Concrete Counter follow-up

[Jagshund]

It's been over a month since finishing the counter and it has yet to crack or effloresce, so I'd like to think we're in the clear for the time being. For those of you considering a similar project I have the following recommendations:

1) If planning to use sack mix, add a lot more cement to the mix. A lot. The top polished fine but if I were staining it there would be a lot of aggregate contrast.

2) Don't try to polish for at least 10-14 days after pouring. Mine was entirely too soft after a week (using sack mix) and the diamond disc enjoyed digging into entirely too often, but the damage was minimized.

3) Consider covering the walls and surrounding areas before tackling the pouring and the polishing. It can get rather messy.

4) Check and double check all plugs. Mine worked well but there was a small issue removing one completely- it will be covered by a stainless drip tray, so no harm done, but if it had been part of a sink or other exposed area it would have spelled trouble.

5) Pay extra attention to the lower leading edge when vibrating. I have some small voids that will be left as is mainly because I like the industrial look it provides. We have eyes on a large weathered Coke sign (3' x 5') that will go nicely with the look.

As for my soda project, I still need to run the plumbing (as evidenced by the gallon-sized drain jug) but it went up nicely. Isn't it amazing how four soda cans can support the weight of the machine filled with 19 gallons of water?! Helps when they've been filled with concrete.