Most people see the word “epoxy” and think about glue. But that’s not what we’re talking about here, at least not exactly. Epoxy is also a material commonly used for countertops, floors, and tables.
It provides a metallic or stone finish for surfaces that are both gorgeous and extremely durable. Before you decide whether to bring epoxy into your home, though, you need to know how much it costs.
Is epoxy countertop cheaper than granite?
If you’re looking for something that’s cheaper than granite and doesn’t have the drawbacks of Formica, epoxy might be a good option.
It’s easy to install and looks great, but it won’t work in commercial settings due to its lack of durability. Epoxies are also prone to chipping, which can be annoying if you’re trying to cook or wash dishes on your countertop. Some epoxies are thinner than granite, so they may not last as long either.
Epoxy countertops aren’t heat resistant—you’ll need a trivet if you want to put hot things like pots and pans on them (and who doesn’t?). They also require regular cleaning with soap and water; anything else could damage the surface.
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How long do epoxy countertops last?
Epoxy countertops are not as durable as granite, but they can last 20-30 years if properly maintained. Epoxy is also more prone to scratches than granite.
Epoxy countertops are not as heat resistant as granite, so you need to be careful about putting hot pots and pans on them.
Do epoxy countertops scratch easily?
Epoxy countertops are scratch resistant and very durable. However, it’s possible for you to scratch your epoxy countertop if you try hard enough. If this happens, don’t worry; fixing scratches on epoxy is very easy!
When you scratch the surface of your existing epoxy countertop, it will be obvious because it will leave an obvious mark on a lighter color than what’s underneath.
The same goes for new coatings because they also have different shades depending on how much pigment has been added during the process of application. It doesn’t matter whether these marks were made by fingernails or something else—they can all be easily cleaned away with some rubbing alcohol and elbow grease (or perhaps even just elbow grease).
What are the disadvantages of epoxy countertops?
Epoxy countertops aren’t ideal for some situations. For example:
- They’re not heat resistant. If you want to use your epoxy countertop as a stovetop or to warm pots, you won’t be able to do so safely.
- They can be easily scratched and difficult to repair. Since epoxy is more durable than other types of materials used in countertops, it’s less likely that the surface will scratch or chip than other types of materials used in countertops; however, if you do have a scratch on your epoxied surface, repairing it may be difficult and require special tools that aren’t always readily available at home improvement stores or hardware stores.
- They don’t resist UV light well enough for outdoor use (meaning they’ll turn yellow over time). If you want an outdoor kitchen with an epoxied surface then choose something else like quartzite tile instead.”
Do epoxy countertops look cheap?
It depends. The quality of the job depends on how well it’s done, but that’s not to say that epoxy is any more or less expensive than other materials in terms of labor cost.
The look of your countertops will depend on a number of factors: the quality of your contractor, their attention to detail, and even their ability to match colors and shades in order to create a seamless transition from one section to another. But one thing we know for sure is that epoxy looks great when it’s done right!
Do epoxy countertops yellow?
The biggest way to avoid yellowing is to use epoxy over laminate countertops since they’re not as porous.
Another way is to avoid applying the epoxy in hot weather, since heat and UV rays are known to cause discoloration.
Keep your countertops away from direct sunlight and don’t apply them in damp locations such as bathrooms and kitchens (you could also try using a special sealant).
Can you put epoxy over laminate countertops?
You can use epoxy on laminate countertops. Even though they’re not the most durable surface, they can still be a great choice for a budget kitchen.
If you have laminate countertops and want to upgrade them with a DIY epoxy coating, this guide will help you get started.
- You’ll need: An electric sander or palm sander, 80-grit sandpaper, 220-grit sandpaper (optional), 100% acetone (available at any hardware store), paintbrush or roller applicator, drop cloths/tarpaulin (or newspaper if working outside), dust mask & safety goggles
Does epoxy make a good countertop?
Epoxy countertops can be a beautiful, durable, and easy-to-maintain upgrade for your cabinetry. Epoxy countertops are a type of resin that is applied to the surface of your existing countertop.
The cured epoxy creates a seamless coating that will last longer than most other types of solid-surface materials available today.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it. An epoxy countertop can cost as little as $75 for a small project and up to $4,000 for a big job! We hope that we’ve helped you figure out what kind of budget you’ll need in order to get the look you want.
