When creating concrete worktops, it's common to find small pinholes or larger voids after demoulding. These imperfections are often due to tiny air pockets trapped in the mix, and while they can be minimised, they are often unavoidable. To ensure your concrete worktops are practical and maintain their aesthetic appeal, it's essential to fill these holes properly.
Understanding Pinholes and Voids
Pinholes and voids occur due to air bubbles trapped in the concrete mix. While careful mixing can reduce their number, it's almost impossible to eliminate them entirely. These small imperfections can trap dirt and moisture if left unfilled, making it essential to address them before sealing your worktops.
How to Plan and Use Smoothing Paste to Perfect Your Concrete Worktop
Before jumping into the process of using ConcreteLab’s Smoothing Paste, it’s important to take a moment to plan the overall finish. Every step—from preparation to final sealing—plays a key role in creating a stunning and long-lasting concrete surface.
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Plan Your Finish: Decide on the look you’re aiming for. Consider where the worktop will be placed, the lighting, and the details you want to highlight. Using the Smoothing Paste ensures even the smallest imperfections are handled with care, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
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Prepare the Surface: Ensure your concrete surface is clean and free of dust or debris. A clean surface helps the paste adhere properly. We recommend first using our Etch & Clean Solution to remove the latance layer and open up any further hidden pores just below the very thin surface. Check out this blog post here all about that.
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Mix the Paste: Combine the Smoothing Paste with the recommended liquid to create a smooth, workable consistency. The paste is color-matched to your concrete, ensuring a seamless look.
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Apply the Paste: Give the surface of the concrete a light mist with water. Using a spatula or squeegee, spread the paste across the surface. Press it firmly into any pinholes or voids to ensure they’re fully filled.
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Allow to Cure, Then Sand: Let the paste cure completely according to the product guidelines. Once hardened, lightly sand the surface using fine-grit sandpaper to remove excess paste and achieve a smooth, even finish.
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Finish with Sealing: After sanding, seal the worktop to protect it and enhance its appearance.
Conclusion
Achieving a flawless finish on your concrete worktops is all about attention to detail and using the right tools. By planning your finish, properly preparing the surface, and using Concrete Lab’s Smoothing Paste to fill any imperfections, you’ll create a worktop that’s both durable and visually stunning. With the final step of sealing, your concrete worktop will be ready to impress, standing the test of time in both functionality and style.