Dont be concerned, those little scratches that are taking away the old finish will allow the new finish to stay in place. Epoxy is a very durable material, especially when you consider its relatively low cost. Before we look at some of the negative aspects, which are few and far between, we will consider the primary reasons why people choose epoxy in the first place. Once you have finished pouring your epoxy countertop, you may also be able to pour a final protective coat of around 1/8 of an inch thick, this you can do this after the previous layer has properly cured. Removing epoxy drips from your countertopfeel like jelly. You can then easily remove the drips with a paint stir stick or an old gift card even. All content published on Readytodiy.com are original and written by readytodiy.com. This means that you try to make sure you end up with a bubble-free final product, leaving you with a crystal-clear casting. The installation cost is an important factor to consider before you go ahead with the project. Use a trowel to thoroughly spread out your epoxy so that it covers all of the laminate surfaces evenly, reaching even into corners and edges where needed. We do suggest that you apply an adhesive primer onto the surface of your countertop, using a sponge roller before you mix the epoxy coating. You will need 2 measuring cups to measure equal amounts of Part A and Part B of your epoxy kit. DIY Solid Surface Countertops. The cheaper option would be to paint over the countertops if theyre in good condition. While some people have tried sanding their laminate countertops or using a product like Liquid Nails between the epoxy and the laminate, those methods never work out well. Keeping your countertops clean is easy, as you can use most types of cleaning products as well as cleaning methods without causing any damage to the surface of your countertop. We've created your Go-To Guide to start working with Epoxy Resin. In your kitchen, the countertop is one of the most important parts. There is, however, an epoxy resin that is specifically manufactured to resist excessive heat. The short answer to this question is: yes! It takes about an hour for the epoxy to set up, so you can take your time on this step. You will then have a limited amount of time to work with the epoxy before it dries. As drips form underneath the front edge, scrape them off with a stir stick. Clean your gloves with a paper towel periodically to avoid spreading epoxy on all your tool. This is the top coat that will seal everything in and ensure that you have a bright, beautiful finish. The epoxy is really messy. Once the countertop begins to wear down and the finish comes off, a coat of epoxy will bring it back to that like-new condition again. You do not want to get halfway through your project only to realize that it cannot be completed. Please understand that I have experiencewith all of these companies. That being said, its still a good idea to consider both the good and the bad so that you can make a wise decision for your DIY project. However, if you have used a good quality top brand epoxy, then you should not have this problem. Other effects can be created with Rustoleum spray cans and even plastic shopping bags. You can do this by sanding it down with 80-grit sandpaper, this ensures that the entire top sheen finish of the laminate has been removed. Thus, it is well worth investing in a top-quality epoxy resin that will ensure that your end-result is successful. For this, you will need a heat gun or blow torch. Epoxy can be put over even a brand-new laminate countertop, as it adds strength and durability to the finish. The cost of an epoxy countertop depends on the size of your job. But I really wanted the look of a genuine marble slab. Mask off the walls, leaving about a 1/8-in. Another advantage, the epoxy resin surface material can handle most cleaning materials and will never lose its gloss and shine. Mix these immediately prior to application. However, its important to note that while epoxy is heat resistant, its not heat-proof. Sand lightly and evenly until you remove the sheen from the entire surface. You also need to know if it is going to work as expected. The goal is to create an even layer about 1/8 in. These are countertops for use in your home, they are exceptionally resistant to wear and tear, as well as to damage from stains and spills. round-over bit. It works like magic: The solution disperses the epoxy and gives a much more natural look. If theyre not looking so great anymore and you want something more durable then yes, you can use epoxy over your current laminate countertop. This resin produces no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and when cured is highly durable and UV-resistant. On the ends, use a 1/8-in. These include smaller projects from jewelry and various art projects, to larger more industrial applications such as flooring. Stone Coat Countertops make it easy to work with