind/polish process be exceedingly difficult?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

The grind polish process is difficult and time consuming regardless..I do my Crete cast upside down for flatness. If you can grind and have it stay level, then by all means there are many ppl who do Crete tops that way..I have done por in place top twice and will keep my number that if it's a countertop and requires level flatness. The hard part when starting out is when the glass starting to become exposed you may get excited and grind more in that area, then may have dips in top. Regardless keep sanding away in level motions and when Crete is pour, do all you can to smooth out when doing pour in place.. Then think about how far you push down glass as once dry you have to find it with grinder

[@douglassebold213]

Have you ever used broken beer bottles? Can they be used and grinded in cement as well?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Yes all the time..one of my old videos I think I'm using vodka blue bottle...but if you do a job with beer bottles, make sure you scrape of the labels before you break them..then clean the broken glass

[@pedropereira8924]

I have the same question, thanks!!!

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

@@pedropereira8924 yes you can..just clean the glass especially in lighter concrete colors..some beer residue can stain Crete during mixing

[@pedropereira8924]

@@MrGeneShopTalk thanks you very much!!!

[@douglassebold213]

@@pedropereira8924 I used beer bottles and it worked. I also used fire glass. The fire glass looked better because they have a flat surface and I was able to stick them on the melamine board with adhesive. The bottles didn't grind as flat because of the curved surfaces.

[@margerintoul4137]

These concrete countertops look great. Do you need to put anything in the middle of the pour to strengthen the concrete for the long term? Can these be left outside in the weather? Do you need to reapply sealer periodically?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

It's glass fiber reinforced concrete aka gfrc Great for outside..sealing is another animal..depends on sealer, you may want to seal it periodically, but more so based on looks..pour little water on crete..if it soaks in it needs to be sealed..if it beads, still good..but wouldn't hurt to rub out another thin coat

[@halfofeightskye]

What mix did you use and the portions of cement to sand and glass?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Fast forward this video below to 26:27 in our concrete countertop DIY playlist to explain the glass placement process...I would have to write a book trying to explain how to help you... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnaugKOsetmdhbssi=qO179w64hR1t7Pk7

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Oops after reading your question i mentioned soemthing you wasnt asking..We dont use sand, we use precast kits in 50lbs bags ..but the recipe process is in the video ..i just messed up by making the video too long and blabbing too much..just skim through it and hope it helps

[@1Odama]

hi mate nest time go and buy a dust cover fror your grinder and believe save you from all hte dust and you will have more fun, cherio thanks to share your video

[@patrickhayes3099]

Why no wet grind the surface, reduces dust and mess in the shop.

[@tockero4277]

What concrete brand/mix did you use?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Surecrete precast n xs

[@juliawoodrow219]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@mbeanbag2]

What kind of pad do you use to initially sand and expose your glass?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

50 diamond...or a metal levelers slow speed

[@anthonyherrera5838]

Where's the dust mask/respirator? 😮😢

[@wroughtandferrous6644]

what is the concrete mix that you use?

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Surecrete

[@jillosiecki3049]

Please wear hearing protection! Those grinders can do horrible damage to your hearing.

[@SPAINISHLOCKSMITH]

Can't understand why you grind inside your workshop ...and if it's your only space use a hover to keep the dust off the rest of the workshop

[@anthonycaldi7056]

Should have finished the video before I commented. 😜

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYqXqIyfhpWtf68 If you guys need to learn how to change the color of the crete in a dirty look..check out

[@adjesprangers3738]

😊

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

This one might help show how tile can be laid to help with email questions, please comment on you tube I'll respond within the day or 2..good luck and have fun kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioKuf4Gtj5yAaZY

[@perceleonolopez2088]

that's not how it's done

[@ofcourseofcoursebutmaybe]

aren't you scared all this dust will kill you??

[@FairAnnexation]

Hate the music

[@poepflater]

You need a better mask or a wet grinder mate, silicosis is no fun!

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Will do, next video will have one, thanks for the awareness, especially my ass getting older..thanks again..btw anyone sees weird unhealthy stuff I do when working, please tell me..love you tubers looking out for each other

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

I UPDATED MORE concrete and glass techniques to hopefully help youse guys.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnaugKOsetmdhbs

[@flamabl1]

Damn can't believe you have done it this long and don't go with a grinder that has water for the dust.

[@jakklump]

A tiny bit of useful information; excessive amounts of bro and dude. Learn to edit.

[@MrGeneShopTalk]

Lol..yes I know ..learning in time