About Our Concrete
Concrete Appearance and Variations
At Curated Concrete all of our products are made by hand by us in Kansas City Missouri. Concrete countertops/furniture are a handmade product using natural materials which means there will be some variations.Concrete goes through a chemical reaction when curing. This sometimes causes variations in color, texture and voids which give its character. We do what we can to control the curing process but these variations are what give concrete its uniqueness and enhance the look and often desirable. The following are acceptable by industry standards. Curated Concrete has limited control of appearance of our concrete and is not responsible for replacing or repairing products due to these variations.
Naturally occurring pin/air holes and hairline cracks including post installation. These happen naturally during the curing process of concrete. We often fill and polish pin holes. Holes filled on surface and edges will have a different shade or tone than the original concrete color.
Variations in color. Concrete goes through many chemical reactions during the curing process. This can cause movement, swirls, shade differences and variations in color. We carefully measure out all ingredients and do our best to control the environment but variations can happen. While our products are designed to last a lifetime, their appearance may change over time due to the natural aging process of concrete, as well as normal wear and tear.
Chipping & Scratching. Concrete is a very durable material, but may chip if struck with another hard object. Scratches may form on your surface if a sharp or rough object is dragged across the concrete. Minor scratches can be filled in with a wax or granite countertop polish. Curated Concrete is not responsible for repairing or replacing any products that are chipped or scratched after delivery is completed. If damages do occur please contact us.
Cracking. Cracks can form in concrete from stress, movement, shrinkage, weather (freeze-thaw), not enough support, movement/settling of cabinets or abuse to the product. Hairline surface cracks may develop and are considered acceptable in the concrete industry since they do NOT effect the structural integrity. Curated Concrete is not responsible for repairing or replacing any products that develop or sustain hairline cracks. Please see Warranty or contact us with any issues.
Sealer and Stains. At Curated Concrete we use a Water-Based,Non-Emitting Penetrating Hybrid Sealer. It has chemical reactive technology that impregnates and molecular alters concrete creating a hardening crystal-like surface. The sealer is food safe ,very stain, scratch, and heat resistant. To get the best results of the sealer avoid harsh chemicals, acids, and cutting directly on the concrete. Harsh chemicals and acids may “eat” through the sealer, leaving a light clouding, and could possibly expose or stain your concrete. Staining can also occur if the sealer is compromised (e.g. cutting on it, using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, etc.). Curated Concrete does warranty the sealer for one year. See warranty for complete details. Also see our cleaning and sealer page for more details.
Color Samples. Computer monitors can cause variations and poor representation of the true color. We recommend ordering the actual samples. Colors can vary from actual product. To order samples please contact us and visit our color and finishes page for more details.
Cleaning and Care
Concrete is a very durable material but like all countertops materials it needs to be properly cared for. Many of the care methods are to prolong the life of the sealer(please read our about sealer page for more info) .
Cleaning- recommend using mild cleaners such as soapy water or granite/stone countertop safe to cleaners. Windex with vinegar or a water vinegar solution ( 2 parts water 1 part vinegar example 8oz water with 4oz vinegar) used as a cleaner occasionally will help rejuvenate the sealer. Occasionally using furniture polish or granite polish helps fill minor scratches and give the surface a nice sheen.
Recommend avoiding these things to protect your sealer and the concrete surface:
Acidic foods and beverages. Things like lemon juice, vinegar, citric acid, mustard, tomatoes, soda, wine, perfumes, colognes etc. They should be cleaned from your concrete promptly.
Avoid Harsh and acidic cleaners/solvents. Cleaners like bleach, ammonia, acetone, hydrogen peroxide, lacquer thinner etc. will damage the sealer.
Avoid scrubbing with abrasive scrub pads and steel wool. These could damage the sealer. If using a scrub pad is needed to clean the surface we recommend using lots of water and light pressure.
