Anyone use a concrete overlay product for ugly countertop or slab floors?

[savingtofreedom]

I am getting tired of some of the crappy features in my house and would like to fix them on a budget.  In the kitchen we have laminate countertops.  I have found the following product that you can use to cover the laminate with a concrete layer.  It seems pretty intriguing.  I also think the price is very good - haven't fully priced it out yet.

The other issue is part of our main level flooring is carpet - the other part is wood.  I feel bad about ripping out the wood as it is still pretty decent.  I was think I could also use this product on my slab foundation after removing the carpet and stain and seal the floor.  I am going for a pretty modern look so I think it would fit in with the aesthetic.

Has anyone used these types of products before?  I would love to get feedback/input.  The product I am looking at is called Deco Poz.  There are some other similar type products out there too.

Countertop Example - 1
http://www.tellus360.com/2012/09/20/deco-poz-kitchen-counter-redo/

Flooring Example - 1
http://www.bgreensupply.com/PhotoGallery.html

For the flooring I would want a gray concrete look floor -  would not want any other color.

Any insight/feedback would be great.

[needmyfi]

Don't have any experience with this product, but have seen many places with stained concrete that look fantastic.  One was in an art gallery, the owner did it himself.  There is stained conrete floors where I work , but that is a pro job.  The process uses acid to etch the surface so that the stain is taken up unevenly, giving a marblized look.  Then it is sealed for a shiny finish.  If this sounds like something that interests you google concrete stain. 

[needmyfi]

oops-just looked at the Deco Poz site and saw they advertise the concrete stain as well-so Chances are good you have seen it.  I do know that the stain does look good though

[c]

I have been eyeing this http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-laminate-countertop-goes-concrete-177281 it gives the look of concrete without the weight. If you click through to their blog they use this product for a few things. It seems like it doesn't "stick" to the sides, but if you built some kind of frame you could probably do the edges.

They say the product is used for commercial flooring.

[savingtofreedom]

I have been eyeing this http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-after-laminate-countertop-goes-concrete-177281 it gives the look of concrete without the weight. If you click through to their blog they use this product for a few things. It seems like it doesn't "stick" to the sides, but if you built some kind of frame you could probably do the edges.

They say the product is used for commercial flooring.

C this is a similar type product.  Also eco - friendly.  Here is another example countertop.  I saw some videos too but wasn't crazy about the stain the homeowner picked:

http://www.greenbuildingcenter.net/how-to-go-green/workshops/



Needmyfi - I have also seen some cool applications for concrete flooring - I hope this product would work as well for flooring. 

[Rural]

We tried a concrete stain on our slab floor in the new house we're finishing now, without good results. I did acid etch first, but the color just wouldn't take. I'd strongly recommend trying in an unobtrusive spot before you commit (closet, maybe?) I have a splotchy partial stain under the bathtub now, but fortunately no one will ever know.

I ended up just sealing the floor in the whole house (slab on grade), and I'm actually quite happy with it. If you're looking for gray anyway, you might try a section with a stain and a section with just sealant in that closet.

Pick a warm spell of weather, even for the test; you're going to have to open up the whole house, trust me. I had fume issues even though our south wall wasn't fully sheathed yet, and that was just with the sealant.

I used Eagle brand sealant if you want to look into it. It gives protection and a nice shine without being slippery, plus a slight darkening of the gray. I don't recall the stain brand, but I can check if you like.

[Rural]

Sorry for the double post, but I forgot to add that our slab is fully insulated underneath. Without that, I think the concrete would be too cold for comfort, even though we're in the South. If your slab isn't insulated, be sure you give that some thought.

[TomTX]

Don't have any experience with this product, but have seen many places with stained concrete that look fantastic.  One was in an art gallery, the owner did it himself.  There is stained conrete floors where I work , but that is a pro job.  The process uses acid to etch the surface so that the stain is taken up unevenly, giving a marblized look.  Then it is sealed for a shiny finish.  If this sounds like something that interests you google concrete stain.

While acid staining and sealing are important, the real key to getting a GOOD stained concrete floor is all in the polishing. Multiple grit levels, polishing to not just a glossy finish, but "distinct image" literal mirror finish.