Epoxy Resin kit. I write out about what Ive learned while researching DIY projects and I enjoy sharing about my experiences while working on different projects. When you pour the epoxy, ift comes out in a thickish liquid and can very easily run over the edges of your countertop onto the floor. How long do you let resin sit before pouring? Price Although there are many things to consider when upgrading the home, price is always going to be an important consideration. You will have to scuff up up the epoxy to give your new layer something to bite and adhere to. If the epoxy coating is applied correctly, it will provide you with a durable and beautiful surface finish. This is also true when putting epoxy on a laminate countertop. A little goes a long way and you can apply it with a foam roller. You will need to apply special techniques to give you the veins, patterns and swirls that are found in a piece of real marble. An old carpenter once warned me that applying finish to sharp corners wont work; it wont work with epoxy either. Before you mix your epoxy coating, apply an adhesion primer or promoter to the countertop with a sponge roller. If you decide to install your own epoxy countertop, you will be able to buy a complete kit. Epoxy coatings require this coating to ensure a durable finish, but you can also use a primer labeled for use on shiny surfaces like laminate. You may also need to work on any designs that are associated with it. Dont mix too much epoxy at once or you will be forced to rush. Preparation is the key to success with many household projects. Allow it dry properly for about 5 minutes, and it will become clear. Rather than dealing with a countertop you are quite unhappy with, you can put some epoxy over it and love the way that it looks again. Whether you are an expert in this, Read More Pressure Pot for Resin Casting Best Resin Pressure PotsContinue, When choosing your epoxy, it is important to take note of the material you are going to be working with. However, the epoxy will only cure fully after 30 days. Next, let the first coat cure properly before you apply the second layer. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust and debris, and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. Now, you can apply 4 or 5 more coats of polyurethane, allowing each coat to dry properly before you apply the next one. High Temperature Epoxy Guide Is Epoxy Heat Resistant? Youll need to babysit the counters for a while after you think youre done. You dont want any loose hair ending up on your surface. Once you cover the surface a second time, roll across the surface from left to right to smooth the finish. The primary advantage of using epoxy over laminate countertops is the fact that it makes it beautiful easily and inexpensively. After the finish begins to wear off and some of the wear and tear begins to show up, its time to consider either tearing off the countertop or putting epoxy over it. This applies to epoxy countertops in your kitchen, which is the normal size for a residential installation. All of us want our countertops to look as nice as possible. Bubbles There are times when bubbles may appear in the epoxy. Youll also have to remove your sink before applying the epoxy. The primer needs about an hour to become tacky. You can come back in a few hours just to make sure that no additional drips occurred. When mixing your base color you will need 2 ounces of the base color for each quart. This means that the resin countertops will outlast any of the other countertop materials and will require no replacement for a long time. That doesnt mean, however, that they want to settle for a countertop that is less than ideal when it comes to the beauty it adds to the kitchen area. We have chosen the best brands of epoxy resin according to the best quality, the best value for money, and the most affordable option. Once the base coat is on, its time to mix the highlights, completely, just as you did with the base coat. Epoxy countertops are not scratch-proof. Longer work time allows for more experimenting and correcting errors. After you spread your base color you want to soak your paintbrush in some epoxy. Pour the two parts into one bucket, stir with the mixing paddle for a minute or two, then pour the mixed epoxy into a new bucket and mix for another minute or two. That isnt to say that you can begin using the countertop on the same day that you put epoxy over laminate. While its fun and sometimes more cost effective to Do It Yourself. So, here is a solution, we will show you how to make dice, Read More How to make Resin Dice Dice Casting TutorialContinue, 2022 acrylgiessen.com Creative Magazine. The primer creates a perfect surface for the epoxy to stick to. Let the primer dry for 16 hours then apply 2 coats of acrylic paint and primer in one. The trick to getting the epoxy completely mixed and avoiding soft spots is to use two buckets. Installation Another reason why epoxy