enCOUNTER
Concrete countertops have created a lot of interest within the decorative concrete industry. The popularity is growing exponentially just as all the uses of decorative concrete have in recent years. It seems strange to many people that concrete, this common and very utilitarian material can be used to create beautiful countertops in the most special areas of our homes.
Who would have imagined that homeowners and the design community would get excited about concrete countertops? Concrete makes it happen, but not just any concrete. The most common concern about concrete countertops is that “concrete cracks”. The right mix for concrete countertops is one that addresses the cracking, curling and shrinking issues.
At the center of the concrete countertop system is the factory blended enCOUNTER concrete mix. Factory blending assures consistency from bag to bag and is packaged in easy to handle 50 pound bags available with either Gray or White Portland cement. enCOUNTER reaches strength of 8,870 psi in 28 days, nearly three times the strength of regular concrete. enCOUNTER is so versatile that it is being used across the country for both pre cast and cast-in-place applications.
enMAGIC
enMAGIC, a quality polymerized micro topping is troweled on the surface at any time prior to sealing to correct finishing flaws or to create additional depth. The Gray and White enMAGIC can be integrally colored, stained and sanded.
enCOLOR
enCOUNTER professional grade countertop mix is available in white or gray mix and accepts all of the traditional concrete coloring methods— enCOLOR integral color, water borne stain, acid stain and dye stain. enCOLOR is packaged in small tubs of concentrated liquid color. The countertop color is chosen from the color chart showing the dosage rate per bag. The color is drawn from the tub with an easy to use measuring syringe and added to the mix water. This method insures uniform color batch to batch.
Light polishing enCOUNTER exposes the many aggregate sizes and heavy polishing reveals the white 3/8 inch aggregate.
Concrete Coloring Tips:
Whatever coloring method you choose, always test the strength of color before final application—and keep precise records.
Remember, acid stains cause stronger reactions with fresh concrete than with older concrete. When applying acid stain to fresh concrete, a diluted stain solution (as much as 20 parts water) is preferred.
