Tips for Cleaning Concrete Counters

Everywhere traditional countertops are installed, concrete can be used in its place. Decorative concrete countertops are increasingly becoming a more popular alternative for kitchens, bars, bathrooms, garages, restaurants, salons, factories, and more. Whether you are just considering a concrete countertop addition, or have already had your concrete countertops installed, you need to know how to clean and care for them to protect your investment and prolong your enjoyment!

Continue reading to learn some important and helpful tips for cleaning decorative concrete countertops.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Benefits of Concrete Countertops

Decorative concrete countertops are highly admired for their plethora of unique qualities and benefits. Not only are the incredibly durable and long-lasting, they are resistant to heat, stains, scratches, fading, and discoloration. But the number one reason why so many people are opting for decorative concrete countertops over traditional materials is the cost-effectiveness and quality ratios they offer. Decorative concrete countertops can be customized to mimic any kind of texture, material, color, or pattern, including higher end materials. And compared to higher end materials, like marble and granite, concrete is much cheaper, easier to install, and easier to maintain.

Maintenance for Concrete Counters

In terms of cleaning and maintenance, there is really no difference. Concrete counters can be cleaned much in the same way as standard vinyl or laminate ones. Daily cleaning should simply involve warm water and mild dish washing liquid. Just be sure to use a soft washcloth or rag, and not a wire mesh pad or anything equally abrasive. You also want to avoid harsh soaps and cleaners. These can remove your sealant and leave behind scratches. You can also use store-bought cleansing cloths that are marked safe for concrete counters.

Some professionals recommend a routine waxing for period concrete countertop maintenance. Once a month, add a new layer of wax to ensure its level of resistance to heat, staining, scratches, and more. The proper method for waxing your concrete countertops will vary depending on several factors, so it is important to discuss these individual needs with your Indianapolis concrete contractor.

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors

Restoration By L&B, LLC offers superior decorative concrete installation and replacement for both residential and commercial properties in Indianapolis and its surrounding towns. Whether you are a home or building owner, our qualified and insured general contractors can provide a wide-range of tile flooring services; including replacements, removal, repairs, installations, and more. You name it, we can do it! Best of all, we offer the most competitive pricing around! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request an estimate, today.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
Residential and Commercial Remodeling

The 2 Primary Types of Concrete Stain

Decorative concrete is achieved through concentrated techniques that transform plain, grey concrete into something unique and beautiful. One of the most common and well-known processes for decorative concrete is staining. The process of concrete staining uses dyes and colors to add versatility and design to plain concrete. There are various types of materials used for concrete staining, including acrylic stains, integrated colors, dyes, and more. But the two primary types of stains used for decorative concrete are acid stains and water-based stains.

Continue reading to learn more about these two concrete stains, and who to call for professional concrete staining services you can trust.

Stained Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Stained Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

Acid Stains

Probably the most common of the two would be acid stains. These are known to provide a rich, deep color that is lustrous and long-lasting. When acid stain is applied to cured concrete, the chemicals within react in a way that transforms the pigment of the concrete permanently. This transformation is best described as a marbleized or grainy leather look; but of course, no transformation is the same as another.

They are all unique since you can’t entirely control the way the chemicals react inside the concrete. But this is simply one of the many alluring traits of concrete staining. It is important to note however, that concrete stains do not cover blemishes and imperfections and concrete very well. The transformation is more translucent and sheer in comparison to integrated colors and dyes.

Water-Based Stains

Water-based stains are applied similarly to acid stains, however they produce a much different outcome since there is no chemical reaction involved. The transformation rendered by water-based stains are best described as semi translucent, since the stain seeps into the concrete pores much like a dye. In fact, water-based concrete stains are commonly called concrete dyes because the coloring processes are similar.

Water-based stains produce a more uniform look, offer a much broader range of colors, and they last much longer since they are penetrated within the pores of the concrete. There’s no risk of the color “flaking off” or chipping at any point in time. But keep in mind, they are similar to acid stains in that they do not completely cover surface blemishes and imperfections because they provide semi translucent finishes.

Indianapolis Concrete Staining Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional concrete staining in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial concrete services, ranging from concrete staining and stamping, to concrete repair, overlays, pressure washing, and much more. Best of all, we retain the proper resources, skills, knowledge, and equipment to accurately implement a flawless concrete staining project in a time-frame that’s convenient for you. Get started today by requesting an on-site estimate.

FAQS Regarding Concrete Resurfacing

Are you a homeowner who is convinced that a cost-effective solution for repairing old, cracked, concrete surfaces does not exist? If so, you are in the right place! Because we are here to tell you that there ARE options, many of them, for restoring old concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more. And best of all, they do not require a complete demolition, removal, and replacement of your existing concrete surface! This makes the price more affordable since the need for labor is reduced.

Continue reading to learn answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about concrete work and more!

Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Concrete Contractors 317-454-3612

What are the Different Concrete Resurfacing Options Available?

The most common methods for concrete resurfacing include concrete overlays, concrete coatings, concrete staining, and concrete stamping. These options provide infinite possibilities to mimic higher-end materials like brick, cobblestone, tile, marble, and more, as well as, customize colors, hues, seals, and finishes. You can even choose to have concrete engraved or printed with a custom emblem, symbol, logo, or picture.  

What Makes Concrete Acceptable to Resurface?

Any underlying concrete surface must be sound in order to be resurfaced successfully. So unfortunately, if a concrete surface has structural implications such as several cracks, heaving, crumbling, or freeze/thaw damage, it is not a safe candidate for resurfacing. Also, soil quality is a factor in determining the suitability of concrete resurfacing. Non-structural cracks, like shrinkage and crazing cracks, can be sealed prior to resurfacing. Talk to a contractor to assess the quality of your concrete surfaces.

Which Surfaces Can Be Resurfaced?

As long as concrete passes the test for soundness, many surfaces can be resurfaced. This includes the more common areas, like driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, and garage floors. But it also includes unique areas like kitchen floors, basement floors, pool decks, fire pits, decks, and more. The options are virtually endless!

What is the Most Important Priority in the Concrete Resurfacing Process?

The most important factor in terms of the concrete resurfacing process is proper preparation. The underlying concrete substrate must be thoroughly cleaned and prepped before the resurfacing process can ensue. Preparation includes cleaning, crack filling, profiling, and more.

How Long Do Resurfaced Concrete Floors Last?

Decorative concrete is known for its longevity benefits, as well as its low cost and low maintenance. If you refinish your concrete floors, you can expect to enjoy the results for as long as you can foretell. Simply take care of them and they won’t let you down! A quality sealant is a big help as well.

Where Can I Find Skilled Concrete Contractors in Indy?

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 when you need professional concrete contractors in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. Our highly trained, qualified and insured general contractors provide services for complete project management and development, planning, design and build coordination, pre-construction services, and more.  And as a trusted source for concrete installation, we guarantee to beat any competitor’s price! Contact us at 317-454-3612 to request a written estimate, today.