is so popular is that it is easy for most homeowners to install. It is important to give the epoxy time to completely cure so that it will have that durability that we all need when it comes to using countertops in the kitchen. We recommend you avoid using polishes, waxes or scouring pads when cleaning your countertop surface. Not only is this true of wood, but epoxy coatings can be applied to many other surfaces, such as Formica or Laminate, which give it an added gloss finish and shine. Fill any gaps and seams with all-purpose body filler. DIY Kitchen Project: Off-the-Counter Produce Storage, How to Build a Portable Prep Table for Your RV Road Trip, How to Install Granite Tile Countertops (Kitchen Tile), Granite Countertops: How to Install Granite Tile, Laminate Repair Tips: Reglue Loose Laminate, The Pros and Cons of Countertop Materials, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 10 Things You Should Not Do to Your Kitchen Countertops, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. The use of epoxy resin countertops provides some breath-taking options when it comes to color, designs or patterns. Epoxy resin countertop material is extremely popular because of its durability. Whether you want to paint, laminate, or use solid surface material, there are plenty of options out there! Whatever you decide, you may find that the installation cost may go beyond the complete cost of the countertop. It has phenomenal adhesion and will stick to glass even. When your surface is dust-free you can apply a thin layer of bonding primer. This process begins by choosing a base color, then you can add another color, also known as an accent color, which enhances the base color. While its not always easy to have a new countertop installed, it can be done. You also do not want to waste both time and money on a countertop project that does not turn out as you had hoped. To remove epoxy drips from your countertops is easy. Feather the highlights into the base coat by dragging a brush lightly across the top. If youre applying colored pigment or glitter, now is when you want to add that in. By waiting for the epoxy to set up slightly, I found I could feather without blending. Some of the more popular effects are created with metallic flakes mixed with 91% isopropyl in a spray bottle. Take note that when you first apply the polyurethane coating, it may look slightly cloudy to start with. Use a foam roller or a quality natural or synthetic brush to apply a thin, even coat. By mixing part A and part B in a 1:1 Ratio and adding color pigments you can achieve the same faux look like a real stone for the fraction of the price. Protect backsplashes and countertops by masking off the perimeter of the countertop, and lay down a drop cloth or plastic sheeting to protect your flooring. In conclusion, you may be able to epoxy over laminate countertops, but it is not recommended. The epoxy resin and hardener are transparent materials, but you can add different colors to make various patterns and designs. Once the primer cures for the time recommended by the manufacturers label, apply your epoxy coating. If your laminate countertop has become discolored or damaged there is no need to replace it. Epoxy coatings offer homeowners an inexpensive way to make laminate countertops look new again and when applied properly, epoxy coatings create a finish that is durable and attractive. Follow the instructions on your epoxy packaging to mix the resin and hardener thoroughly, then pour it on your countertop. Scuffing up the surface helps the epoxy bond with the old top. In many cases, you can have the job done in a matter of hours. When you are done with the primer coating and allowed it to dry properly, you can mix your epoxy coating. Not all types of resin can be used for every application though, as certain resins are only graded for surface applications, Read More Best Deep Pour Epoxy Recommending the Best Epoxy for Deep PourContinue, The use of Epoxy has become quite popular, with a variety of ways you can use it. After the epoxy coating has fully cured, you can apply a top coat of polyurethane to protect your countertop surface. I did a few rounds of this and also made sure to spray the front edges. By applying an Epoxy coating over the laminate surface your countertop will look as good as new. Many homeowners want to transform their countertop surface in their homes, but they dont want to spend too much money or hire a professional to do the job. Sand and clean in between each coat of paint as well. Epoxy resin will, in fact, adhere to laminated surfaces. Youll also want to mix metallic powder with isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle to use later on. You can mix most color pigment types with this resin. This can be done with soap and water as well as using a degreaser to remove the old oily substances from the surface. They are definitely resistant to scratching, but if you drag a sharp object