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	Concrete Countertops
	How does the price of concrete countertops compare with granite, marble or other solid surface countertops? How do I attach an undermount sink? Do concrete countertops stain? What kind of maintenance do concrete countertops require? How do I clean and disinfect my concrete countertops? Can I cut directly on concrete countertops? Can I set hot pots and pans on concrete countertops? Can I really save money and make concrete countertops myself? I don't want my driveway in my kitchen.  How are concrete countertops different than regular concrete?
	Acid Stain and Acid Stain Overlay
	I have new concrete, do I have to use the overlay?  Can I just use the acid stain? Aren't concrete floors cold underfoot? Others have told me that my floor can't be acid stained.  Is this true? I'm not handy, can I really do this well? How long does this process take? How long will the surface last? What kind of maintenance is required? I mixed the overlay according to the instructions, but it is thick and hard to spread. Is this correct? I like the color variations.  Is there a special technique for that effect?
	Concrete Resurfacing
	I have ugly, old Kool Deck or acrylic on my pool deck. Can you do anything with that? What are the advantages of acrylic over pavers, tile or carpeting? How long will the new surface last? How long does the process take to complete? Is acrylic slippery? I have a big problem with mold and mildew. Can you help me get rid of that? I have stains on my existing concrete.  Will they come back after the concrete is resurfaced? I want to dress up my patio, but don't have a lot to spend.  What options do I have?

Concrete Countertops FAQ Answers
How does the price of concrete countertops compare with granite, marble or other solid surface countertops? In most cases concrete is less expensive than granite, marble or other solid surfaces or natural stones. It is also important to keep in mind that DCsurfaces custom fabricates every countertop or vanity. We do not have pre-made slabs from which to compromise.  We form, pour, polish, seal and install according to your exact specifications. NO ONE will have the same countertop as you. Each is a one-of-a-kind creation. Back to Questions How do I attach an undermount sink?Many undermount sinks come with a paper template and mounting hardware.  The paper template is perfect to use while framing the countertops, but you don't want to drill into your new concrete countertops.  The pressure and vibrations can cause cracks and damage.  DCsurfaces offers a no drilling mounting kit for undermount sinks of any size.  Find more information in our online store.  Look under the tools catalogue. Back to Questions Do concrete countertops stain? Concrete countertops are sealed for stain and water resistance.  However, spills should be cleaned as soon as possible; especially acidic or oily liquids.  Mild soap and water is the best way to clean the surface. Back to Questions What kind of maintenance do concrete countertops require?  It does not take much to maintain a beautiful surface.  A food-grade beeswax should be applied about once a month to help protect the sealer.  Simply buff it on and buff it off.  Back to Questions How do I clean and disinfect my concrete countertops? The best cleaners are mild soap and water.  Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.  Bleach can discolor the surface and abrasive cleaners can scratch the sealer.  Back to Questions Can I cut directly on concrete countertops? You wouldn’t cut directly on other countertops and concrete is no different.  Knife marks can scratch or mar the sealer.  It is necessary to use a cutting board.  Consider incorporating an inlayed cutting board.  It sets flush with the top of the surface and can be removed for easy cleaning.  Back to Questions Can I set hot pots and pans on concrete countertops? Hot pots and pans can scorch or burn the sealer, thus pot holder or trivets should always be used.  DCsurfaces can incorporate designer trivets into the countertop surface near the stovetop for ease of availability.  Back to Questions Can I really save money and make concrete countertops myself? Yes, you can!  DIY concrete countertops average $18-25/sq. ft.  Step-by-step instructions are included with concrete countertop material orders.  DCsurfaces representatives are available for advice and tips.  Read Byron’s testimonial and view his DIY photos. Back to Questions I don't want my driveway in my kitchen.  How are concrete countertops different than regular concrete?  Concrete countertops are very different from the concrete used for driveways and sidewalks.  The countertop mix has very small aggregate and is poured and set using different techniques.  Additionally, countertops are polished to a high sheen and sealed.  View the Concrete Countertop photo gallery to see the difference. Back to Questions
Acid Stain and Acid Stain Overlay FAQ Answers
I have new concrete, do I have to use the overlay? Can I just use the acid stain? DCsurfaces strongly recommends everyone use the Acid Stain Overlay as a skim coat on all acid stain projects. Acid stain does not react with plain concrete like it does with the overlay. Plain concrete yields little color variance. More importantly, the acid stain will react with everything that came in contact with the concrete. It reacts poorly (or not at all) with drywall compound, paint and other construction materials. If anything was spilled on the concrete before acid staining it will leave a splotch. The overlay reduces the prep/cleaning time and virtually eliminates the surprise factor. Everything you will need to acid stain your concrete (overlay kit, Magic Trowel, acid stain, neutralizer, sealer and shipping) is still less than $1 per square foot.   Back to Questions Aren't concrete floors cold underfoot? Concrete floors are no colder than tile or stone floors.  If this is a concern, floor rugs can alsways be placed on the floor, adding to the room's decor.  With the wide variety of indoor and outdoor rugs, the options are nearly endless.  DCsurfaces Acid Stain overlay can be applied over in-floor radient heat systems.  