Surecrete XS-327 Concrete Countertop Sealer - Semi-Gloss, Food Safe, Water-Based for Kitchen & Bathroom Countertops - Ideal for DIY Home Renovation Projects

After weeks of researching DIY websites, youtube videos, amazon reviews, etc, I was ready to sand down and re-seal my concrete countertops. I settled on Cheng hybrid sealer. I wet-sanded them down to 400 grit and began applying the sealer per the instructions. Eight coats later, the counter tops were soaking up the sealant like a sponge! I got impatient on the 9th coat and applied an extra thick layer. BIG MISTAKE. I woke up to cloudy marks all over. And to top it off, they still didn't pass the water drop test !Frustrated, I aborted the experiment with the Cheng sealer and went back to the drawing board.Deep into my research rabbit hole, I came upon some Reddit threads. This was the treasure chest of DIY advice I was looking for! XS 327 was highly recommended in several threads, so I gave it a try. BEST DECISION EVER!I re-sanded the countertops to get the cloudy rings out that came from the 9th coat of my previous experiment. This time I wet anded them down to 200 grit as XS-327 recommends.I followed the directions to a T, especially the dilution directions. This is one big, precise chemistry experiment so double check and triple check your math.After 1 primer coat, one 3:1 coat, and one 2:1 coat...these countertops are bullet proof, water proof and look amazing!After my mistakes and struggles I have the following advice:1) Purchase some precise measuring containers -- some that measure to the nearest 2 oz or 1 oz. I had ones that measured to the nearest 8 oz and it was not precise enough.2) After each coat, discard the mixture you just used. It must be used within 30 minutes of mixing. Trust me, don't use it for the next coat 2 hours later!3) Because of #2, don't mix too much for each coat. You inevitably will be tossing a good chunk, so limit how much that is. I did 3oz : 2oz for each coat and had plenty to spare once it was diluted.4) For each coat, use a NEW high-density foam roller. I tried re-using these and it didn't apply well. It left unsightly micro-bubbles. I sanded them out and re-did the coat using new rollers.5) WEAR GLOVES. This stuff is not forgiving on skin, it gets sticky, then dries, and doesn't come off.6) If you make any mistakes, let it dry, sand off the imperfections with 220 grit (dry) sandpaper, and move on to the next coat.7) Use denatured alcohol for any drips onto the ground, appliances, or cabinets. Consider doing this after each coat as it is much easier to clean up before it has cured.8) Any questions you can call their emergency customer service line and they will walk you through the next steps. AMAZING customer service.9) I got semi-gloss and wished I had gotten gloss. My countertops are dark gray/blackish and I like a wet look to them. The semi-gloss didn't quite do it for me. However, I love how they look and at this point the enemy of good is better.Spend the extra $$ for this two-part sealant and you will not be dissapointed. It's a little harder to apply than the popular, cheaper hybrid sealers, but the results are so much better. Learn from my mistakes, trust me!