over the surface (like a knife), it will scratch the epoxy. They are resistant to scratching and heat, but not impervious to them. The, Read More Best Marine Epoxy Paints and Marine Epoxy ResinsContinue, Currently trending on several social media websites, epoxy resin is a long-time favorite of DIY communities. This could include things like boat repairs, repairing of pipes, amongst other projects. When spreading your epoxy on the laminate countertop you can use a foam roller and brush to paint it on your countertop, or a trowel that will evenly distribute your material. You can purchase a pre-made Resin-based Countertop that will cost in the region of $50 to $150 per square foot. Keep the epoxy puddle on top of the counter at this point, but get it into the corners and near the edges. Many homeowners have found that using a hairdryer will force the bubbles to come to the surface and they can be handled at that point. The main reason why people choose epoxy for laminate countertops is that the old finish has become worn. You should also wipe up spills as soon as they occur with a microfiber cloth or paper towel so they dont have time to damage the surface beneath them. Start along the backsplash and pull the roller to the front edge, working your way around the counter. Another option to consider is the laminate countertop material, which is also a more economical choice. There is more to doing a DIY project than simply digging in and getting started. Fill and smooth out particleboard thats exposed after routing or cutting. He has furthered his career by specializing in epoxy resin flooring, providing excellent service to both commercial and residential clients. Make sure to use masking tape or a piece of wood around the edges of the countertop to stop any epoxy running over the edges, and to protect your floor with some plastic sheeting. Body filler is a two-part system that will harden in a few minutes once its mixed together, so work in small sections and move quickly. You can do this by using a blow torch or dryer, which causes the bubbles to rise to the surface. If your budget doesnt allow for a complete remodel, consider using a product such as Rust-Oleum Stone Effects Countertop Coating Kit to transform your existing laminate counters into something new. Once you have completed the second layer of epoxy you can remove the masking tape or piece of wood around the edges of your countertop. You can tell which one you have by the way your countertop feels solid surface will be warm to the touch and does not have any seams (except for where two pieces join). The best-recommended product we suggest for your countertop is Puracy Cleaner. If you drop something heavy on the countertop, such as a cast-iron pan, it can dent or crack the epoxy surface. Dust the tops and wipe them down with denatured alcohol. To paint laminate countertops with epoxy can be a cost-effective alternative to replacing them with real stone. Look for dust nibs or bugs that have fallen into the coating and pick them out with a toothpick or tweezers. No matter what the reason may be, epoxy resin will stick to laminated surfaces. Some have even gone a step further and embedded LED lighting in the resin, which gives your countertop a glowing effect. Take care, as your epoxy surface can easily stain, depending on the quality epoxy material you used. Be careful to only mix the epoxy coating directly before you want to apply it, as it begins to harden fairly quickly. Both of these two substances are liquids, but when mixed they form a solid surface. We suggest you leave your countertop for about 12 hours before you start making use of it. There are even the oddest shaped dice for some games. You can expect a coating that is as clear as crystal when you use this product. Yes! Once the backsplash was off, I had to glue a piece of wood between the counter and the wall to fill the gap. There are also some negative factors to consider in the use of epoxy as well. You will put in a great amount of time, effort, and money to create an epoxy countertop that you can be proud of. Below, we will consider both the pros and the cons of using epoxy over laminate. Damage, stains or discoloration on your laminate countertop can ruin the appearance of your kitchen, but this doesnt mean you have to replace the laminate. Pressure Pot for Resin Casting Best Resin Pressure Pots, Best Marine Epoxy Paints and Marine Epoxy Resins, East Coast Resin Epoxy Review and Guide, Best Deep Pour Epoxy Recommending the Best Epoxy for Deep Pour. . Otherwise, if it seems like too much work, you can hire a professional to do the job for you. As soon as you are satisfied that your primer has dried properly, as recommended by the manufactures instructions, you can start applying your epoxy coating. The Family Handyman recommends using a wooden stir stick to remove any epoxy that drips over the countertop edges, and Stone Coat Countertops recommends covering the