Back to Questions   Others have told me that my floor can't be acid stained.  Is this true? In most cases, NO!  Other contractors or products only use acid stain on the concrete.  Older or stained concrete or slabs with paint, drywall compound or other construction materials react poorly (or not much at all) with acid stain alone.  DCsurfaces Acid Stain Overlay eliminates this problem.  The skim coat covers less desirable surfaces and creates the perfect pallet to acid stain.  After the overlay is applied and dried, the acid reacts with the overlay and not the underlying concrete, stain, etc.  Almost all concrete can be acid stained after the DCsurfaces Acid Stain Overlay Kit is applied. Back to Questions Proof that almost any floor can be overlaid and acid stained.  See more photos on  the Acid Stain page under San Jose, NM    I'm not handy, can I really do this well? Yes, yes, yes!  DCsurfaces has simplified the process so even not-so-handy people can acheive great results!  We include detailed, step-by-step instructions with tips, advice and helpful hints.  Back to Questions How long does this process take? The entire process takes about 3 days due to curing time.  Most DIYers can start the project Friday evening and easily finish by Sunday afternoon.  Each step requires about 30-45 minutes of light work, then a 1-3 hour curing/reaction period. Back to Questions How long will the surface last?  The surface itself lasts as long as concrete does.  The overlay bonds to the concrete and the acid and sealer penetrate the overlay.  The surfaces may need to be resealed every 5-10 years depending on traffic flow and how well it's maintained. Back to Questions What kind of maintenance is required? Both indoor and outdoor surfaces should be kept free of dirt and debris.  Indoor simply sweeping can take care of dirt and dust.  We also recommend applying a surface wax to protect the sealer from getting small scratches and to maintain a high gloss shine.  Outdoor the surface can be sprayed with a garden hose to wash away dirt, leaves or pollen.  If necessary, the surface can be pressure washed, but we recommend waiting at least 6 months after the sealer is applied. Back to Questions I mixed the overlay according to the instructions, but it is thick and hard to spread.  Is this correct?The initial mixture is intended to be thicker. It is used to fill pits, holes and low spots in the concrete. For example, use this thicker mix to fill in the holes left by pulling out the carpet tack strip. After you've leveled the surface, add small amounts of water and stir the mix until it reaches a milk-like consistancy.   Back to Questions I like the color variations.  Is there a special technique for that effect? No special skills are necessary.  The color cariations are created by using the overlay kit and acid stain.  No need for back-breaking scrubbing.  No need for multiple colors (or added costs).  All the variations come through as the acid stain reacts with the compounds in the overlay.  Use the acid at full strength for dramatic variations.  Dillute the acid up to 1:1 with water for muted, softer variations.  (See the color chart on the "Acid Stain" page.)  All you need to do is spray ONE color of acids stain to produce the natural variations. Back to Questions
Concrete Resurfacing FAQ Answers
I have ugly, old Kool Deck or acrylic on my pool deck. Can you do anything with that?   Several options are available when resurfacing existing Kool Deck or acrylic.  If the surface is in good condition, but just a bit drab we can color seal it.  A color seal makes the surface water, stain and mildew resistant.  A sales representative can discuss the options and make recommendations during a free estimate.  Examples of jobs we’ve color sealed. Back to Questions   What are the advantages of acrylic over pavers, tile or carpeting? Acrylic is water, stain and mildew resistant.  Acrylic is also requires little maintenance.  Usually a broom or garden hose can take care of any dirt or debris.  Additionally, acrylic is less expensive, more durable and longer lasting that pavers, tile or carpeting.  Many color and pattern options are available when applying acrylic resurfacers.  Set an estimate appointment to discuss options for your surfaces. Back to Questions   How long will the new surface last? The acrylic resurfacer bonds with your existing concrete.  It is just as durable and lasts as long as concrete.  The color sealer is a concrete stain that penetrates the acrylic and was designed to stand up to the strong Florida sun.  After several years it may be necessary to reseal the surfaces, just as you would repaint the walls in your home.  This is a low-cost maintenance step and in most cases can be completed by either DCsurfaces or home-owners. Back to Questions   How long does the process take to complete? Most jobs take between 2-5 days.  The length of time depends on what kind of resurfacing is being completed and the intricacy of pattern work.  Working outdoors, we must always take current weather conditions into consideration. Back to Questions   Is acrylic slippery? The surface is slip-resistant.  Pool guests should always be safe on and around a pool deck.  Running should never be permitted on a pool deck.  Surfaces can get more slippery with each coat of sealer.  Therefore, we offer an additional slip-resistant additive which can be mixed in the final coat of sealer to provide more traction on the surface. Back to Questions   I have a big problem with mold and mildew on the patio. Can you help me get rid of that? DCsurfaces Xylene based concrete stain is mold and mildew resistant.  It can be applied on most concrete surfaces. Back to Questions   I have stains on my existing concrete.  Will they come back after the concrete is resurfaced? Existing stains should not show through the resurfacer and/or sealer.  Oil and grease stains must be addressed before a resurfacer or sealer is applied. Back to Questions    I want to dress up my patio, but don't have a lot to spend.  What options do I have? Many acrylic resurfacing options are inexpensive yet beautiful.  Our sales representatives conduct on-site estimates providing you with several options from which to make a decision. Back to Questions