The GLADOM table from IKEA is ideal as a terrazzo casting base. The removable metal tray has a raised rim, which allows VIA Terrazzo to be poured in cleanly and later ground perfectly flat.
Material
- IKEA GLADOM tray
- One bucket of VIA Terrazzo (enough for about two tabletops)
- Water for mixing
- Tape (to increase the rim height)
- Grinder plus vacuum extractor
- VIA grinding tools set
- VIA pore filler
- VIA mineral impregnation
- Spatula, bucket, protective foil
Process
1.Preparation
- Apply tape around the entire rim to raise the edge by about 5 mm.
Reason: The terrazzo needs to be poured slightly higher so it can later be ground flat and the aggregate can be fully exposed.
2. Terrazzo anmischen
- VIA Terrazzo mit Wasser mischen, bis eine cremige, gießbare Masse entsteht.
- Gleichmäßig in das Tablett gießen und leicht rütteln/kant klopfen, damit Luft entweicht.
- Oberfläche so glatt wie möglich abziehen.
- Vollständig trocknen lassen.
Grinding and polishing process
The table is dry-ground, so a vacuum extractor is necessary.
Advantage: The surface remains visible at all times.
3. Rough grinding (planar grinding) with grit 30/40
- Open the surface and create the initial level adjustment.
- Grind until the aggregate is exposed across the entire area and the machine runs smoothly.
4. Intermediate grinding with grit 60/80
- Grind uniformly to remove the marks from the rough grinding.
- Collect the grinding dust because it will be needed later for pore filling.
5. Pore filling
- Mix the collected grinding dust with VIA Pore Filler.
- Work the mixture into all pores and voids using a spatula.
- Allow it to dry.
6. Removing the filler layer with grit 50
- Sand the filled surface again.
- Repeat the process if necessary, filling the pores once more and sanding again.
7. First fine grind with grit 100
- Result: a silk matte surface that is often already sufficient as a finish.
8. Optional second fine grind with grit 200
- For increased shine.
- Grind evenly one or two times.
9. Impregnation
- Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
- Treat it with VIA Mineral Impregnation.
- Apply evenly and let it absorb.
Result
A solid, elegant terrazzo tabletop created with the same method as real floor terrazzo, just in a miniature format.
Perfect as a gift, a unique piece, or a practical upcycling object.