lower cabinets with plastic to protect them from the epoxy drips. Before you even think of applying an epoxy coating over your laminate countertop, you need to remove the surface finish of the laminate. Then drape plastic over the cabinets, tape it underneath the front edge of the counter, tuck it into the toe-kick and tape it to the plastic on the floor. How much does it cost to do an epoxy countertop? Apply four to five coats of polyurethane to the counter, waiting for each coat to dry to the touch before applying the next, and leave the countertop to cure for at least 12 hours before using. Yes, a granite countertop is more expensive. Check the bottom edge for drips and sand them out with 80-grit paper. The long and short of it is that it is not only possible to put epoxy over a laminate countertop, but it is also preferable in many cases. Epoxy typically comes in two parts that must be mixed together according to the manufacturers instructions. This product is easy to use and will level itself automatically. Epoxy is an excellent choice to make laminate countertops look new again. This primer coating will ensure a tough finish for your epoxy coating. Be sure to sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper and dust it off before you apply your paint. This post may contain affiliate links. Applying an Epoxy Resin to your homes countertops is a great idea, as it has many advantages. It is always best to have a ventilated area where you are working with epoxy. How to Keep Your Cat Off the Counter: Top 10 Ways. Ideas for the Kitchen: Renew Kitchen Countertops. round-over bit with the router positioned horizontally so the bit can follow the shape of the front edge. Spread the topcoat on quickly and then lightly reroll the entire surface in one direction. Lets take a look at some steps on how best to prepare your surface before applying an epoxy coating so that it adheres properly without bubbling or peeling up later down the road! Once your epoxy base-coat is evenly spread over your countertop you can go ahead and pop any bubbles that occurred. Finally, I put cardboard under the counters to collect drips. But if you have used a textured epoxy material, your final result will be whatever texture you have chosen. The next day youll prepare the counter for the protective topcoat; ideally this will be about 20 hours after the pour so the topcoat will form a chemical bond with the not-yet-cured epoxy. The surface will become dry to the touch within just 24 hours, and will be ready for light kitchen use within a period of three days. Over time, it will cost you less and will last for many years. The surface is designed to withstand scratching and will last for many years before the surface color begins to fade. This would include removing all grease and grime from the counter and sanding it with sandpaper. In fact, this product releases no VOCs, making it that much safer to work with. So get organized and set everything you need from this point on within arms reach. After allowing the first coat to cure for at least 24 hours, you can put down the second coat. Sand the countertop with 80-grit sandpaper. So, if you are looking to produce a marble or granite-like finish with your epoxy, the choice of color combination is just the start of the process. Some disadvantages of epoxy countertops are that they can harden fairly quickly, can be quite messy and sometimes it is difficult to work with. I suggest using Benjamin Moores Stix primer. This budget-friendly epoxy resin provides a quality product that cures into a transparent, glossy coating that will endure high impact and abrasions. In this blogpost, we will be telling you more about epoxy countertops, and how you can save a lot of money by pouring your own Epoxy Resin Countertop. Although the normal epoxy countertop is extremely durable, it may show signs of scratch marks if you did not treat it properly. Is epoxy a good choice if you already have laminate countertops in place? An abrasive disc sander and cordless drill, A liquid deglosser or sanding block to roughen up the laminate surface before applying epoxy resin, An epoxy kit with a base coat, seal coat, and clear coat (we used a high gloss clear) and tinting pigment if desired, Painters tape (and a steady hand if youre painting). First, mix your resin with your hardener in a separate container and then pour it out over the countertop. Laminate has a paper layer on top of it, Solid Surface is made with acrylic resins that make it look like a solid piece of stone. Whats the difference between glue and epoxy? how much does it cost to make an epoxy resin table? So, if you find you have applied too much oil, take a clean cloth, and wipe the excess off. However, there is a word of caution here, it is going to take a lot of hard work and you may not be completely satisfied with the final result. Tape plastic to the floor beneath the counters. The epoxy coating comes in a 2-part package, a