Avoid high heat or placing hot pots and pans on the surface. Concrete is very heat and fire resistant but this could damage the sealer. We recommend using hot pads or trivets. Slow cookers should also be placed on trivets
Avoid cutting directly on the surface of concrete. This could scratch the sealer and will damage your knives. Always use a cutting board. Furniture and granite polish help with these minor scratches
Avoid excessive force. Concrete is very durable but blows from tools or pots and pans can cause chips. If chips do happen give us a call and we can schedule a time to come out and repair them or send a repair kit.
We recommend covering outdoor pieces during winter to protect from ice and snow.
About the Sealer
For several weeks after applying the sealer you may notice the concrete darken in the areas where water and things are left on the surface. This is normal as the cross linking of the sealer continues. Darkening of the surface is not an indication that the sealer is not working, in fact it is a normal reaction as the sealer continues to cure. Reactive Sealers are breathable sealers which allow water vapor to move through the sealer, but should not easily let tannins from staining agents through.
Water Based
Non-Emitting Penetrating Hybrid Sealer
Chemical Reactive Technology- Impregnates and Molecular Alters Concrete Create A Hardening Crystal-Like Surface.
High Resistance to Etching from Acidic Products Such as Wine, Lemon’s…
Ultra-Low VOC
High Reducer of Staining
Heat Resistant to Hot Pan Contact
In accordance with USDA regulations 9 CFR, Section 416.4 and the Food Safety Inspection Service’s “Sanitation Performance Compliance Guide”.
For Material Safety Data Sheets please contact Curatedconcreteco@gmail.com for more info.
Do’s and Don’ts:
Wipe up spills as they occur. Use a damp cloth or a natural cleaning solution. Soapy water, Clorox Multi Cleaner, granite countertop safe cleaners, and windex with vinegar are safe. Avoid bleach and ammonia cleaners.
Clean occasionally with vinegar and water solution. This helps harden and clean sealer. A 2 part water to 1 part vinegar mix works well. Example: 8oz water with 4oz vinegar.
Never use a sealed countertop as a cutting board.
Use coasters or felt pads below anything with sharp edges.
Reapplication of sealer is recommended every 5-10 years based on wear and use….no stripping required.
Curated Concrete Warranty for GFRC Concrete
Curated Concrete guarantees that during the first 1 year after installation, they shall repair or replace product if it fails to maintain functional structural integrity for the intended purpose of the product solely due to a defect.
This warranty does not include or cover the following:
Hairline cracks as these will not affect the structural integrity of the product, 2) Damage caused by acts of abuse to the products such as scratches, chips, stains, trapped water, physical overloading or other markings/damage, 3) Damage caused by incorrect or lack of cleaning or care, 4) Damage caused by altering product such as drilling, cutting, sanding/polishing, 5) Improper installation done by customer or third party includes improper support or loss of support.
Curated Concrete also guarantees that during the first 1 year after installation, they shall repair or replace sealer if it fails to maintain functional integrity for the intended purpose of the product solely due to a defect. This warranty does not cover damage to the sealer resulting from impacts, cuts, scrapes or damage by harsh chemicals, highly acidic foods, improper cleaning or intense heat.
All claims must be made known to Curated Concrete within 7 days of the incident. Any further damage caused from lack of correction of warranted issue will not be warranted.
Cancellation & Return Policy:
PLEASE CONTACT US IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT
Since all of CURATED CONCRETE LLC products are custom made to order, cancellations, returns, or exchanges of any products are not permitted. CURATED CONCRETE does not offer exchanges, replacement, return, or refund if amount of pinholes, level of patina, grout fill, chips, finish or surface variation of the product. Or the incorrect size is purchased or if a client has a personal aversion to the color.
If you receive a product that you did not order, you must notify us within seven (7) business days from the date of receipt of the product. We will arrange for you to ship the product back to us in its original crate or container. Curated Concrete will pay for all return shipping expenses and will deliver the correct product as soon as possible.
After production has begun, changes to orders usually are not possible. Curated Concrete will attempt to accommodate a Customer’s request to change orders, but additional charges may be incurred and Curated Concrete reserves the right to reject such requests in its sole discretion.
For any concerns please email: Curatedconcreteco@gmail.com