Effortless DIY Concrete Vanity and Sink No Forms No Heavy Lifting

Time needed: 2 hours and 30 minutes

This entire project, excluding drying time, can be completed in approximately 2.5 hours. It’s a quick and easy way to achieve a high-impact bathroom upgrade!

1. Remove your old faucet.

   Begin your vanity makeover by completely removing your existing faucet. This clears the workspace and prevents it from getting coated in concrete. If you also plan to replace your drain stopper, now is the ideal time to remove it. However, if you intend to reuse your current drain stopper, leave it securely in place to protect the drain opening during the concrete application process.

2. Scuff sand your countertop and sink.

   Using sandpaper, thoroughly scuff sand the entire surface of your existing countertop and sink. The primary goal here is not to remove the finish completely, but rather to create a dull, textured surface. This dulling process significantly improves adhesion, allowing the concrete overlay to bond more effectively and prevent peeling or cracking in the future. This step should be quick and doesn’t require excessive effort – just ensure the entire shiny surface has been lightly abraded with scuff marks. Remember, proper surface preparation is key to a long-lasting finish.
   

3. Install your drain stopper.

   If you’re upgrading both your faucet and drain stopper, it’s critically important to install the new drain stopper now, before applying any concrete. Do not install the new faucet yet, but ensure the drain stopper is firmly in place. Our original attempt skipped this step, leading to discoloration around the drain about a year later, likely due to water seeping underneath and darkening the concrete. We successfully fixed it by carefully removing the drain, reapplying concrete around the edge, and reinstalling it (you can see the detailed fix here). To avoid this extra work, trust us: secure your drain stopper first. This proactive step creates a seamless, protected barrier and prevents future headaches.

4. Mix your concrete overlay.

   Now, it’s time to prepare your Feather Finish concrete overlay mixture. Pour a manageable amount of the dry mix into your drywall tray. Gradually add water, mixing thoroughly with a small putty knife until you achieve a consistency similar to that of thick pancake batter – smooth but not runny. After your initial mix, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the polymers to fully hydrate, improving workability and adhesion. Give it a final stir, and your concrete overlay is ready for application. Mixing it correctly ensures it spreads smoothly and adheres properly.
   

5. Apply your first coat of concrete.

   Using your large drywall knife, apply a very thin and even layer of concrete overlay to the entire cultured marble countertop surface, including any existing backsplash. Crucially, do not aim for full coverage with this first coat; its purpose is primarily to create a bonding layer for subsequent applications. It will likely look quite messy and patchy, resembling a “hot mess,” but do not be alarmed—this is perfectly normal and expected. For the main countertop, use the drywall knife, and switch to the smaller putty knife for the backsplash. For intricate areas like corners and the top of the edges, your fingers (protected with gloves!) will be your best tool for precise application. Don’t worry if you get some on the walls; it can be wiped off easily, even after it dries.
   

6. Apply concrete to the sink basin.

   Immediately after applying the first coat to the countertop, turn your attention to the sink basin. This area typically requires a more tactile approach; you’ll need to apply the concrete directly with your gloved fingers. Spread the concrete around the basin as evenly as possible, ensuring coverage over all surfaces. Again, expect it to appear messy, and don’t be concerned about visible finger marks at this stage. Your primary focus is to get a thin, consistent layer down. Remember to keep your hands protected with latex gloves throughout this process to avoid skin irritation from the concrete.
   

7. Allow the first coat to dry.

   After applying your first coat to both the countertop and sink, it’s essential to allow it to dry completely. While Feather Finish concrete dries relatively quickly to the touch, especially in thin layers, I recommend letting each coat cure overnight. This ensures maximum hardness and adhesion, preventing any issues when you apply subsequent layers or begin sanding. Patience at this stage will contribute significantly to the overall durability and finish of your concrete vanity.

8. Lightly sand.

   Once the first coat is thoroughly dry, gently hand sand the entire surface. The goal here is to knock down any high spots, rough edges, or noticeable imperfections, creating a smoother base for your next layer. Use 150-grit sandpaper for this initial sanding. If you find that your first coat was applied too thickly and has significant, stubborn imperfections, an electric sander can be used to expedite this process, though always with a light touch to avoid removing too much material. Remember to wear a dust mask during sanding to protect your lungs.
   