resin, and a hardener. Read the label to determine how much of each part is necessary to cover the surface of the laminate. You also like knowing that any countertop in the home, including those that are in the bathroom can easily be upgraded with the use of epoxy. For the most part, these items are easily cleaned yet can be susceptible to damage from heat and scratches. This product gives you all of the benefits of stone without having to break out a jackhammer or bring in professionals for installation. How much does epoxy Countertop cost compared to Granite? This is why an epoxy countertop is great in a kitchen environment. First things first: lets talk about the difference between laminate and solid surfaces. If you intend to refurbish your countertop surface using epoxy, the cost is unbelievably reasonable compared to other countertop materials, such as granite or marble. Let us compare prices; how much does epoxy countertop cost? The countertop does not need to be removed or replace. Does epoxy garage floor increase home value? The same is also true with any dirt or grease that has built up over the course of time. The first step in the process is to thoroughly clean the countertops. Can you put epoxy on Formica countertops? Walk around the counters and sand out any dust nibs you find with 220-grit sandpaper. When you have discolouration or stains on your laminate countertop, it can spoil the appearance of your countertops in your kitchen or bathroom. Before you can apply an epoxy coating to your laminate countertop, you must remove the old finish. As I said, the possibilities are endless when painting laminate countertops with Epoxy! Another primer option available is a primer that has been labelled for use on shiny surfaces. Clean the countertop and sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper. This will appear cloudy initially, but dries clear in less than five minutes. Home House & Components Fixtures Countertops. Can you put a hot pan on epoxy countertops? Pull any loose bristles from your paintbrush before you start. If you have to stop to find something or run to the store, youll be in trouble. If it is a fairly large Countertop it could cost $200 per square foot or more. Epoxy needs a rounded edge in order to bond well to the corner and to flow over it. Of course, you cant abuse it but you can certainly use it. The first layer of epoxy is poured onto the counter and smoothed across the surface. Can You Epoxy Over Tile Floor/Countertops? Therefore, you must take certain precautions with your epoxy countertops to ensure that they last for years and retain their beauty. Now, let the epoxy cure completely before you make use of your new countertop. To be safe, it is advisable to add on an extra few hundred dollars to the cost of your materials for the installation. It can become a sticky mess if you dont do this. You will not see that seam after and it will look like you did it at the same time. Once you start applying the primer coat to the counters, youre on the clock. Keep in mind that it might show through in some areas. This is where epoxy countertops come in, it is fairly reasonably priced, and you can pour it yourself over any of your existing countertop surfaces. The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned with no dust or dirt, as these will be permanently sealed in the epoxy. Many manufactures also add glitter to their epoxy resins, these are used for greater effect when combined with a basic color. Then sand the top, front edge and rounded corners with 60-grit sandpaper. We pursue Google DMCA takedowns aggressively and it will hurt your domain ranking. If youre new to epoxy resin, you may not be familiar with East Coast resin, a highly rated resin producer. You can accomplish this by taking your old countertop and create special designs and patterns on the surface or add special effects inside the epoxy. Make sure that you wear a respirator so that the dust doesnt get into your lungs. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. For the sink opening, tape plastic to the underside of the counter to catch the epoxy. Follow the highlights and dab the brush to give them a natural look. Now that you removed all bubbles from your epoxy base coat you can begin adding effects. Start your journey with Epoxy Resin the most efficient way and create stunning Resin pieces. We recommend our users to update the browser. Martin Flood has been working in the construction industry for over 20 years as a general contractor with expertise in remodeling projects that are large or small. Begin at the outside edges of the countertop and spread the epoxy toward the center. Start by first applying an even thin layer, using a good quality synthetic or natural paintbrush or a foam roller. Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops? If you are painting your kitchen countertops with Epoxy you want to let it dry overnight before adding another layer.