Laminate countertops have been a staple of kitchens and bathrooms for ages. They’re affordable, easy to install and come in all sorts of colors and patterns to fit the design aesthetic of any home.
But laminate is not without its flaws. Laminate countertops are prone to scratches, stains, burns, chipping and other damage that can add up quickly on even a well-maintained surface. That’s where epoxy comes in.
Epoxy is a quick and simple solution to transforming your old laminate counters into gorgeous, durable surfaces that are less likely to stain or scratch than their predecessors (and more heat resistant!).
Can you epoxy over laminate counters?
You can use epoxy to laminate countertops, but there are some things you need to know. First, you’ll want to prep your countertops and make them ready for the epoxy.
You’ll also need to choose a type of epoxy that will work with your laminate counters, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Once you have all of the materials needed (and have checked out our handy step-by-step guide!), it’s time for application.
Apply a thin layer of epoxy on both sides of each component and lay them face down on top of one another so that when flipped over they’re touching tightly together.
Press firmly as necessary until all pieces join together as one solid piece (this could take anywhere from 30 seconds up).
After this has dried completely usually between 12 and 24 hours — flip it over and apply another layer just like before: on top now instead underneath!
Once done with everything else regarding this process: cleaning up all tools used during application; making sure no dust or debris was left behind; etc., there should be no maintenance required other than keeping an eye out for any cracks or chips which may appear due to normal wear-and-tear over time.
Table of Contents
- Can you epoxy over laminate counters?
- How much does it cost to do an epoxy countertop?
- Can epoxy be used on Formica countertops?
- How do I prepare my countertop for epoxy?
- How long does epoxy last on countertops?
- What kind of epoxy do you use on countertops?
- Does epoxy scratch easily?
- What are the pros and cons of epoxy countertops?
How much does it cost to do an epoxy countertop?
The average cost of an epoxy countertop is between $1.00 and $2.50 per square foot, depending on what size the piece of granite you would like to purchase.
The price also varies greatly depending on whether or not you are going with a laminate, quartz, marble or wood look for your kitchen island or bathroom vanity top.
If you want to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to budgeting for a new countertop installation in your home then be sure to keep these tips in mind:
- A “solid surface” includes materials such as quartz and Corian (sometimes referred to as cultured marble). Solid surfaces are more expensive than traditional porcelain tile because they require more time and labor during installation but they also provide greater durability over time.
- If there is any way that this can be avoided then please do so! There are many different ways that homeowners might try installing their own laminate counters but unless someone has experience doing this kind thing before then it’s probably best left up to professionals who know what they’re doing! It may seem like a waste of money at first glance but trust me when I say that hiring someone else will save both parties lots of headaches down line.”
Can epoxy be used on Formica countertops?
Yes, epoxy can be used on Formica countertops.
Formica is a brand name and it’s not the same as a hard surface material like granite or marble. Most laminate countertops are made out of fiberglass or plastic, but there are some that are made from other materials like metal, glass or even stone.
The type you have determines whether you can use epoxy on it. If it’s plastic or fiberglass then yes, you can use epoxy!
How do I prepare my countertop for epoxy?
Preparing your countertops is important to ensure you get the best results. The first thing you need to do is remove all the old finish and residue on your countertops.
This can be done with a degreaser, wax and grease remover, solvent cleaner, mildew remover, bleach and water solution or vinegar and water solution.
Once you have removed all of this old material from your laminate surface clean it thoroughly with soap and water and let dry completely before applying epoxy.
How long does epoxy last on countertops?
Epoxy countertops are durable and can last for decades. They’re also stain-resistant, easy to clean and can be repaired if they get damaged. Epoxy is also easy to maintain.
What kind of epoxy do you use on countertops?
Epoxy is a two-part system that consists of resin and hardener. The resin is the base color and the hardener is what causes it to cure.
There are many types of epoxy available, so you can find one that matches your desired color and surface gloss level. The thicknesses vary from 1/8″ to 2″.
The most common type of epoxy used for countertops has a matte finish (less shine) with some graininess visible in the cured material. You can also find some very shiny versions with no visible grains if you have a preference for this look.
Does epoxy scratch easily?
Epoxy is a hard surface and more durable than laminate. It’s more expensive than laminate as well, but less expensive than granite, marble or quartz.
Epoxy is harder than ceramic tile – so if you drop something on your countertop, chances are it will scratch the epoxy rather than chip away at the material beneath it.
You can’t say that about any other natural stone material commonly used in kitchens such as granite, marble or quartz.
What are the pros and cons of epoxy countertops?
Epoxy countertops are a popular choice for kitchen renovations. Epoxy is strong and durable, making it an attractive option that can add value to your home.
The biggest drawback of epoxying over Formica is that you’ll have to remove the Formica first before applying epoxy since they don’t stick together well.
Epoxy countertops are more expensive than other types of laminate because they require special preparation in order to adhere properly and make them scratch proof.
They’re also not easy to repair if you accidentally damage them with something like a knife or cooking pot, which means you should think long and hard before deciding on this type of material for your kitchen renovation project!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you learn everything there is to know about epoxy countertops, including what they are and how you can use them to create beautiful surfaces in your home.
Epoxy is an excellent material for homeowners looking for something a little more unusual than granite or marble but with similar durability and easy maintenance.
If you’re interested in learning more about epoxies, check out our other articles on how to choose the best epoxy for your project and tips on applying it properly!