Stencil a Concrete Counter with Guest Artist Jen Cushman

Some days I think the place I spend the most time other than my studio is my kitchen! My husband and I enjoy trying out and taste-testing new recipes together.

I couldn't ask for a better partner when it comes time to remodel. He gets me. 

A concrete kitchen counter has been my dream for the past 15 years. I love concrete floors too.

Shortly before mixing the concrete the contractor we were working with said, "You could stencil the countertop," I knew I wanted to take the remodel to the next level.

I chose the Maltese Mix Stencil because I wanted a geometric design.

I placed the stencil on my outgoing countertop and realized I would need to cut the edges off of the stencil to achieve a random look.

Impressing the stencil into the concrete had to happen on Goldilocks time!

Concrete heats up as it is curing and it must be soft enough to take the stencil impression but not so soft that I would smoosh the design.

We poured the concrete counter into 3 sections that took about 10 minutes each.

Pour the concrete. Level the concrete. And, my most favorite part, stencil in the Goldilocks moment towards the end.

Timing-wise, as I was done stenciling the first section the contractor was leveling the third section.

Making a concrete kitchen counter is not for the faint of heart, but I am thrilled with the end result. It was certainly worth it for me!

Next steps after stenciling: Sand. Polish. Add highlights.

Here are close-ups of the finished countertop:

Thanks for allowing me a few minutes to inspire you!

Jen Cushman

JenCushman.com