I’ve always been a fan of epoxy countertops. They’re easy to clean, durable, and can be customized to your needs. When I built my first house, I was excited to have an epoxy countertop in the kitchen.
While they are not cheap by any means, they made my cooking space look very professional and sleek!
How do I make my own epoxy countertop?
If you want to make your own epoxy countertops, there are three main ways to do it. You can get a kit from the hardware store that contains everything you need—resin and hardener, plus pigments if desired—and follow the instructions on the package.
Or, if you’ve got some experience with epoxy resin or have successfully worked with it in the past, you can mix up your own batch of epoxy resin and hardener according to whatever recipe strikes your fancy.
Finally (and most commonly), people will mix up some plain old epoxy resin and hardener at home and then add in pigments as desired.
There are a number of different kinds of pigments available depending on what color scheme they’re going for.
The downside is that mixing pigments into already-hardened epoxy isn’t always easy; sometimes these mixes can be quite thick which means they might not flow very well when applied to something like an entire countertop surface area or other large surface area made out of concrete block walls/ceilings/floors etc…
Table of Contents
- How do I make my own epoxy countertop?
- How much does it cost to make an epoxy countertop?
- What kind of epoxy do you use on countertops?
- Why You Should Not Do epoxy resin countertops?
- What materials do you need to epoxy countertops?
- How long do epoxy countertops last?
- Does epoxy scratch easily?
- Do epoxy countertops yellow?
How much does it cost to make an epoxy countertop?
Let’s get started!
- Estimate the cost of your epoxy. The average price for a gallon of resin is $10, but it can cost anywhere from $8-$15 depending on where you buy it and how much you need. The more material you use, the higher your total will be. If you’re using high-grade UV resistant resin, this could add another $20-30 to your bill.
- Estimate the cost of your countertops. You’ll have to decide how much quartzite or granite tile is worth; however, quartzite has much lower maintenance than granite because it doesn’t require sealing every year and repels stains better than most natural stones do (especially if they’re treated with an epoxy coating).
- Estimate the cost of tools needed for installation: tape measurer leveler circular saw sanding disc sander drop cloths caulking gun caulk hammer trowel pliers
What kind of epoxy do you use on countertops?
Epoxy resin is a two-part resin system. It’s a liquid that hardens when mixed with a catalyst—a substance that produces the chemical reaction that causes polymerization (a process in which molecules bond to form polymers). Polymerization makes epoxy resin solidify and become useful as an adhesive or coating.
Epoxy resins are commonly used in adhesives, coatings and glues. They’re also used to make veneers for countertops as well as finishes on furniture and metal parts such as boats and cars.
Why You Should Not Do epoxy resin countertops?
- Epoxy resin countertops are not good for the environment.
- Epoxy resin countertops are not good for your health.
- Epoxy resin countertops are not good for your wallet
What materials do you need to epoxy countertops?
- Epoxy resin
- Hardener
- Mixing cups
- Mixing sticks, or stirrers
- Disposable gloves and paint brushes for cleanup (optional)
How long do epoxy countertops last?
Epoxy countertops are long-lasting and durable, so you’ll have beautiful countertops for years to come.
The lifespan of epoxy countertops depends on the type of epoxy used, as well as other factors like thickness and care. Epoxies can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
Does epoxy scratch easily?
While epoxy is a tough material, it’s not as hard as granite or quartz. So yes, epoxy can scratch easily—especially if you use metal utensils or knives on your countertop.
The good news is that scratches to the surface are easy to repair. Epoxy has built-in healing agents that fill in scratches and make them disappear completely after a few weeks of curing time.
Do epoxy countertops yellow?
Yellowing can occur when epoxy is exposed to heat, light and oxygen.
- Heat: Epoxy countertops will yellow if they are exposed to high temperatures. Heat can cause the epoxy resin and hardener to separate and form a layer on top of the countertop called “blushing”. Blushing will cause your countertops to look dull or yellowing. If you want your epoxy to retain its original color as much as possible, avoid leaving hot pans on them or leaving appliances plugged in that generate heat near the surface of the countertop.
- Light: Exposure to UV rays from sunlight or artificial sources can also cause epoxy surfaces such as glass or plastic sheets (like those used for shower enclosures) to turn yellow over time due their reflective nature which reflects back light without absorbing it like other materials do (examples include granite). To protect against this effect place your counters somewhere where there isn’t direct sunlight; consider avoiding having windows above them if possible!
Conclusion
The process of making epoxy countertops is relatively simple, but it does take some time and patience.
With the proper preparation and materials, you can create a durable and beautiful surface for your home or business. Whether you want to make it yourself or hire someone else to do so.