Can you epoxy over laminate countertops?

In your kitchen, the countertop is one of the most important parts. It’s where you prepare food, clean up and entertain.

While it’s not always easy to have a new countertop installed, it can be done. There are many materials available to choose from, such as epoxy laminate and granite.

If your budget doesn’t 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.

This product gives you all of the benefits of stone without having to break out a jackhammer or bring in professionals for installation.

How do you epoxy a laminate countertop?

• Prepare the surface:

Clean the countertop and sand it with a fine-grit sandpaper. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust and debris, and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

• Mix the epoxy resin and hardener:

Follow the instructions on your epoxy packaging to mix the resin and hardener thoroughly, then pour it on your countertop. If you’re applying colored pigment or glitter, now is when you want to add that in.

• Spread the epoxy with a trowel:

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.

How much does it cost to do an epoxy countertop?

The cost of an epoxy countertop depends on the size of your job. You can buy the epoxy and do it yourself, or hire a pro. If you want to DIY, here’s what you’ll need:

• An abrasive disc sander and cordless drill
• Safety goggles and gloves
• A respirator mask
• 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 you’re painting)

Can I cover a laminate countertop?

You absolutely can cover a laminate countertop. Whether you want to paint, laminate, or use solid surface material, there are plenty of options out there!

First things first: let’s talk about the difference between laminate and solid surfaces. 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.

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 cheaper option would be to paint over the countertops if they’re in good condition.

If they’re not looking so great anymore and you want something more durable then yes, you can use epoxy over your current laminate countertop.

Does epoxy resin stick to laminate?

The short answer to this question is: yes! Epoxy resin will, in fact, adhere to laminated surfaces. A laminate countertop is a common item found in many homes and offices. It is often formulated with plastic or paper and then coated with a wear layer for protection.

For the most part, these items are easily cleaned yet can be susceptible to damage from heat and scratches.

Perhaps you already have a laminate countertop that has been damaged beyond repair but you don’t have the budget to replace it entirely? Maybe your existing surface just needs an upgrade? No matter what the reason may be, epoxy resin will stick to laminated surfaces.

All you need to do is prep your surface correctly prior to applying any product applied over it. Let’s 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!

Can you resin over laminate?

• No, we do not recommend applying any epoxy over laminate. It will not stick and the epoxy will peel off of the laminate.
• Laminate countertops are made with a plastic material on top of particle board or MDF (medium density fiberboard). The plastic surface is very durable and easy to clean, but it is also very nonporous so there is nothing for your epoxy to bond to.
• 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. Even if you think you’ve sanded enough to create a rougher texture for your epoxy to adhere better, it will inevitably peel off after a few days or even weeks later.

How long does epoxy last on countertops?

Epoxy is a very durable material, especially when you consider its relatively low cost. With proper care and maintenance, your epoxy will last up to 20 years.

However, it’s important to note that while epoxy is heat resistant, it’s not heat-proof. For example, if you put a hot pan directly on top of your epoxy surface without a trivet between them, the epoxy might crack or peel at the contact point.

For this reason and others, we recommend always using cutting boards on your countertops to protect their surface finish even if they’re not made of laminate.

You should also wipe up spills as soon as they occur with a microfiber cloth or paper towel so they don’t have time to damage the surface beneath them.

Do epoxy countertops scratch easily?

Epoxy countertops are extremely durable, but they aren’t indestructible. They are resistant to scratching and heat, but not impervious to them.

Therefore, you must take certain precautions with your epoxy countertops to ensure that they last for years and retain their beauty.

Epoxy countertops are not scratch-proof. They are definitely resistant to scratching, but if you drag a sharp object over the surface (like a knife), it will scratch the epoxy.

If you drop something heavy on the countertop, such as a cast-iron pan, it can dent or crack the epoxy surface.

Epoxy is also not resistant to chemicals; therefore, be careful when using harsh cleaning chemicals on your epoxy countertops.

Can you put hot pots on epoxy countertops?

Yes! Epoxy is a heat-resistant coating that can take hot pots and pans. That being said, you should still be cautious when setting anything very hot directly on your epoxy.

It’s always best to use a trivet or some kind of pot holder or towel to protect the epoxy from direct contact with high heat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you may be able to epoxy over laminate countertops, but it is not recommended.

Before you start any kind of work or renovation project on your home, make sure that you are well informed about the process and materials involved.

You do not want to get halfway through your project only to realize that it cannot be completed. You also do not want to waste both time and money on a countertop project that does not turn out as you had hoped.

If you are considering getting laminate countertops for your home, then consider all of the pros and cons before you make an investment in something which may require resurfacing in a few years’ time.