9. Layer additional coats of concrete until you are happy with the coverage.

   Repeat steps 5 through 8 (mix, apply, dry, sand) until you achieve your desired level of coverage and smoothness. With each subsequent coat, you’ll find it easier to build up the concrete, filling in any remaining uneven spots and effectively getting into corners and along ledges. I typically use my gloved fingers to meticulously work the concrete into these intricate areas, ensuring a seamless finish. I found that three coats were sufficient for my vanity, largely due to my prior experience with this product on our DIY concrete fireplace, which allowed me to apply it fairly smoothly. If you encounter more imperfections or are new to this technique, you might need four or even five coats to achieve that perfectly smooth, consistent finish. Don’t be alarmed if the drying second coat still looks splotchy, as shown in the photo below—this is completely normal and will even out with further layers and sanding.
   

   The photograph below illustrates what the second coat looks like while drying—a rather mottled and uneven surface! DON’T PANIC! This splotchy appearance is entirely normal and will be rectified with subsequent applications and careful sanding. The key is to build thin layers, ensuring each one adheres properly and contributes to the overall strength and aesthetic of your faux concrete vanity.
   

10. Smooth out the concrete in the sink basin.

    During the application of your second and third coats to the sink basin, a clever technique can help eliminate finger ridges and achieve a smoother finish. After applying the concrete, allow it to dry slightly until it’s just firm enough to work with, but not fully hardened. This typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes, though it requires a bit of trial and error to find the perfect timing based on humidity and coat thickness. At this point, gently smooth out the ridges using a damp sponge. If the concrete is too wet, you’ll simply wipe it off, which you want to avoid. The goal is to lightly glide the sponge over the surface, refining the shape and texture. Important: Do not attempt this smoothing technique on the first coat in the sink, as it will just wipe away the fresh concrete. Reserve this step exclusively for your second and subsequent layers for optimal results.
    

11. Do a final sanding.

    Once you are completely satisfied with the coverage and smoothness of your concrete layers, it’s time for the final sanding. For this critical step, I highly recommend hand sanding the entire concrete vanity top, using finer 220-grit sandpaper. This approach allows for greater control, ensuring you don’t inadvertently remove too much concrete, especially around delicate edges and corners. The aim is to achieve a silky-smooth surface, free of any remaining imperfections or rough patches. However, if despite your best efforts, there are still significant uneven areas, you may need to carefully employ an electric sander to even them out, always proceeding with caution to maintain the integrity of your hard work.

12. Apply a concrete sealer.

    The final, essential step to protect and perfect your new concrete vanity is applying a high-quality sealer. I strongly recommend a water-based acrylic concrete sealer with a satin finish, as it provides excellent protection while imparting a beautiful, subtle sheen that enhances the natural concrete look. We achieved outstanding results with Quikrete 873002 Concrete Cure And Seal Satin Finish. When initially applied, the sealer will appear milky white, but do not worry—it dries to a perfectly clear finish. It also has the welcome effect of slightly darkening the concrete, deepening its tone for a richer aesthetic. Carefully follow the product’s directions: apply the sealer in thin, even coats, diligently avoiding puddles, which can dry unevenly and leave visible marks. Furthermore, be sure to smooth out any tiny air bubbles that may form during application. I applied two coats for optimal durability and protection. This step is crucial for making your concrete vanity waterproof and stain-resistant.
    

13. Install your new faucet.

    With the concrete fully sealed and dry, your final task is to install your chosen faucet. Whether you’re reattaching your old faucet or upgrading to a brand-new one, this step brings your DIY concrete vanity to completion. We were thrilled to discover an amazing deal on Amazon for our sleek new faucet, purchasing it for just $39! This incredibly affordable find further cemented the budget-friendly nature of our entire renovation. You can find the exact faucet we purchased here, ready to complement your stunning new concrete countertop and sink.