Newbie questions before I get started

[Rob leverich]

            I'm building cast in place counters with split granite edge forms for my own kitchen, I need to keep the cost as low as possible or just wont be able to do it. i built all the cabinets out of 3/4' birch plywood so i know they are strong enough. I have questions about the mix, this is what I plan to use

1. Supplement 10 lbs of Portland cement for each 80 lbs bag of quikrete 5000

2. Use 1 scoop (2 oz.) of CounterFlo per bag of concrete, or for every 20 lbs of cement.

then I plan to acid stain or dye it to look like granite and use a 2 part self leveling epoxy to seal it.

but i see every one adding sand and aggregates to there mix. Why would I want to do this?

Why wouldn't I want to do this?

[Rob leverich]

I'll do some practice ones and see how they turn out

[Rob leverich]

it looks like I will not be doing cast in place because i wont be able to get the look I want in a durable finish so the new plan is to build molds polish the the tops acid stain and seal with eap gloss sealer and still use the

1. Supplement 10 lbs of Portland cement for each 80 lbs bag of quikrete 5000

2. Use 1 scoop (2 oz.) of CounterFlo per bag of concrete, or for every 20 lbs of cement.

any suggestions to this plan?

[Troy K]

No need to polish if your going to acid stain and seal with eap.

[John]

I would change from Counterflo. I found it was the worste for holding air.

[Robert Winckler]

You are still pouring in place. You are just moving it afterword.

I heard they were sending out EAP with a free box of razor blades so make sure you get those.

Acid stain comes out best on troweled finishes that are lightly honed.

I know you didnt ask any questions but sometimes I just give answers to prevent severe migraines.

Rob leverich said:

it looks like I will not be doing cast in place because i wont be able to get the look I want in a durable finish so the new plan is to build molds polish the the tops acid stain and seal with eap gloss sealer and still use the

1. Supplement 10 lbs of Portland cement for each 80 lbs bag of quikrete 5000

2. Use 1 scoop (2 oz.) of CounterFlo per bag of concrete, or for every 20 lbs of cement.

any suggestions to this plan?

[cosmo99]

Robert Winckler said:

"I heard they were sending out EAP with a free box of razor blades so make sure you get those."

Now that is funny.

[Mark Podgurski]

I used QC5000 and Counterflo for the first 3 counter projects that I did and it worked fine I didn't even add the extra portland, although I'm sure it helps. That was 5 years ago and they are still out there and looking great. I'd say just go for it without stressing too much and enjoy the imperfections. As Yoda said, "there is no try only do or don't do."